Michaelson Jenet Bill to Increase Consumer Protections Clears Committee

SB24-192 would expand the Colorado Lemon Law

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee advanced Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to expand the Colorado Lemon Law and increase consumer protections.

SB24-192 would better protect consumers from “lemons,” or new vehicles that turn out to have manufacturing issues affecting their safety, value or utility.

“When you buy a car, you expect it to be reliable, safe, and function well for years to come,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Vehicle defects that turn up after purchase jeopardize Coloradans’ ability to move around our beautiful state and get to and from work or school. I know firsthand how a bad car buying experience can derail plans and become a costly burden. This bill guarantees increased consumer protections for ‘lemons,’ giving Coloradans greater peace of mind that their vehicle purchase is a worthwhile investment.”

Legislation would expand the Lemon Law to:

• Change the length of time that a dealer must buy back or replace a “lemon” from one year or the vehicle’s warranty, to two years or 24,000 miles;

• Lower the threshold to invoke the law from 30 days out-of-service to 24, and the required repair attempts from four to three;

• Add a 10-day time limit for a manufacturer to cure a defect;

• Add a right to inspect returned vehicles; and

• Add disclosure requirements for returned vehicles including that defects be noted on the title and reported to the state.

SB24-192 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Prevent Price Gouging on Rent After a Disaster

Legislation aims to address alarming rent hikes after a disaster declaration, such as the Marshall Fire

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill that would protect Coloradans who live in an area affected by a disaster from excessive rent increases.

HB24-1259 would prohibit rental price gouging for one year after a disaster declaration issued by the Governor or the U.S. President, where the declaration specifically declares a material decrease in housing. Rent increases would be capped at the percentage of the rent increase for the prior year or 10 percent compared to the unit’s rent immediately before the disaster, whichever is greater.

“After the Marshall Fire, affected Coloradans saw their rents skyrocket, and those who lost their everything were thrown into a priced-gouged market that strained them even more,” said Cutter. “As our planet continues to warm, we know that wildfire season is a year-round threat and natural disasters like this one will become more frequent. This bill will protect Coloradans from rental price gouging in the wake of disasters, and ease the burden of housing during already-difficult times.”

The bill would make it an unfair and unconscionable act or practice to price gouge when providing rental housing during the one-year period, allowing the Attorney General or a district attorney to pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Affected tenants would also be able to pursue civil action for violations.

While homeowners insurance policies cover up to two years of rent for people whose homes are uninhabitable, people who were renting prior to a natural disaster don’t have this support. In the year after the devastating Marshall Fire, a report showed many impacted residents saw their rents increase 30 to 50 percent.

The bill now heads to the House for concurrence of amendments. Follow its progress HERE. 

Bill to Improve Colorado Privacy Act, Protect Colorado Consumers Clears Committee

Legislation would amend the Colorado Privacy Act to include protections for biometric data

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted to advance Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to amend the Colorado Privacy Act to include protections for biometric data.

Biometric data is highly unique to an individual and includes fingerprints, facial recognition used to unlock smartphones, and iris scanning. Cosponsored by Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB24-1130 would require biometric data to be destroyed within two years of collection or when the data is no longer needed, whichever is earliest, and to be stored at a higher level of security.

“Coloradans have the right to know which companies have their biometric data and what specific data they have,” said Hansen. “Biometric data is increasingly being used for security purposes, like using a fingerprint or faceprint as a password, which means companies are in possession of highly sensitive data. This important policy will improve transparency, reduce the risk of exploitation, and bolster consumer protections.”

In 2021, legislators passed SB21-190 to enact the Colorado Privacy Act and make it a deceptive trade practice for entities who control the personal data of at least 25,000 people to process sensitive data without consent.

HB24-1130 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow its progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Access to Rental Housing for Coloradans With Disabilities Clears Senate

Danielson: “This bill ensures tenants can make modifications to rental properties that allow them to safely enjoy their homes”

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, legislation to improve access to rental housing for Coloradans with disabilities.

“Coloradans with disabilities face unnecessary barriers in many areas of day-to-day life, including finding accessible housing,” said Danielson. “This bill ensures tenants can make modifications to rental properties that allow them to safely enjoy their homes, and will increase the number of accessible housing units available across the state.”

Under Colorado law, it is illegal to discriminate against a renter because they have a disability, including refusing to make or allow reasonable modifications to a unit to accommodate a disability. However, currently landlords are able to contingently allow a tenant to make modifications to a property on the condition that the tenant restores the property to its previous state at the end of their lease.

