Bill to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals Clears Committee

Legislation would create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee advanced Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, legislation to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals.

“Colorado has passed nation leading policy in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

“From my first day as a legislator, I've worked on sustainability issues,” Cutter said. It is critical that we fully support and employ in state agencies the practices that align with our goals and values as a state. From coordinating efforts on sustainable infrastructure projects to leveraging federal funding available for sustainable practices, the Office of Sustainability will be a critical asset as we continue our work to achieve Colorado’s climate goals. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to join Senator Hansen on this important bill.”

SB24-214 would create the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Personnel and Administration to streamline sustainability practices across state agencies. The office would be charged with:

• Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts;

• Setting goals for state government;

• Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies;

• Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices; and

• Facilitating sustainable infrastructure projects with other state agencies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, water use reduction, and waste diversion.

The bill would also create the Sustainability Revolving Fund for the office to replace state owned gas- and diesel-powered equipment located in the ozone nonattainment area on the Front Range.

SB24-214 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Rodriguez’s Bill to Establish Standards for Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez’s, D-Denver, legislation to establish standards and requirements for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Colorado. 

Algorithmic discrimination has been shown to make biased determinations in cases involving hiring practices, housing applications, financial services, and health care coverage. SB24-205 would require AI developers to use reasonable care to avoid discrimination when using high-risk AI systems. Under the bill, developers would be required to complete risk assessments and implement risk management strategies to help protect against algorithmic discrimination. A developer would be required to report any known discovery of any algorithmic discrimination to the Attorney General within 90 days.

“AI systems are evolving faster than we can write and pass policy on them – which is why we need to act now,” said Rodriguez. “Many systems' algorithms have biases baked in and can easily result in discriminatory outcomes when it comes to housing applications, hiring practices, and more. This important bill will establish foundational guardrails for developers utilizing high risk AI systems with a goal of reducing algorithmic discrimination and creating a safer user experience for consumers. However, this is just a first step, and as technology continues to evolve, our work in this space must evolve alongside it.”

The bill would also require businesses using AI to publish a statement summarizing the types of systems they deploy and how they manage foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination, and provide notice to a consumer if high-risk systems will be making any consequential decisions.

SB24-205 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Passes Bill to Promote Responsible Gun Ownership With Firearm Insurance Coverage

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that would encourage responsible gun ownership by requiring gun owners to have liability insurance for their firearms cleared the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee today. 

“Gun violence unfortunately impacts every corner of our state, and we must do more to protect victims from the severe financial repercussions of gun violence,” Hansen said. “Like vehicles, firearm accidents can be dangerous, and owning them requires responsibility. This bill will add guardrails and insurance to provide financial protection for gun-owners and gun violence victims alike.”

Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1270 would require gun owners to have liability insurance that covers losses or damages to a person who is injured from the accidental or unintentional discharge of a firearm. 

Failure to have a firearm liability insurance policy is a civil infraction, but those denied insurance by two or more providers or who cannot afford it can seek a court exemption. The court can grant a 3-year exemption if it finds that the gun owner is likely to behave prudently and safely in the storage, carrying, and use of a firearm and that the person has a gun safe or other secure container to store the gun at home.

The bill allows this coverage to be included under the gun owner’s homeowners, condo unit, or renters policy.

HB24-1270 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Bill of Rights for Foster Youth Becomes Law

HB24-1017 establishes critical statutory rights for foster youth, including freedom from discrimination and harassment and access to basic care

DENVER, CO – Legislation that establishes a Bill of Rights for Foster Youth was signed into law today.

Sponsored by Reps. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, and Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, HB24-1017 outlines critical rights to empower and protect foster youth, including freedom from discrimination, harassment, access to basic care, gender identity and expression, and cultural or religious expression.

“To empower our foster youth, we need to establish in statute their freedoms and rights,” said Daugherty. “This law protects our youth’s access to the personal care and education they deserve and the freedom to express themselves and not be discriminated against. I’m extremely proud of the role our foster youth played in crafting this legislation which is an important step toward giving them the tools they need to not only succeed, but thrive.”

“Children and youth who are placed in the foster care system face a number of significant challenges, which is why we must ensure their rights and freedoms are protected,” Zenzinger said. “This new law guarantees Colorado’s youth have access to basic care and education so that they can live safely and securely while temporarily separated from their parents or families. What’s more, enshrining these rights in law will help ensure that foster youth in Colorado will not only be supported during a difficult time, but can continue to grow and thrive in a manner similar to their peers who are not in the child welfare system.”

