Senate Approves 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 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 House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Pair of Bills to Promote Gun Safety

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

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate voted to approve two bills to reduce gun thefts from vehicles and strengthen firearm training requirements for concealed carry permits.

To reduce firearm thefts, 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 a locked container in a locked vehicle or in a locked trunk of the vehicle. Handguns would need to be stored in a locked container placed out of plain view, which could include a locked glove compartment or center console. 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 in a farm or ranch vehicle on privately owned or leased property, peace officers, military service members, and certain individuals engaged in hunting.

The Senate also approved 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.

HB24-1348 now moves to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. HB24-1174 heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.

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

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 cleared the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today.

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 now moves to the Finance Committee for further review. Track its progress HERE.

Fields, Buckner Bill to Improve Black Maternal Health Care Coverage Earns Senate Approval

More than 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that aims to improve perinatal health outcomes, especially in Black and historically marginalized communities. 

SB24-175, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would require large employer health benefit plans to cover doula services in alignment with Medicaid. The bill would also instruct hospitals that provide labor and delivery or neonatal care services to participate in at least one maternal or infant health quality improvement initiative. 

Additionally, the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) would contract with a Colorado perinatal care quality program to provide maternal and infant health equity improvement initiatives to hospitals; track disparity and health outcome data; and address disparate outcomes particularly among American Indian, Native Alaskan, and Black birthing populations.

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any rich country and significant disparities in outcomes – and the crisis will continue to worsen unless we act,” said Fields. “This legislation is incredibly important as it addresses gaps in coverage and holds hospitals accountable for ensuring equitable care for all people, and I’m proud to see it move forward.” 

“No Black woman should lose their life, or come close to losing their life, in an attempt to birth their child,” Buckner said. “While maternal mortality rates around the world fell 44 percent, maternal mortality rates in the United States increased by 16.7 percent during that same period of time. It's unacceptable. Working to solve our maternal health crisis – especially for Black and historically marginalized communities – will lead to better economic, health, and social outcomes while saving lives.”

Under this bill, CDPHE would create a program that provides financial support to hospitals in rural areas, hospitals serving a higher percentage of Medicaid and uninsured patients, or hospitals with lower-acuity maternal and neonatal care. Lastly, the bill requires coverage of over-the-counter and prescribed choline supplements for pregnant people.

Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. According to the CDC, multiple factors contribute to these disparities, such as variation in quality of health care, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. SB24-175 intends to address systemic racism in health care and develop better care for historically marginalized communities.

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

Lt. Governor Signs Bipartisan Bill To Save Lives, Prevent Youth Overdose Deaths

DENVER, CO –  Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera today signed legislation into law that will prevent youth overdose deaths and save lives. HB24-1003, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mary Young and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Cleave Simpson, will make opiate antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings.

“I’m so proud to have worked closely with the students from both Durango and Animas High Schools to create this life-saving law,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Too often, Colorado youth have seen their classmates suffer from the current opioid crisis, which is why our new law will increase availability and training for the administration of opiate antagonists. The advocacy from these students on this topic who have seen the challenges their peers face will make a significant impact throughout our state and save countless lives.”

“Our young people have not escaped being harmed by the opioid crisis that is impacting every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, said. “This important legislation, which came to us from students who have been impacted directly by this terrible epidemic, gives schools more badly-needed tools to combat this crisis and will ultimately save lives.”

“As a school psychologist, I understand how serious and common overdoses can be in our schools, and this new law will make it easier for schools to prevent these overdoses from becoming fatal,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Research shows that overdose education for students, teachers, staff, and families leads to increased involvement in treatment and this legislation empowers students, educators, and other school personnel to know how to respond to an overdose. This student-initiated law gives schools life-saving harm reduction tools to decrease the number of student overdoses across Colorado.”

HB24-1003, will allow trained bus drivers and other employees present on buses to administer certain medications, including opiate antagonists such as Naloxone, to students experiencing an overdose. Under current law, if specific educators and staff receive training, they are permitted to administer opiate antagonists to students. This bill extends this protection to bus drivers. This bill permits school districts to maintain a supply of opiate antagonists on school buses, and for trained students to possess and administer opiate antagonists on school grounds, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event.

Additionally, HB24-1003 will allow schools to acquire and maintain a supply of testing strips designed to detect the presence of additional harmful components in an opioid, such as fentanyl.

Committee Approves Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Youth Homelessness

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan bill to reduce youth homelessness.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-191 would require the Department of Human Services to oversee the operation of host home programs to better support unhoused youth and connect them to safe housing options. The bill would set requirements for organizations seeking to operate a host home program and requirements for individuals operating a host home through a program, including requiring background checks on residents and physical inspection of the homes.