HB24-1318 would repeal a landlord’s ability to conditionally allow reasonable modifications, instead requiring landlords to permit accommodations that would ensure full enjoyment of the premises, without placing the burden on the tenant of restoring a property to its former state.

Examples of reasonable modifications may include: installing grab bars or handrails, installing an eyehole in a door for a resident with a hearing disability, and installing a ramp outside a property that would otherwise be inaccessible for a renter with a mobility disability.

HB24-1318 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Ginal Bill Requiring Pet Facilities to Notify Owners During Infectious Outbreaks Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would better protect Coloradans’ pets cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1354 would require licensed pet care facilities to attempt to notify certain customers within 24 hours after receiving notification from a veterinarian or a pet owner of an infectious disease outbreak at the facility. 

“Our pets are a part of our family, and it’s critical we do everything we can to keep them safe, especially given the recent outbreaks of canine influenza, a respiratory illness that impacted animals and facilities across the country,” Ginal said. “This bill will help protect pets and owners by requiring that pet facilities notify customers when there is an infectious disease outbreak at the facility. These notifications will help pet owners make informed decisions that will help prevent the spread of disease among our pets.”

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “the outbreak of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) that grabbed the nation’s attention late last year appears to be receding.” However, this bill will provide protections in the event of future illnesses. 

HB24-1354 will now return to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to License Funeral Industry Workers, Prevent More Tragedy Clears Senate

Legislation would license those who work in the funeral industry, ensure proper oversight

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, that would establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado cleared the Senate today.

Introduced following numerous tragedies at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, 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. 

“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.” 

"Colorado is the only state that does not require licensure for funeral professionals. 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. 

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. 

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. 

Those currently working in the industry can obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check, and after two years will qualify for full licensure. 

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

SB24-173 will now move to further consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Marchman Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. 

HB24-1002, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would create new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill would create the "Social Work Licensure Compact,” which would be an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers can obtain and easily transfer a license to another member state.

“The need for social workers in Colorado is clear, so we are working to break down barriers and allow more skilled professionals to join our workforce,” said Marchman. “Supporting the behavioral health care needs of Coloradans is a win-win for the safety of our communities and our economy.”

This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing behavioral health care access in Colorado. The “Social Work Licensure Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state.

The bill now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Follow its progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Promote Gun Safety Clear Committee

Legislation aims to reduce gun thefts from vehicles, strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee voted to advance two bills to reduce gun thefts from vehicles and strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits.

HB24-1348, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would require firearms in unattended vehicles to be stored in locked containers to reduce firearm thefts. The bill would also require vehicle safe storage information to be published on the Office of Suicide Prevention’s website and displayed at gun stores.

“Safe storage of firearms in vehicles or at home is an effective way to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people and create safer communities,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Last year, there were 1,221 guns reported stolen in Denver. This bill represents one of this year’s many efforts to reduce gun violence in Colorado and I’m proud to see it move forward today.”

“We have seen alarming rates of firearms being stolen from vehicles in Colorado, including one instance here at the Capitol,” said Fields. “It’s on gun owners to responsibly and safely store their firearms – whether that’s in their home or their vehicle. This important bill promotes a commonsense gun safety practice that will help reduce theft and make our communities safer.”

The bill requires handguns to be stored in a hard-sided container and other firearms to be stored in a hard or soft-sided container. A person who violates this civil infraction can receive up to a $500 fine. The bill includes exemptions for antique firearms, non-handgun storage on a farm or ranch vehicle on private property, peace officers, military service members, and certain individuals engaged in hunting.

The committee also advanced HB24-1174, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to require handgun training classes to be held in-person and include training on:

• Safe handling of firearms and ammunition;

• Safe storage of firearms and child safety;

• Safe firearm shooting fundamentals;

• Federal and state firearm laws;

• State laws related to the use of deadly force for self-defense;

• Interacting with law enforcement who are responding to emergencies; and

• Techniques for conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force.

“Responsible gun ownership takes work,” Mullica said. “Creating minimum training requirements for safe handling of firearms, shooting fundamentals and more ensures we’re treating concealed carry permits with the seriousness they deserve. Too often, careless gun owners create dangerous situations that needlessly put many others in harm's way. I’m proud to champion this important legislation that advances gun safety measures and helps prevent senseless gun violence.”

Under the bill, the handgun training class would include at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire exercise and a written exam with a minimum passing score. The bill would also require a concealed handgun refresher class to be completed in order to renew a concealed carry permit. The refresher class must be at least two hours, including a passing score on both the live-fire exercise and written exam, and must also include instruction on changes to federal or state firearm laws within the last five years.