“Through my experience as a foster parent, I understand the sacred trust that must exist between the youth in our system and their host families in order to have the best outcomes for everyone involved,” said Parenti. “This law is about ensuring foster youth have full knowledge of their rights and the resources available to support them.  We’re helping empower the most vulnerable kids in our communities to be treated with respect, dignity, and understanding.”

“Our foster youth are extraordinarily vulnerable and we must do more to ensure they fully understand and take advantage of the rights provided to them,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This new law will empower our foster youth, ensure they can access critical services and care, and help them live safer, more secure lives.”

HB24-1017 establishes critical statutory rights for youth living in foster care, requires county human service departments to provide written notice to foster youth about their rights, and clarifies the enforcement of these rights. The rights of foster care youth include:

• Access to education, basic essentials, and health care;

• The right to confidentiality and privacy;

• Freedom from discrimination or harassment;

• Freedom of thought, cultural and ethnic practice, and religion;

• Freedom to express gender identity;

• Freedom from threats, punishment, retaliation for asking questions, stating concerns, or making complaints about violations of their rights;

• Access to services, placements, and programs they are eligible for and notification of the benefits they are eligible for;

• The ability to request information on how payments are used by individuals who accepted payments for the youth;

• The right to receive appropriate placement and care, including being placed in a safe environment that is free of abuse, having their preferences regarding placement considered, and having providers who are aware of their history;

• The right to timely court proceedings and effective case management;

• The right to a timely notification to the Social Security Administration to initiate the transfer of benefits from providers to youth who are leaving the custody of the department;

• The right to access and communicate privately with caseworkers, legal representatives, advocates, probation officers, and other professionals;

• The ability to participate in legal proceedings and case planning; and 

• Access to certain necessities and support that will allow them to be self-sufficient in their transition to adulthood.

The rights listed above will apply to foster youth including those who are ages 18 to 21 and participating in the Foster Youth in Transition Program. HB24-1071 also requires that foster youth five years old and older receive written notice about their rights at their initial placement in foster care and that the written notice of rights in the youth’s primary language is updated at least annually, including if there is a new placement change.

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

Legislation expands on previous historic Right to Repair laws in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to establish the right to repair for electronic devices. 

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

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

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

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

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

Senate Approves Cutter Bill to Better Protect Patients at Eating Disorder Treatment Facilities

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

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

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

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

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

The bill would require facilities to:

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

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

• Place requirements on bathroom policies to respect privacy;

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

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

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

SB24-117 will now move to the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Michaelson Jenet Bill to Streamline Behavioral Health Care System for Youth Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bipartisan legislation to improve children’s health care in Colorado. 

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

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care regardless of their age, income, or zip code,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Legislation we’re passing today will help children get the behavioral health care they need efficiently and at a cost that won’t break the bank. I’m proud of our continued commitment to improving and expanding our behavioral health care system for all Coloradans.”

Under the bill, the BHA would also explore data collection and workforce innovations, and would implement programs to encourage youth to continue their education and work in shortage areas within the system of care. The bill would also require the office to study the cost of providing services to all children regardless of payer, insurance, and income.

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

Senate 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 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 returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Follow its progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to Increase Availability of Telehealth Services Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-168 would direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to reimburse the use of telehealth monitoring for outpatient services for Medicaid patients and provide coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices.

“Coloradans in my district know firsthand how challenging and expensive it can be to access critical health care services,” said Roberts. “During my time in the legislature, I’ve worked hard to deliver high-quality, affordable health care services to underserved and rural areas and this bill expands access to remote health services and continuous glucose monitors, which have proven to be successful at ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time and save so much money in the long-run.”

Additionally, the bill would create a grant program to assist rural and shortage area providers in obtaining remote telehealth monitoring equipment. Funds from the grant program could also be used for providers training staff on utilizing remote monitoring equipment.

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

Kolker and Hansen Bill to Provide Tax Credit for Renters Earns Senate Approval

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bill that would address housing affordability in Colorado by providing temporary tax relief. 

SB24-146 would provide a non-refundable income tax credit for renters with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 for single filers and $125,000 for joint filers. The bill offers $2,000 for qualifying joint filers with AGIs of $75,000 or less, and $1,000 for single filers with AGIs of $50,000 or less. These credits would decrease with higher incomes. 

“Colorado’s ongoing housing crisis is forcing renters to spend more of their income on rent, which makes it harder to afford other essentials,” said Kolker. “This bill is about protecting our most vulnerable, and ensuring they can have a safe space to live while affording groceries, paying bills, and making ends meet.”

“This bill is a way we can get relief directly into the hands of folks who need it most,” Hansen said. “Housing has become unaffordable for many hard-working Coloradans, but by providing a tax credit for qualifying renters we can help alleviate that burden.” 

