Senate 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 – Today the Senate 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, most 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 House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Colorado Privacy Act, Protect Colorado Consumers

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today voted to approve 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 return to the House for consideration of amendments. You can follow its progress HERE.

Ginal’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Care in Assisted Living Residences Passes Senate

Legislation would allow direct-care workers in assisted living residences to transfer training certifications when changing jobs

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Senator Joann Ginal’s, D-Fort Collins, bipartisan bill to improve care in assisted living residences.

Cosponsored by Senator Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, SB24-167 would allow direct-care workers to transfer training certifications when changing jobs, making it easier for workers to move jobs within the state.

“Coloradans living in assisted living residences deserve the highest quality of care,” said Ginal. “This important bill helps support the direct-care workforce by allowing folks to transfer prior training requirements and required health measures like tuberculosis testing and respiratory mask fittings from job to job. Through the portability options included in Senate Bill 167, we will improve care for Coloradans living in assisted living residences and provide their loved ones with the peace of mind guaranteed by high-quality care.”

SB24-167 would also allow direct-care workers to transfer their prior tuberculosis test results and respiratory mask fittings when changing jobs.

SB24-167 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can follow its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Expand Voting & Ballot Access

DENVER, CO – Legislation to make it easier for eligible confined Coloradans to vote and expand access to the ballot for candidates with disabilities cleared the Senate 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.

SB24-072 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Health Committee Approves Pair of Bills to Support Colorado Kids

Legislation would require more inclusive reporting in the child welfare system, streamline child support processes for children in foster care

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced a pair of bills to support Colorado kids by requiring more inclusive reporting in the child welfare system, and streamlining child support processes for children in foster care.

SB24-200, sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, would address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) disparities in Colorado's child welfare system by requiring the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to make updates to reporting and training.

“Colorado’s child welfare system currently has a blindspot when it comes to incorporating diversity and equity principles into its services,” said Michaelson Jenet. “Improved data collection and thoughtful attention to inclusivity will result in better outcomes for Colorado’s kids. By better incorporating DEI practices into reporting and training, we can minimize unintended harm and better serve Colorado’s youth.”

“Colorado’s child welfare system provides critical services to families and youth, but it can be improved by integrating equity, diversity, and inclusivity into training and reporting,” Coleman said. “Incorporating DEI principles will help ensure everyone involved in the welfare system is well-equipped to support Colorado’s youth through challenging circumstances. In partnership with counties, we can reduce disparities in the welfare system to ensure we’re adequately meeting our youth’s unique needs and supporting their overall well-being.”

Under the bill, CDHS would work with counties to update their annual reporting on DEI to: utilize state and national child welfare data, identify additional demographic data not currently collected, make recommendations based on data collection, and report on the state’s progress around data collection.

Additionally, CDHS would be required to improve staff training on DEI, provide training recommendations for county staff, and evaluate local counties’ DEI policies and trainings in child welfare.

The second bill, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would make updates to create a more streamlined child support process for children in foster care. Currently, when a child receiving child support is placed in foster care, a court order requires the child’s parent to pay a fee that covers the costs of a guardian ad litem – usually an attorney – and residential care. SB24-202 would remove the requirement for a court order and would instead allow CDHS to manage the child support process for children in foster care.

“Children in the foster care system face incredible difficulties and we must do everything we can to support them,” said Fields. “Right now in the foster care system, the process to get child support where it needs to go is overly complicated and burdensome. With this bill, we’re streamlining the process to ensure children in foster care get the support and care they need in a timely manner.”

Both bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track SB24-200’s progress HERE and SB24-202’s progress HERE.

Committee Advances Bill to Crack Down on Deepfakes, Protect Colorado’s Elections

Deepfake audio of President Biden was sent via robocall in New Hampshire to discourage voters from participating in the primary election

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today approved legislation that would add protections against deepfake media in our elections.

HB24-1147, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create new regulations around AI-generated content in electioneering communications. Deepfake media that includes a candidate for elected office would be required to include a disclaimer that the content is not real or truthful.

“Deepfake technology is a direct threat to our democracy, and I am proud to be focused on defending transparency in our elections,” Hansen said. “Voters deserve to know which media they consume is real and which is manipulated so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box. These guardrails are essential to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure fair races for both candidates and voters.”

“AI is already affecting our electoral process, and it is vital we add protections in time for upcoming elections,” said Buckner. “This legislation would safeguard our elections by requiring a disclaimer on artificially altered media, so Coloradans can know what's true and not be deceived by bad actors.”

Additionally, under the bill a candidate who is the subject of an undisclosed deepfake communication can pursue civil action, and anyone who believes there has been a violation of the disclosure requirements can file a complaint with the office of the Secretary of State.