Additionally, HB24-1174 would prohibit a person from being issued a permit if they have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses within five years of submitting a concealed carry permit application. The bill would also make it a deceptive trade practice for a person to claim to be a verified firearms safety instructor unless they have been verified by a county sheriff.

Both bills now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track HB24-1348 HERE and HB24-1174 HERE.

Hinrichsen, Bridges’ Right to Repair for Electronic Equipment Bill Passes Committee

Legislation expands on previous historic right to repair laws in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today passed legislation to establish the right to repair for electronic devices. 

HB24-1121, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, would extend current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions and would require original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Amazon, Apple, and Google to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. OEMs would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request.

“Manufacturer-imposed repair restrictions affect a wide variety of products from tractors to cell phones, resulting in surging costs, monopolistic business practices, and thousands of electronic devices thrown out every day,” said Hinrichsen. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t repair something that’s yours, do you really own it? I would argue no, which is why this legislation is so important. Right to repair laws are essential for empowering consumers and ensuring a fair market.”

“Accidents happen, people drop their phones and break their screens every day, but because of ‘parts pairing’ and repair restrictions, owners aren’t allowed to fix their devices,” Bridges said. “Colorado has led the nation in expanding right to repair laws, from agricultural equipment to wheelchairs to now electronics. This legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, and our economy.”

Under this bill, OEMs could charge a fee for physical tools but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This bill aims to save electronic consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also would prohibit “parts pairing” – a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together, which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts.

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

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Address Drought, Protect Colorado’s Water Supply Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would improve Colorado’s water supply by implementing several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force cleared the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee today.

“Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource and as we face an uncertain future with ongoing drought and more demands, we must continue to act to secure our state’s water future. That is why we created the Colorado River Drought Task Force last year and the recommendations they made are an important step toward securing our state’s water supply,” Roberts said. “I am proud to be advancing this legislation that will implement those recommendations and address the challenges facing our water supply head-on, help our agricultural and coal-transitioning communities, and ensure that we are protecting the Colorado River and all of Colorado’s water resources.”

Cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB24-197 would implement recommendations including:

• Expanding the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment.

• Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture.

• Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region.

• Increased Access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises.

Since 2000, the Colorado River Basin, including the Colorado River and its tributaries in Colorado, has experienced unprecedented drought conditions -exacerbated by climate change - that have contributed to decreased water supplies. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295, which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force and charged it with developing water policy recommendations for the General Assembly to consider.

SB24-197 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Address Drought, Protect Colorado’s Water Supply Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would improve Colorado’s water supply by implementing several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force cleared the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee today.

“Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource and as we face an uncertain future with ongoing drought and more demands, we must continue to act to secure our state’s water future. That is why we created the Colorado River Drought Task Force last year and the recommendations they made are an important step toward securing our state’s water supply,” Roberts said. “I am proud to be advancing this legislation that will implement those recommendations and address the challenges facing our water supply head-on, help our agricultural and coal-transitioning communities, and ensure that we are protecting the Colorado River and all of Colorado’s water resources.”

Cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB24-197 would implement recommendations including:

• Expanding the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment.

• Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture.

• Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region.

• Increased Access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises.

Since 2000, the Colorado River Basin, including the Colorado River and its tributaries in Colorado, has experienced unprecedented drought conditions -exacerbated by climate change - that have contributed to decreased water supplies. In response, lawmakers passed SB23-295, which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force and charged it with developing water policy recommendations for the General Assembly to consider.

SB24-197 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Rodriguez’s Bill to Expand Access to Affordable Medication Clears Committee

Legislation would create a drug repository program to facilitate the safe donation and redistribution of unused medications

DENVER, CO – Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez’s, D-Denver, bill to create a drug repository program to facilitate the safe donation and redistribution of unused medications was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

SB24-061 would create the Colorado Drug Donation Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to allow for the donation and redistribution of certain medicines to indigent, uninsured, underinsured, or eligible patients.

“No one should have to choose between paying for life-saving medicine or putting food on the table,” Rodriguez said. “This important bill would allow Coloradans to donate their unopened, unexpired medications to a program that would then donate the drugs to low-income patients who otherwise may not be able to afford critical medication. Creation of the Colorado Drug Donation Program has been years in the making and I’m proud to see it advance today.”

The bill would allow third party providers, hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, health care providers, or prescriber offices to donate unused medications to the program. SB24-061 also outlines record-keeping requirements for donated medicines and the types of medicines that may be donated, which include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Billions of dollars of unused medication ends up in the trash every year. Research shows medication worth over $3 billion is thrown out by hospitals every year, and an additional $2 billion worth is discarded in long-term care facilities.