The tax credit would apply for the 2024 through 2026 tax years, targeting support for lower and middle-income renters during this period. Additionally, the tax credit would be compatible with other assistance. Folks receiving help with rent or heat grants would not be disqualified, nor would the credit count as income for public assistance or affordable housing eligibility. 

SB24-146 will now move to the House. Follow its progress HERE.

Bill to Protect Students, Prevent Discrimination and Harassment in Schools Clears Senate

Bill would place Colorado in compliance with state Title IX

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter’s, D-Broomfield, legislation that would better protect students by developing best practices for public schools to effectively respond to reports of harassment or discrimination.

SB24-162 would require the Department of Education to partner with an organization to develop best practices and training related to discrimination and harassment in public schools, including protocols relating to notifying students and parents about school policies and procedures, processing reports, and implementing trauma-informed responses. Additionally, the department would provide harassment and discrimination training program materials for schools.

"As a teacher, I know how important it is that each and every child feels safe and included in their school,” said Marchman. “That’s why we championed legislation last year to bolster Title IX, and this bill will bring Colorado into compliance with the requirement that districts implement specific policies around harassment and discrimination by July of this year. Having an unsafe and unhealthy learning environment can impact students mentally and emotionally, as well as negatively affecting their learning outcomes. With this bill, we can give schools the resources they need to prevent and remedy harassment in a trauma-informed way through a free training provided free of charge for all schools in Colorado.”

“SB-162 is a proactive and comprehensive approach to combating discrimination and harassment in our schools,” Winter said. “Last year we progressed on making our schools a more welcoming, inclusive place for students, and this bill ensures the success of the legislation we previously passed.”

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

Legislation to Boost Substance Use Disorder Prevention Efforts Clears Senate

Bill is a result of interim committee work to save lives, prevent overdose deaths in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at boosting substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and saving lives in Colorado cleared the Senate today.

SB24-047, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, would support Coloradans with SUDs by updating the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, and by creating the Substance Use Disorder Prevention Gap Grant Program to provide grants to community-based organizations to address funding for SUD prevention services.

“Addressing the overdose and substance use disorder crisis requires an all-of-the-above approach, and this prevention bill starts with doing a better job on the front end by preventing folks from becoming addicted at all.” said Jaquez Lewis. “These resources will empower community organizations and folks on the ground as they work to prevent substance use and abuse while connecting Coloradans who are struggling with the treatment and support they need.”

“We have lost far too many Coloradans to accidental overdoses and substance use disorders. Something has to change,” Priola said. “By cultivating more supportive recovery programs and promoting proven prevention methods, our multi-pronged approach will help save lives and get more of our neighbors the support they need to thrive.”

SB24-047 also updates data-sharing permissions for local overdose fatality review boards and establishes a statewide grant for Substance use screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment in Colorado schools and pediatric settings to identify treatment resources and needs for adolescents. Finally, the bill expands the statewide perinatal substance use data linkage project, adding access to state and federal data to improve legislative recommendations for those impacted by substance use during pregnancy. 

This legislation originated from the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, which met over the interim and developed policies aimed at bolstering prevention efforts, improving treatment programs, promoting harm reduction strategies, and supporting Coloradans in recovery to prevent overdose deaths and save lives.

SB24-047 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate 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 – Today the Senate 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 diversity, equity, 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 House for further consideration. Track SB24-200’s progress HERE and SB24-202’s progress HERE.

Bill to Legalize ADUs, Create More Housing Coloradans Can Afford Earns Committee Approval

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, that would expand housing options and save people money on housing by legalizing ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today.

HB24-1152 would allow homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and create a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs.

“Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Mullica. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.”

“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Exum said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home.”

The bill’s grant program would enable local governments to support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate, and the construction of accessible ADUs.

Finally, HB24-1152 provides $8 million in funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners in ADU-supportive jurisdictions build ADUs, including with down payment assistance, affordable loans, and buying down interest rates on loans for the conversion or construction of ADUs.

Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single-family home properties.

HB24-1152 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Reduce Lead & Noise Pollution Caused by Aviation Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation to protect communities from aviation lead and noise pollution cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

Sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, HB24-1235 would help ensure communities are protected from aviation noise and lead pollution by requiring airports to have effective noise mitigation plans and easing the transition to unleaded fuels for aircraft owners and airports.