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

Bill to Revitalize Colorado’s Community Solar Program, Set Standards for Equitable Clean Energy Policy Introduced

Legislation could leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to the clean energy transition

DENVER, CO – Legislation to revitalize Colorado’s community solar program and set new standards for equitable clean energy policy was recently introduced in the Senate.

Sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, SB24-207 would put Colorado in a strong position to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to the clean energy transition, upgrade Colorado’s electric grid, and reduce energy costs.

“All Coloradans, regardless of income level or homeownership status, should be able to participate in the transition to renewable energy,” said Fenberg. “This important bill removes barriers to accessing solar energy – like homeownership or credit score requirements – to ensure renters, non-profits, and small businesses can take part without breaking the bank. With unprecedented federal funding opportunities through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, now is the time to revitalize Colorado’s community solar program and ensure our state remains a leader in renewable, clean energy use.”

“Colorado’s community solar program was designed to welcome all Coloradans to the transition to clean energy,” Hansen said. “However due to outdated policies, lower-income Coloradans or renters haven’t accessed these critical programs at the levels we hoped. This bill aims to break down barriers and get more people connected to community solar – supporting our transition to clean energy while saving folks money on their energy bill.”

Community solar projects generate electricity that flows directly to the electricity grid. Community solar subscribers pay for a share of the electricity generated by the project, and then receive bill savings on their electricity bill in the form of a monthly credit. Community solar paired with storage alleviates stress on the grid and avoids costly transmission system upgrades.

Colorado was the first state in the nation to pass community solar legislation, however only one percent of Xcel’s customers are able to participate in community solar due to the program’s outdated design and limited size. 

The bill would improve the future of community solar in Colorado by: 

• Requiring investor-owned utilities to continue allowing for the development of community solar projects;

• Reserving at least 51 percent of community solar projects for income-qualified residential subscribers;

• Delivering income-qualified residential customers a 25 percent bill credit discount, which increases to up to 50 percent with federal tax credits;

• Adopting subscriber enrollment methods and consumer protections; and

• Giving the Public Utilities Commission discretionary authority to evaluate community solar program requirements in 2028 and beyond.

SB24-207 is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee on Monday, April 22. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Encourage Healthy Social Media Use Among Youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth. 

HB24-1136, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, would require social media platforms to display pop-up warnings and create a resource bank for schools, students and families related to the mental health impacts of excessive social media use.

“While social media can foster connections, experts are sounding the alarm about its addictive features – especially among youth,” said Cutter. “Three or more hours of social media use per day doubles adolescents’ risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. This bill would allow us to protect Colorado’s teens and enact commonsense measures and educational efforts that can help both parents and youth better understand the serious mental health effects of social media.” 

The resource bank would contain evidence-based, research-informed materials related to the mental health impacts of social media use. Additionally, the display pop-up warning would apply to users under 18 who are on a platform for certain lengths of time.

A 2023 Gallup survey found 51 percent of U.S. teens spend a minimum of four hours daily on social media, at an average of 4.8 hours every day. Studies show that excessive social media usage among teens can increase their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress. 

HB24-1136 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Rodriguez Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs Clears Committee

Rodriguez: “This bill removes barriers so that more Coloradans will be able to access the antipsychotic prescription drugs they need to thrive.”

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, aimed at saving Coloradans money on prescription drugs cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee yesterday.

SB24-110, also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would prohibit the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing from requiring prior authorization for an antipsychotic prescription drug used to treat a mental illness or disorder like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

“Coloradans struggling with a mental health disorder deserve access to the critical prescription drugs they need, but too many of our neighbors struggle to find the medication they need due to prior authorization requirements,” Rodriguez said. “This bill removes barriers so that more Coloradans will be able to access the antipsychotic prescription drugs they need to thrive.”

SB24-110 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Danielson Bill to Protect Tribal Sovereignty Unanimously Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee advanced Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, legislation to prohibit municipal annexation of lands within Tribal boundaries without the consent of the Tribe.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-193 would prohibit a municipality from annexing lands that are within the exterior boundaries of a federally-recognized Tribal reservation, unless the annexation is approved by an ordinance or resolution from the Tribal government.

“While it’s shocking that these protections don’t already exist in state law, this bill will create an important safeguard for the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes,” Danielson said. “We can’t be part of any effort to strip these Tribes of even more of their lands. This important legislation ensures that Tribal sovereignty is respected, and guarantees tribes the authority to make decisions about land within their borders.”

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe lies to the south and east of Durango, Colorado and consists of about 307,838 tribally owned acres. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe lies within the southwest corner of Colorado and has 575,000 contiguous acres, which span into the States of New Mexico and Utah. In Colorado, the majority of the reservation consists of about 553,008 acres in Montezuma and La Plata Counties.