SB24-061 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Unanimously Approves Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Identify State and Local Housing Needs, Plan for Growth

Zenzinger: “This important bill would allow us to take bold steps in partnership with local governments to make Colorado a more affordable place to live”

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee unanimously approved Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan bill to identify state housing needs and strategically plan for future growth in Colorado.

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, SB24-174 would require the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs.

“This important bill would allow us to take bold steps in partnership with local governments to make Colorado a more affordable place to live, and I am happy to see the bill progressing to the next stage of approval,” said Zenzinger. “The conditions of this new law would push local governments to identify their unique housing needs and plan for growth in a strategic and inclusive way. Local governments will then have access to significant state support while preserving much-needed flexibility to implement solutions to the housing issues that have plagued us statewide for years.”

Under the bill, local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents would be required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA would be required to conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The bill would require new housing assessments to be published every six years.

SB24-174 would also require most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter. 

Additionally, the bill would: 

• Require local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication.

• Require DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl.

• Require county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements which compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development.

• Prioritize state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in SB24-174.

SB24-174 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Buckner’s Bipartisan Student Bill of Rights

Legislation aims to improve consumer information, enhance transfer pathways, and fortify accountability in education systems

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, to improve transparency requirements for higher education institutions and increase the rights of higher education students. 

A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. Recognizing these challenges, SB24-164, cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and add rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions, including:

• Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education;

• Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses; 

• Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and 

• The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits.

“Through my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it’s clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Buckner. “This bill is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.”

Methods currently exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways, and SB24-164 would build onto that work. 

SB24-164 now moves to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bill to Incentivize Economic Development in NW Colorado & Advance Mountain Passenger Rail Clears Committee

SB24-190 would facilitate the success of mountain passenger rail by incentivizing businesses that use rail to move freight to locate in coal transition communities in Northwest Colorado

DENVER, CO – Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, legislation to support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado passed the Senate Finance Committee today. 

SB24-190 would make the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along proposed rail lines, particularly in Craig and Hayden. The bill would allocate up to $10 million in incentives per year for Hayden and Craig, and Grand, Moffat, and Routt Counties to attract and retain large-scale businesses. 

“This bill is a transformative win-win for Northwest Colorado,” said Roberts. “As the region’s State Senator, prioritizing economic opportunity and resources for transitioning communities is a top priority. Further, representing all the communities that would be served by mountain passenger rail from Craig to Winter Park, I’m excited to do whatever I can to make that happen – and this bill does both. The financial incentives created by this bill could attract large employers to Craig, Hayden, and Grand County, create dozens, if not hundreds, of new jobs, give Northwest Colorado even more targeted economic support, and will be a crucial part in making passenger rail from Craig all the way to Denver a reality by the end of the decade.”

The bill would create an income tax credit through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) for businesses that choose to locate in a coal transition community and use rail to transport their freight. It would also make more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification in the region and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely to and from Winter Park to Craig, with stops in between.

SB24-190 coincides with legislation advancing this year that would create dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado.

SB24-190 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect More Coloradans from Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Senate

SB24-189 would add gender identity and gender expression to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would protect more Coloradans from bias-motivated crimes cleared the Senate today.

SB24-189, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would improve protections for Coloradans by adding gender identity and gender expression to the classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. 

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel secure in their community, but far too many folks have been targeted because of who they are or how they identify,” Fields said. “As trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks face increasing threats across the country, we will continue fighting to make our state safer for all Coloradans and provide better protections against bias-motivated crime and harassment.”

“Colorado has been a national leader when it comes to advancing equality and protections for our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” Hansen said. “This bill will help protect Coloradans from violence or harassment based on their gender identity or gender expression, and will help ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable for their actions. I’m pleased to champion this legislation that will help more Coloradans feel secure and keep people in our communities safe.”

The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in our bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes.

SB24-189 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Hansen’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Road Safety, Keep Coloradans Mobile Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee approved Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bipartisan legislation to create safer roads. 

HB24-1250, cosponsored by Senator Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, would allow an individual convicted of a driving infraction to attend a driving improvement course to waive license suspension points. Driver’s improvement courses teach the most up-to-date rules of the road and how to drive more safely. The Department of Revenue approved courses are four to six hours and can be completed online or in person. 

“Having a driver’s license is essential to many hardworking Coloradans so they can get to work, attend appointments, and take care of their families,” said Hansen. “This bill is a great way to allow drivers to keep their licenses and avoid driving illegally. Instead of paying a one time fee, drivers would have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, ultimately making our roads safer while saving folks money.”