“Over the last few years, I have received countless constituent emails, phone calls, and town hall questions about pervasive noise and lead pollution caused by aviation,” Fenberg said. “Time and time again, impacted Coloradans were told that due to federal preemption, there was nothing that could be done to protect them from these negative impacts. This year, we got creative and came up with a bill that asks airports to do their part to reduce aviation noise while supporting them in their transition away from leaded fuels. However, this marks just the first step in meaningfully addressing the problem. There’s much more work ahead to ensure impacted communities and regional airports can coexist in Colorado.”

“Communities I represent in Jefferson County are experiencing firsthand the effects of aviation noise and lead pollution,” said Zenzinger. “These adverse impacts take a toll on a person’s well-being and simply shouldn’t have to be a part of life for folks living near regional airports like Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. This important bill is our response to community concerns to help neighborhoods and airports find a way to coexist, protect the health of Coloradans, and make sure our state remains a great place to live and raise a family.”

HB24-1235 would:

• Incentivize aircraft owners to transition their planes from using leaded to unleaded fuel by providing a refundable income tax credit for qualifying expenses;

• Designate up to $1.5 million of State Aviation System grant funding per year to aid in the transition away from leaded fuel while expanding the allowable uses of the grant program to include funding for infrastructure that will accelerate the transition away from leaded fuel;

• Require grant recipients to adopt a plan for phasing out sales of leaded gasoline by 2030 and enforce a noise abatement plan;

• Expand the Colorado Aeronautical Board to add two members who are residents of communities affected by aviation; and

• Require the Division of Aeronautics to work with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to evaluate, educate, and provide technical assistance to airports regarding adverse impacts of aircraft noise and leaded aviation fuel.

Leaded fuel, commonly used by small aircraft owners, recreation pilots and pilots-in-training, is a leading source of lead emissions. Elevated lead exposure has adverse effects on kidney function, reproductive and developmental systems and the cardiovascular system, and is proven to have detrimental impacts on children’s brains and nervous systems.

HB24-1235 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further review. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Committee Passes Pair of Bills to Strengthen Protections for Mobile Home Park and HOA Residents

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government and Housing today approved two bills to keep Coloradans housed and strengthen protections for residents of mobile home parks and HOAs.

HB24-1294, sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would close gaps in the Mobile Home Park Act that have left mobile home park residents vulnerable to displacement and financial harm. Specifically, this bill would update owner and landlord responsibilities, strengthen tenant protections, ensure important park notices and meetings are accessible to Spanish speakers, and clarify the conditions of the sale of mobile homes and parks.

“Homeowners in mobile parks face unique challenges since they own their home but rent the lot it sits on,” said Cutter. “This bill addresses many gaps in our current protections, including increasing transparency in ‘rent to own’ agreements, speeding up dispute resolution, and ensuring that a resident’s housing is not at risk due to a language access issue. These provisions will help keep more Coloradans housed in their communities.” 

The bill increases transparency in “rent to own” contracts by ensuring that both parties are informed of their rights and responsibilities, such as the refundability of payments in the event a tenancy terminates prematurely. Additionally, HB24-1294 would require that parkwide meetings, as well as written notices of potential evictions or rent increases, are communicated and accessible in both English and Spanish. It would also clarify the circumstances when park residents are protected against rent increases.

HB24-1337, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, would limit the reimbursement amount for attorney fees to 50 percent of the underlying payment owed or $5,000, whichever is less. Currently, homeowners associations (HOAs) can require a homeowner to reimburse the HOAs for collection costs and attorney fees without starting a legal proceeding. 

“No one should be at risk of losing their home for being in violation of minor HOA rules,” Coleman said. “In addition to ensuring Coloradans won’t have to pay sky–high attorney fees, this bill would give homeowners the right to purchase their property back before its transferred, which increases housing stability.”

“Home ownership is supposed to create generational wealth, but right now the housing crisis is creating generational debt,” said Exum. “This bill would help ensure HOA foreclosure is a last resort while lowering legal costs and providing Coloradans with the opportunity to buy back their property and stay in their communities. It’s a great step to improving financial and housing stability in Colorado.”

The legislation would prohibit foreclosing on a lien if the homeowner is in a bankruptcy civil action or if the homeowner is in compliance with a payment plan for the owed amount. It also requires the HOA to take specific steps before foreclosing on a home, ensuring foreclosure is the last resort.

The bill would also create a right of redemption for properties in an HOA that have been foreclosed on, which would allow unit owners, tenants, nonprofits, community land trusts, and other entities the opportunity to purchase the property before it’s transferred.

HB24-1294 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee and HB24-1337 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow their progress HERE and HERE, respectively. 