SB24-193 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Hansen, Michaelson Jenet Bill to Crack Down on Social Media Companies, Protect Children Online

Legislation would require social media companies to create policies that keep kids safe

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to keep kids safe online.

SB24-158 would require social media companies to make their platforms safer for children and teens. This includes common sense measures like requiring them to verify the age of users, defaulting to protective settings for kids, and providing easy-to-use parental tools to limit some risky or more addictive features. 

“As the parent of two teenagers, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact unfettered access to social media can have on our youth,” Hansen said. “Without laws forcing them to protect our kids, social media companies will continue to fall short. This bill will put critical guardrails around these companies, and make Colorado a national leader in the fight to create a safer and healthier online environment for our kids.”

“Unregulated social media platforms have wreaked havoc on our kids’ mental health while making it dangerously easy for predatory adults to target Colorado children and teens for sexual exploitation - and it’s only getting worse,” said Michaelson Jenet. “It’s far past time we stand up and say enough is enough. I am proud to champion this legislation that will better protect our kids and address the toxic role social media platforms play in young people’s lives.”

SB24-158 would improve content moderation by requiring social media companies to publicly post the process for flagging content and their process for responding to user flags, as well as contact information for policy inquiries. It would also require companies to post a statement that various forms of illegal activity are prohibited and that violations will be reported to law enforcement. 

Further, social media companies would have to comply with law enforcement inquiries on specified timetables, and provide data to the Colorado Attorney General on how the platforms are being used by kids and how companies are complying with the safeguards created in the bill. 

SB24-158 now moves to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Protect Privacy, Support Military Families and Protect Law Enforcement Animals Signed into Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals.

As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058, sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Matt Soper and Senators Kevin Priola and Mark Baisley, expands the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data.

“This first-in-the-nation law will protect the privacy of Coloradans’ thoughts and biological data,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The advancements underway in this field have tremendous potential to improve the quality of life, especially for people with disabilities, which is why we must provide a clear framework to protect Coloradans’ personal data from being used without their consent while still allowing these new technologies to develop.”

“Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.”

HB24-1097, sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Rick Taggart and Senators Rhonda Fields and Bob Gardner, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program.  The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by  2020 bipartisan legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers.

“This successful program has helped military families transition to new jobs when they move to Colorado, and with this bill being signed into law, dependents and Gold Star spouses will now be able to benefit, as well,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will make it easier for military families to keep their occupational licenses or credentials when they move to Colorado, so they can more easily continue their careers.”

“Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, said. “Expanding the Occupational Credential Portability Program will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to see this bill signed into law so that we can get military family members the support and resources they deserve.”

HB24-1074, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Armagost and Senators Joann Ginal and Bob Gardner, clarifies that aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly kills or causes serious physical harm to a law enforcement animal.

“Intentionally harming or killing a law enforcement animal is a deeply serious offense, and I’m pleased we have taken a common sense step to make it clear that it is unacceptable,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “It breaks my heart when a law enforcement animal is harmed or killed in the line of duty, and I believe this new law will better align the sentencing for this crime with the seriousness of the offense.”

“Law enforcement animals are a critical part of the law enforcement team, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, said. “The injury or death of a law enforcement animal results in significant setbacks in crime detection or deterrence, and causes significant emotional distress for the officers who work alongside them. This new law expands the definition to include any animal used by law enforcement to protect the public, and increases penalties for harming them which will help protect the law enforcement animals that keep us safe.”

Fields, Buckner Bill to Create a Sickle Cell Outreach Program Clears Senate

SB24-042 would provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, to provide outreach and support to individuals living with sickle cell disease.

SB24-042 would create the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide support to individuals living with sickle cell disease. Outreach and support services would be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted through CDPHE.

“Sickle cell disease is a debilitating condition that takes a toll on an individual’s health and quality of life,” said Fields. “Worse, we see disproportionately high rates of sickle cell disease in Black communities. This important program will provide critical outreach to individuals living with sickle cell disease to help connect folks to supportive health care and community services, and will help address long-standing health inequities that remain far too prevalent in marginalized communities across our state.”

“Arie P. Taylor was a trailblazer as Colorado's first female Black representative,” Buckner said. “Creating this program in her name honors her legacy and ensures communities she represented have the support they need to thrive – just as Ms. Taylor envisioned. I’m proud to see this legislation move forward and look forward to seeing how the Arie P. Taylor Sickle Cell Disease Outreach Program will support individuals and families and ultimately, change lives.”

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells that carry oxygen to stick together after the oxygen is released, causing blockages in the small blood vessels, anemia, and severe pain.