Sixteen other states have implemented similar programs that cover topics such as highway safety, defensive driving, state traffic laws, and driving emergencies. These programs are shown to lower insurance premiums, which saves drivers hundreds of dollars annually. 

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

Senate Approves FY 24-25 Budget to Support K-12 Schools, Hardworking Families

FY 2024-2025 Budget makes investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost behavioral health care services, support Colorado’s state parks, and deliver for hardworking families

DENVER, CO –  Today the Senate approved the FY 2024-2025 state budget, which makes balanced investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost behavioral health care services, support Colorado’s state parks, and deliver for hardworking families.

“Of all the budgets that I have proudly helped to craft over the years, this one will stand out in my memory years from now,” said Joint Budget Committee Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I am pleased to see that we have reached this milestone in the process. Every budget-making process has its challenges, and this one certainly has been no exception. But the hard work has been worthwhile: we eliminated the budget stabilization factor that we inflicted upon our schools a decade ago; and now K-12 is fully funded. What a joy to make that statement.”

“This year’s bipartisan budget is a reflection of our Colorado values of opportunity and responsibility,” Joint Budget Committee member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said.“The investments included in this budget will address our workforce shortages, expand access to behavioral health resources, support public schools, and make our communities safer. With this balanced budget, we’re delivering the support hardworking Coloradans need right now, while setting our state up for success in the years to come.”

The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. This year’s budget, HB24-1430, includes a total of $58.6 million to support hardworking families and boost education and workforce efforts. The budget now heads to a conference committee for consideration of amendments made in the Senate and House.

Preparing Students for Success

Fully Funding Colorado’s K-12 Schools: After years of responsible budgeting and planning, this year’s budget eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor, which has restricted funding for Colorado's K-12 public education funding for more than a decade.

As outlined in the budget, the total funding for public schools will increase by more than $500 million, including an average increase in per-pupil funding of $736 per student, bringing the total per-pupil amount to $11,406 – the largest in state history. Final action on per-pupil funding, and total program funding, is included in this year’s School Finance Act, which passed the Senate today.

Fully Funding Special Education for the First Time: To make it easier for every learner to succeed, the budget increases special education funding for students with disabilities by 10.2 percent, or $34.7 million, bringing the state’s total investment in special education funding for students with disabilities to $375.5 million.

Supporting English Language Learners and New Arrival Students: The budget outlines an increase in funding of 10.6 percent, or $3.3 million, to help students become proficient in the English language. Additionally, to help Colorado school districts across the state support and meet the needs of the influx of new students, the budget includes an appropriation of $24 million from the State Education Fund to be distributed directly to schools as quickly as possible.

Providing Mental Health Resources for Students: To help our learners succeed and access the mental and behavioral health services they need, this budget creates the School-Based Mental Health Support Program. This $2.5 million program will help students enhance their social, emotional or behavioral well-being and support students going through adjustment periods.

Supporting At-Risk Students: To create pathways for each and every student to succeed in school, the budget allocates $1.16 million more for at-risk students to better support those with a higher probability of not graduating K-12 schooling.

Capping Tuition Hikes, Boosting Funding for Higher Education, Supporting College Students: The budget caps tuition hikes at 3 percent for in-state students and 4 percent for non-resident students. The budget also boosts funding by $114.3 million to help higher education institutions streamline services and operational support. Additionally, the budget sets aside $26.6 million in the General Fund for aligned financial aid support and $1.67 million to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness during high school. Students could use this funding to assist with housing, tuition, fees and textbooks.

Support for Early Childhood and Families

Supporting Universal Preschool: Universal preschool (UPK) has saved families thousands of dollars and helped prepare our youngest learners for success. This year’s budget includes an increase of $65.5 million to the UPK program, specifically for provider payments, quality improvement initiatives, and improvements to the online application process.

Increasing Funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: To help families find childcare options they can afford, the budget includes a $21.1 million increase to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which connects low-income families to child care options.

Boosting Pay for Early Childhood Professionals: The budget includes a 2 percent increase, or $4.9 million, to community providers including early childhood mental health service providers, social workers, family resource centers staff and early childhood educators.

New, In-Home Support for New Mothers: To provide all-around services to our state’s new mothers, the budget includes a $2.8 million increase to support a universal home visiting pilot program, which will offer comprehensive in-home evaluations and supportive follow-up visits to new mothers and infants. Funding will support births at certain hospitals in ten counties including Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Pitkin, Summit, Weld, and Mesa counties.