Committee Approves Mullica’s Bipartisan Bill to Create Northern Colorado Medical School, Boost Health Care Training

DENVER, CO – Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bipartisan bill to help create a new medical college at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and support health care and veterinary care at institutions across the state cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB24-1231 would fund four projects related to health sciences education programs for medical professions, including:  

• Construction of a new College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC

• Construction of the Health Institute Tower at Metropolitan State University of Denver

• Construction of the Veterinary Health Education Complex at Colorado State University

• Renovation of the Valley Campus Main Building at Trinidad State College

“Right now, Colorado faces a significant health care provider shortage causing lapses in care, longer wait times, and limited critical-care services in both rural and urban communities,” said Mullica. “As the only working nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I know how critical it is to build the health care workforce our state needs. I’m proud to champion legislation that will invest in four institutions committed to addressing the state's health care challenges, and I look forward to ensuring every Coloradan has access to the care they need to thrive.”

The new medical program at UNC would streamline 150 new osteopathic doctors into the workforce each year and help address primary health care needs of Coloradans. The UNC College of Osteopathic Medicine is expected to generate $1.4 billion over the next 20 years, with an estimated $500 million to remain in Weld County. Additionally, the bill would provide funding to help higher education institutions train more nurses, veterinarians and other mid-level health care professionals.

HB24-1231 now moves to the Senate floor for further review. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Protect Bicyclists and Pedestrians

Legislation would fund infrastructure projects like bicycle lanes and improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County that would fund safe infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians passed the Senate today. 

SB24-195 would establish a dedicated funding source for proven small infrastructure projects that improve safety for vulnerable road users, such as bicycle lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, and sidewalk and lighting improvements at dangerous intersections. It does this without raising fees by dedicating $7 million annually from the Colorado Department of Transportation Road Safety Fund for these projects, acknowledging the growing importance of this infrastructure in our transportation system. 

In addition, the bill directs CDOT to establish declining targets for vulnerable road user fatalities and to report progress to the legislature in its annual performance plan. 

“Protecting Coloradans by preventing avoidable deaths and serious injuries is a moral imperative in its own right,” Winter said. “Quality sidewalks and protected bike lanes give people safe, dignified, and low-cost alternatives to driving, which will reduce traffic, improve air quality, cut climate pollution, and make our streets more vibrant community places.”

“Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths have spiked to a frightening degree, and we must take action,” said Cutter. “Our bill will support safety projects that are proven to reduce traffic deaths. When our streets are safer and friendlier, people will feel more comfortable traveling outside of a car.”

Lastly, SB24-195 streamlines CDOT’s ability to use speed cameras to improve safety on dangerous stretches of state highways like construction zones by clarifying authority and coordination with local governments. Authority to use speed cameras was expanded by SB23-200 to help limit speeding, a major cause of avoidable traffic crashes. 

Deaths and serious injuries on Colorado’s roads are on the rise, felt most acutely by vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths reached an all-time high in 2023 with 153 deaths, topping the previous high set just one year ago

SB24-195 will now move to the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Youth Homelessness Clears Senate

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

Senate Approves Bill to Deter Meritless Lawsuits from Preventing Housing Development

DENVER, CO – Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senator Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, legislation to incentivize more housing options for Coloradans was approved by the Senate today.

HB24-1107 would streamline processes at the local level to build additional, denser housing by protecting the court appeals process from abuse and undue delays. To deter meritless lawsuits from those opposed to increasing housing density, the bill would require a court to award reasonable attorney fees to a local government that prevails in a legal challenge of a local land use decision involving housing aimed to increase density.

“Colorado faces both a housing and climate crisis,” said Winter. “Meritless lawsuits create delays and uncertainty for denser, more climate-conscious housing development projects, and can sometimes stop them altogether. We must build more housing at every price point and do so in a way that addresses the climate crisis, and this important bill will make it easier to do just that.”

"We have a housing affordability crisis in our state and our nation, and this bill is all about increasing the supply of housing that Coloradans can afford,” Bridges said. “Over and over, we've seen people use spurious lawsuits to create years of costly delays for developers of high density, affordable housing. Time is money, and every delay makes it less likely these projects will get built. If a local government shirks its duty and inappropriately approves a project, nothing in this bill prevents someone from filing a lawsuit, winning that lawsuit, and stopping the project. The bill strikes the right balance between protecting the rights of existing homeowners while making it more difficult for a few outspoken neighbors to weaponize the judicial process to stop affordable housing.”

Filing an action for judicial review of a local land use decision does not affect the validity of the local land use decision. The bill would authorize a governmental entity and the public to rely on the local land use decision for all purposes until the judicial review is resolved.

HB24-1107 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.