SB24-042 now moves to the House for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to Restore Wolverines in Colorado

SB24-171 would enhance Colorado’s biodiversity

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation that would restore the North American wolverine in Colorado cleared the Senate today.

SB24-171, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and enhance Colorado’s biodiversity. 

“Wolverines were a natural part of Colorado's landscape for centuries and it’s long past time for us to bring them back and help play our part in restoring this threatened species and improving the health of our mountain ecosystem,” Roberts said. “This is the right way to do wildlife reintroduction - backed by science, supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders through years of deliberation, proper legal protections for agriculture and business, and with bipartisan support.”

“During my storied career as a game warden, I fell in love with our state’s beauty and I developed a great respect for Colorado’s wildlife,” Will said. “I am always a strong proponent for the reintroduction of wildlife species to our ecosystem as long as it is done responsibly by wildlife experts. The introduction of any species should not be done with ballot-box-biology. This bill ensures the reintroduction of wolverines is done responsibly in a process that is science-based and transparent.”

Wolverines are the largest terrestrial species of weasel in the world and live solitary lives in high alpine regions, meaning Colorado provides some of the best remaining wolverine habitat in the United States. Wolverines were listed as “threatened” in 2023 under the Endangered Species Act. 

The bill would also require CPW to create rules for providing payment of fair compensation to owners of livestock for losses caused by wolverines and to create a robust public communications plan. Reintroduction would be contingent on the federal government designating wolverines as a “nonessential experimental population” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

SB24-171 will now move for further consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Fenberg, Marchman Bill Aimed at Establishing Passenger Rail for Colorado

Legislation creates 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

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state cleared the Senate today.

SB24-184, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would implement a congestion reduction fee that would be used to offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion, and wear and tear on Colorado’s roads caused by rental vehicles. Revenue generated from the fee would create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide transit and rail, as well as other forms of public transportation.

“For years Coloradans have been waiting for the promise of a fast, efficient passenger rail system that makes it easy, safe, and affordable to travel all across our great state,” Fenberg said. “Now, with the availability of critical federal funds through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver on that promise. I am excited to champion this effort that will secure more efficient transit options while cutting emissions, reducing traffic, and connecting communities across Colorado.” 

“Expanding our transit system and making it easier for folks in my district to travel across our great state is a key priority of mine at the Capitol,” said Marchman. “Expanding passenger rail service will connect communities like mine with the rest of the state and save people both time and money on their commutes, all while emitting less pollution and reducing traffic. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to expand our transit options so that more Coloradans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently." 

The bill would encourage RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins.

It would also direct the Colorado Transportation Investment Office to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail projects originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus.

Finally, the bill would require a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards. 

SB24-184 will now move to consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

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

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 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 the 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 House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Hansen’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Road Safety, Keep Coloradans Mobile

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate 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 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. 

HB24-1250 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate 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 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.

SB24-142 now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Support Local Restaurants, Sustainable Agriculture Practices Clears Senate

SB24-152 would incentive local restaurants and bars to buy from Colorado-based agricultural producers practicing regenerative agriculture

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would support local regenerative agriculture producers cleared the Senate today.

SB24-152, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would create a refundable state income tax credit for food and beverage retailers who purchase agricultural commodities from Colorado-based farms using regenerative agriculture practices.

“Regenerative agriculture practices are emerging as an innovative and sustainable way for farmers to adapt to our changing environment,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan bill supports a partnership between the food and beverage industry, agriculture community, and conservation interests. These tax credits will drive business to both local entrepreneurs and local farmers and ranchers, helping them thrive in Colorado’s economy.”

Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems focused on: topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, increasing resilience to climate change and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.

For tax years 2024 through 2028, the bill would create an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the total amount paid for all purchases from a qualifying producer in the tax year. A qualifying retailer would be allowed to receive one tax credit certificate per income tax year.

SB24-152 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Advances Bipartisan Rodriguez Bill to Improve Privacy, Protect Children Online

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, that would improve online privacy protections for children cleared the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today.

Cosponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, SB24-041 would update Colorado’s Consumer Protection Act to require any entity that controls a minor’s personal data to use reasonable care to avoid risks caused by the product, and to regularly review, assess, and update its data protection practices when it comes to children.

“Kids in Colorado are going online earlier and earlier, but we aren’t doing nearly enough to keep them safe,” Rodriguez said. “This bill would put up important guardrails that will protect kids online by keeping their privacy and data secure, making it safer for Colorado kids to access the internet.”

The bill would further stipulate that data controlling entities may not sell children’s data, or use their data for targeted advertising or any other purpose than what is disclosed at the time the data is collected. Data controllers would also be prohibited from using a design feature to significantly extend a minor's use of the service, or from collecting precise geolocation data except under specific circumstances.

SB24-041 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.