Streamlining the Child Lead Testing Program: Everyone deserves clean water to drink. To help combat and prevent childhood lead poisoning across the state, the budget invests $1.2 million for testing and outreach to alert families to specific hazards.

Creating Healthier, Stronger Communities

Boosting Pay for Health Care Providers: This year’s budget outlines a 2 percent across-the-board community provider rate increase and $198 million for targeted provider rate increases following recommendations from the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee. This applies to Medicaid providers, preschool and childcare providers, social services providers, independent living centers, local public health agencies, services in the Department of Corrections, and other private and nonprofit organizations that provide various services.

Improving Colorado’s Competency Process: To help improve Colorado’s competency process, the budget allocates $68.2 million to maintain and increase existing resources for inpatient competency restoration services. Funding will be used to address staffing needs and provide additional support.

Increasing Funding for Nutrition Assistance: The budget includes a $16.9 million investment to meet the increased demand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so Coloradans can access healthy foods. The budget invests an additional $3 million in food banks and local food pantries to reduce food insecurity.

Funding Healthy School Meals for All: The budget adds $56.1 million to the voter-approved Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students.

Maintaining Strong Public Health Infrastructure: To help maintain the strong state public health operations Colorado developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget includes an $11 million investment in Local Public Health Agencies, and a $5.6 million investment to maintain the strong state operations in the Division of Disease Control and Public Health to combat existing and new public health threats.
 
Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): To reduce the growing waitlist for services and ensure Coloradans with IDDs can receive the support and services they need when they need it, the budget increases IDD support by $5.6 million. Funding will be directed to an additional 129 treatment placements for residential Adult Comprehensive Services.

Boosting Grant Resources for Coloradans with a Disability: To ensure Coloradans with a disability have the support they need, the budget outlines a $5.1 million increase to help fund grants operated by the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, which provides education, direct assistance, and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Protecting Critical Health Care Services:

• Funding for Popular I Matter Program: The successful I Matter program provides free therapy sessions to our youth under 18-years and younger. The budget includes $6 million to make the program permanent.

• Medicaid Support: To ensure that those who need Medicaid coverage can receive it, the budget includes $21.7 million to support and provide additional flexibility in eligibility determinations associated with the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirements during the federal public health emergency.

• Support for Children and Youth in the Foster Care System: The budget includes $15.3 million to help youth in the foster care system with complex behavioral health care needs get the treatment and services they need to succeed.

• Health Centers for Uninsured Coloradans: This year’s budget includes $13 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers and other primary care providers where at least 50 percent of the patients served are uninsured or medically indigent.

• Develop the Office of the Children’s Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care: To create a continuum of care for our youth, the budget sets aside $2.1 million to create a new program within the Behavioral Health Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive children’s behavioral health care system.

Increasing Veteran Support: To support those who have served our nation, the budget includes a $500,000 increase to the Veterans Assistance Grant Program which improves social, health and community services to Colorado’s veteran population.

Safer Communities

Boosting Staffing for Public Defenders: To help Colorado’s public defenders meet the needs of our criminal justice system and reduce caseloads, the budget outlines $11.5 million and a 9 percent increase year-over-year to hire 50 new attorneys, 42 support staff, and 11 social workers.

Combatting Auto Theft and Other Crime Prevention: To help keep communities safe, the budget outlines an $8 million increase for grants to reduce and prevent auto theft. The budget also includes $1.1 million for state forensic resources vital to auto theft cases and $3 million for local crime prevention grants under the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention program.

Crime Victim Services Funding: Those involved in domestic violence situations or other life-altering crimes often need support. The budget invests $4 million in the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund to support victims of crime, their families and children.

Improving Emergency Response: To help first responders reach those in need, the budget includes a $1.2 million investment to improve the Colorado Team Awareness Kit. This mobile app allows first responders to track and map their locations and improve the coordination of emergency response.

Enhancing Security at Nonprofits: Nonprofits, such as synagogues and mosques, are facing an increase in threats. The budget includes an increase of more than $906,000 to the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help them ramp up physical security at their buildings.

Investments for Parks, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation, Water Resources and Environment

Strengthening Underfunded Parks & Wildlife Operations: To protect, maintain and make Colorado’s public parks more accessible, the budget includes a $5.7 million investment to fund 45 new staff positions to strengthen several Division of Parks and Wildlife operations, including wildlife management, species conservation, fish hatchery operations, counter-poaching efforts, and the maintenance, management, and services necessary to serve the growing number of visitors to Colorado state parks.

Spearheading Environmental Justice for Impacted Communities: To improve health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, the budget allocates $2.8 million in funding to create the Office of Health Equity and Environmental Justice.