“Far too often, unhoused youth slip through the cracks and lose out on the critical care and support that they need to thrive,” said Zenzinger. “Host home programs offer a commonsense solution to this problem by helping connect youth to host families that can offer them individualized support and a safe place to call home. These important programs provide young people with the opportunity to live in a safe and supportive environment, and can be especially beneficial for young people who have experienced trauma or have other complex needs.”

Host homes for unhoused youth are often more affordable and flexible than other types of housing, such as shelters or transitional housing programs, and offer more individualized support.

The federal Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act provides funding through Colorado’s Rural Collaborative to pay for any costs associated with background checks and home inspections.

SB24-191 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Prevent Evictions, Homelessness

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey, Majority Leader Monica Duran, and Senators Julie Gonzales and Nick Hinrichsen, that will prevent evictions and keep Coloradans safely housed by outlining the conditions when landlords would have grounds to file for evictions or “no-fault” lease terminations.

“Our ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation clearly defines in state law when and why landlords can evict tenants to prevent discriminatory and retaliatory evictions,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “This new law will create stability for landlords and renters because it does not prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have violated their lease or are behind on their rent, or where a landlord is getting out of the business. With this legislation becoming law, we will save Colorado families money and help keep roofs over their heads and roots in their community.”

“Too many families know firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with being evicted from their home, as well as all the difficult consequences that arise because of it,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “We must do more to protect vulnerable renters from being evicted without reason. Our new ‘for cause’ eviction law will improve housing stability, prevent displacement, and keep more of our neighbors in their homes, and I am pleased to see it get signed into law.”

“Unnecessary and arbitrary evictions have devastating consequences for Coloradans, which is why we passed legislation to clearly outline reasons landlords can file for an eviction,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Evictions make renters more vulnerable to homelessness, and having an eviction on your record can make it nearly impossible to find housing. I’m excited that our legislation to prevent Coloradans from being displaced is now Colorado law so hardworking Coloradans can remain safely housed.”

“Imagine being a respectful neighbor, paying your rent on time, and doing everything right. But your roof leaks, your landlord won’t fix it, and you’re struggling to make ends meet. Do you report it to your local housing authority, so there will be accountability on the landlord to fix it? Or do you keep quiet, knowing that, if you do that, your landlord might not renew your lease? This is just one example of the many cases this bill addresses, to ensure that tenants who are doing the right things don’t lose their housing for arbitrary reasons. It creates stability and financial security for good tenants and their families,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo.

Currently, Colorado law exposes renters to possible arbitrary, retaliatory or discriminatory evictions. The ‘For Cause Eviction’ legislation would prevent a landlord from evicting a tenant unless there is cause for eviction. Under HB24-1098, the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include failure to pay rent in a timely manner, destruction of property, interfering with the right to quiet enjoyment, or a substantial violation of the rental agreement.

The law also includes allowable reasons for a no-fault lease non-renewal, including substantial repairs or conversion of a residential premises, and selling the property. Some exceptions to the ‘For Cause Eviction’ law include rentals within the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homes and for employers who provide housing to employees.

Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes. In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings.

Senate Approves Roberts Bill to Incentivize Economic Development in NW Colorado and Advance Mountain Passenger Rail

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 – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would support both the realization of mountain passenger rail and economic diversification efforts in transitioning coal communities in Northwest Colorado was approved by the Senate 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 the potential rail line, particularly 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.” 

Colorado has a once in a generation opportunity to bring passenger rail to Northwest Colorado and connect the region as well as generate new economic opportunities for communities facing economic transition. The federal government has already committed billions of dollars to rail development nationwide, and there is a growing coalition of support throughout Northwest Colorado. The region is uniquely prepared for this moment, with an existing rail line that can be expanded and equipped for passenger use. 

The proposed mountain line will connect Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allow for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line.

SB24-190 would create an income tax credit through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & 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. 

“Historically, rail has played a key role in helping Routt and Moffat Counties export freight to other parts of the country,” said Sonja Macys, Routt County Commissioner and Chair of the Mountain Rail Coalition. “Securing new freight driven industries will provide needed economic development and also support existing businesses, including the housing industry, whose costs continue to rise in part due to their dependence on expensive, fossil-fuel intensive, transportation costs. Roberts’ bill creates multiple opportunities to support local businesses, existing and new, and help underwrite the revival of mountain rail for passengers.” 

SB24-190 will now move to further consideration before the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

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.”