Protecting Water Rights & Resources: To protect our valuable freshwater resources, the budget includes more than $237,000 to monitor and address national or regional developments that may affect our water supply.

2024 School Finance Act to Pay Off B.S. Factor, Fully Fund Colorado Public Schools Clears Senate

School Finance Act will increase per-pupil funding by $420

DENVER, CO – The 2024 School Finance Act, which sets funding levels for Colorado’s public school districts, earned approval before the Senate today.

Sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, SB24-188 would raise the base level of per-pupil funding by $420 to $8,496, and completely buy down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that will ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve.

"Fully funding our schools is one of the main reasons I ran for the state senate, and I am absolutely thrilled to finally pass the School Finance Act that will make it happen,” Zenzinger said. “All our students deserve a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. While we have much more to do to truly fully fund our schools, this bill represents a great start, and will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth."

“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me, and this year’s School Finance Act will do just that,” said Buckner. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.”

SB24-188 will now move to further consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Gives Initial Approval to FY 24-25 Budget to Support K-12 Schools, Hardworking Families

FY 2024-2025 Budget makes investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost behavioral health care services, support Colorado’s state parks, and deliver for hardworking families

DENVER, CO –  Today the Senate gave initial sign-off to the FY 2024-2025 state budget, which makes balanced investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost behavioral health care services, support Colorado’s state parks, and deliver for hardworking families.

“Of all the budgets that I have proudly helped to craft over the years, this one will stand out in my memory years from now,” said Joint Budget Committee Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “I am pleased to see that we have reached this milestone in the process. Every budget-making process has its challenges, and this one certainly has been no exception. But the hard work has been worthwhile: We eliminated the budget stabilization factor that we inflicted upon our schools a decade ago; and now K-12 is fully funded. What a joy to make that statement.”

“This year’s bipartisan budget is a reflection of our Colorado values of opportunity and responsibility,” Joint Budget Committee member Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, said. “The investments included in this budget will address our workforce shortages, expand access to behavioral health resources, support public schools, and make our communities safer. With this balanced budget, we’re delivering the support hardworking Coloradans need right now, while setting our state up for success in the years to come.”

The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. This year’s budget, HB24-1430, includes a total of $58.6 million to support hardworking families and boost education and workforce efforts.

Preparing Students for Success

Fully Funding Colorado’s K-12 Schools: After years of responsible budgeting and planning, this year’s budget eliminates the Budget Stabilization Factor (BSF), which has restricted funding for Colorado's K-12 public education funding for more than a decade.

As outlined in the budget, the total funding for public schools will increase by more than $500 million, including an increase in per-pupil funding by $736 per student, bringing the total per-pupil amount to $11,406 – the largest in state history. Final action on per-pupil funding, and total program funding, is included in this year’s School Finance Act, which advanced on an initial vote by the Senate today.

Fully Funding Special Education for the First Time: To make it easier for every learner to succeed, the budget increases special education funding for students with disabilities by 10.2 percent, or $34.7 million, bringing the state’s total investment in special education funding for students with disabilities to $375.5 million.

Supporting English Language Learners and New Arrival Students: The budget outlines an increase in funding of 10.6 percent, or $3.3 million, to help students become proficient in the English language. Additionally, to help Colorado school districts across the state support and meet the needs of the influx of new students, the budget includes an appropriation of $24 million from the State Education Fund to be distributed directly to schools as quickly as possible.

Providing Mental Health Resources for Students: To help our learners succeed and access the mental and behavioral health services they need, this budget creates the School-Based Mental Health Support Program. This $2.5 million program will help students enhance their social, emotional or behavioral well-being and support students going through adjustment periods.

Supporting At-Risk Students: To create pathways for each and every student to succeed in school, the budget allocates $1.16 million more for at-risk students to better support those with a higher probability of not graduating K-12 schooling.

Capping Tuition Hikes, Boosting Funding for Higher Education, Supporting College Students: The budget caps tuition hikes at 3 percent for in-state students and 4 percent for non-resident students. The budget also boosts funding by $114.3 million to help higher education institutions streamline services and operational support. Additionally, the budget sets aside $26.6 million in the General Fund for aligned financial aid support and $1.67 million to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness during high school. Students could use this funding to assist with housing, tuition, fees and textbooks.

Support for Early Childhood and Families

Supporting Universal Preschool: Universal preschool (UPK) has saved families thousands of dollars and helped prepare our youngest learners for success. This year’s budget includes an increase of $65.5 million to the UPK program, specifically for provider payments, quality improvement initiatives, and improvements to the online application process.

Increasing Funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: To help families find childcare options they can afford, the budget includes a $21.1 million increase to the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, which connects low-income families to child care options.

Boosting Pay for Early Childhood Professionals: The budget includes a 2 percent increase, or $4.9 million, to community providers including early childhood mental health service providers, social workers, family resource centers staff and early childhood educators.

New, In-Home Support for New Mothers: To provide all-around services to our state’s new mothers, the budget includes a $2.8 million increase to support a universal home visiting pilot program, which will offer comprehensive in-home evaluations and supportive follow-up visits to new mothers and infants. Funding will support births at certain hospitals in ten counties including Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Eagle, Garfield, Jefferson, Pitkin, Summit, Weld, and Mesa counties.

Streamlining the Child Lead Testing Program: Everyone deserves clean water to drink. To help combat and prevent childhood lead poisoning across the state, the budget invests $1.2 million for testing and outreach to alert families to specific hazards.

Creating Healthier, Stronger Communities

Boosting Pay for Health Care Providers: This year’s budget outlines a 2 percent across-the-board community provider rate increase and $198 million for targeted provider rate increases following recommendations from the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee. This applies to Medicaid providers, preschool and childcare providers, social services providers, independent living centers, local public health agencies, services in the Department of Corrections, and other private and nonprofit organizations that provide various services.

Improving Colorado’s Competency Process: To help improve Colorado’s competency process, the budget allocates $68.2 million to maintain and increase existing resources for inpatient competency restoration services. Funding will be used to address staffing needs and provide additional support.

Increasing Funding for Nutrition Assistance: The budget includes a $16.9 million investment to meet the increased demand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so Coloradans can access healthy foods. The budget invests an additional $3 million in food banks and local food pantries to reduce food insecurity.

Funding Healthy School Meals for All: The budget adds $56.1 million to the voter-approved Healthy School Meals for All program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students.

Maintaining Strong Public Health Infrastructure: To help maintain the strong state public health operations Colorado developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget includes an $11 million investment in Local Public Health Agencies, and a $5.6 million investment to maintain the strong state operations in the Division of Disease Control and Public Health to combat existing and new public health threats.
 
Supporting People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD): To reduce the growing waitlist for services and ensure Coloradans with IDDs can receive the support and services they need when they need it, the budget increases IDD support by $5.6 million. Funding will be directed to an additional 129 treatment placements for residential Adult Comprehensive Services.

Boosting Grant Resources for Coloradans with a Disability: To ensure Coloradans with a disability have the support they need, the budget outlines a $5.1 million increase to help fund grants operated by the Laura Hershey Disability Support Act, which provides education, direct assistance, and advocacy for people with disabilities.

Protecting Critical Health Care Services:

• Funding for Popular I Matter Program: The successful I Matter program provides free therapy sessions to our youth under 18-years and younger. The budget includes $6 million to make the program permanent.

• Medicaid Support: To ensure that those who need Medicaid coverage can receive it, the budget includes $21.7 million to support and provide additional flexibility in eligibility determinations associated with the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirements during the federal public health emergency.

• Support for Children and Youth in the Foster Care System: The budget includes $15.3 million to help youth in the foster care system with complex behavioral health care needs get the treatment and services they need to succeed.

• Health Centers for Uninsured Coloradans: This year’s budget includes $13 million to support Federally Qualified Health Centers and other primary care providers where at least 50 percent of the patients served are uninsured or medically indigent.

• Develop the Office of the Children’s Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care: To create a continuum of care for our youth, the budget sets aside $2.1 million to create a new program within the Behavioral Health Administration to develop and implement a comprehensive children’s behavioral health care system.

Enhancing Security at Nonprofits:Nonprofits, such as synagogues and mosques, are facing an increase in threats. The budget includes an increase of more than $906,000 to the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help them ramp up physical security at their buildings.

Investments for Parks, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation, Water Resources and Environment

Strengthening Underfunded Parks & Wildlife Operations:To protect, maintain and make Colorado’s public parks more accessible, the budget includes a $5.7 million investment to fund 45 new staff positions to strengthen several Division of Parks and Wildlife operations, including wildlife management, species conservation, fish hatchery operations, counter-poaching efforts, and the maintenance, management, and services necessary to serve the growing number of visitors to Colorado state parks.

Spearheading Environmental Justice for Impacted Communities:To improve health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, the budget allocates $2.8 million in funding to create the Office of Health Equity and Environmental Justice.

Protecting Water Rights & Resources:To protect our valuable freshwater resources, the budget includes more than $237,000 to monitor and address national or regional developments that may affect our water supply.