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

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

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to revitalize Colorado’s community solar program and set new standards for equitable clean energy policy cleared the Senate 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 “However due to outdated policies, lower-income Coloradans or renters haven’t accessed these critical programs at the levels we hoped.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however only one percent of Xcel’s customers are able to participate in community solar due to the program’s outdated design and limited size.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 House for further review. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Protections for HOA Residents

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed a bill to keep Coloradans housed and strengthen protections for residents of homeowners associations (HOAs).

Currently, HOAs can require a homeowner to reimburse the HOAs for collection costs and attorney fees without starting a legal proceeding. 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, to be adjusted for inflation, whichever is less.The bill waives the reimbursement cap for a unit that is not the owner’s primary residence and allows a court to waive the cap in certain egregious cases.

“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 it's transferred, which creates more housing stability.”

“Homeownership 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.

HB24-1337 now returns to the House for concurrence of amendments. Follow its progress HERE. 

Michaelson Jenet Bill to Increase Consumer Protections Clears Senate

SB24-192 would expand the Colorado Lemon Law

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to expand the Colorado Lemon Law and increase consumer protections.

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

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

Legislation would expand the Lemon Law to:

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

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

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

• Add a right to inspect lemon law buyback vehicles; and

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

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

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Lead & Noise Pollution Caused by Aviation

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, to protect communities from aviation lead and noise pollution.

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 Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect Coloradans From Unfair Debt Collection Practices Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would provide Coloradans with greater protections against harassment and unfair debt collection practices cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1380, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would establish new regulatory protections under the Consumer Credit Code that would improve transparency, defend against unfair harassment, and ensure that the owner of the debt be included on any lawsuit against debtors.

“Coloradans struggling with debt deserve protection, but too often they can’t even tell who the owners of their debt are, which makes it harder to pay it off,” Cutter said. “This bill will bolster protections for Coloradans by cracking down on unfair practices and ensuring nobody faces unfair harassment over debt.”

"Consumers need more information and transparency when they are facing debt collection. HB 1380 peels back the curtain of secrecy around who is owed debt payment and who is collecting the debt," Jaquez Lewis said. “We must do more to support Coloradans dealing with debt and help ensure Coloradans are safe from unfair or harmful debt collection practices.”

The bill allows the Attorney General’s Office to establish rules regarding how much debt management service providers may charge consumers, and it requires credit services organizations to register with the Colorado Uniform Consumer Credit Code administrator.

HB24-1380 will now move back to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and how much of that the driver received; and

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

The bill aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings, and customers with the information needed to make decisions about whether and how much to tip through detailed fares. Additionally, the bill would protect drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency around how deactivations are considered and can be appealed.

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

Senate Passes Legislation That Improves Access to Outdoor Nature Based Preschools

Marchman: “By allowing ONBs to operate full-day programs, we can create job opportunities, make ONBs more accessible to working families, and ensure kids get the quality education they deserve.”

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Kevin Priola’s, D-Henderson, legislation that would allow licensure for outdoor nature based schools (ONBs) and increase their operations. 

SB24-078 would define ONBs as child care centers for licensing purposes, and require the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to provide training to licensing and ONB program staff. ONBs currently have no way to obtain licensure. Despite currently operating via waivers and exemption statuses, roadblocks remain in place for ONBs, such as their inability to support full-day preschool.

“Colorado is in the midst of an early-childhood education crisis, which is why it’s imperative that we develop a formal licensure process for ONBs and expand childcare options,” Marchman said. “By allowing ONBs to operate full-day programs, we can create job opportunities, make ONBs more accessible to working families, and ensure kids get the quality education they deserve.”

“I’m glad to see Senate Bill 78 move forward, as it would ensure universal safety standards at outdoor nature based schools and break down barriers for working families who want to access this type of education,” said Priola. “With this bill, we can get outdoor nature preschools licensed as child care centers, and increase access to unique early childhood education options for Coloradans.” 

ONBs are growing in popularity due to their unique format and support for students with diverse learning needs. Eighty-two percent of Coloradans work full-time. Full-day licensure for ONBs would break down barriers for working families and add an estimated 340 additional spots for children. Additionally, full-day operations would support these small businesses by creating jobs in local communities.

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

Senate 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 was approved by the Senate 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 Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.

Kolker, Marchman Bill to Increase Access to School-Based Health Care Clears Senate

Legislation would expand the existing School-Based Health Center Grant Program to include telehealth services and mobile health units

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, that would increase access to school-based health care cleared the Senate today.

School-based health centers are located in schools throughout Colorado and provide primary medical and behavioral health care to children and young adults. Currently, the School-Based Health Center Grant Program supports the establishment, expansion, and ongoing operations of school-based health centers. SB24-034 would expand the grant program to school-linked health care services including telehealth services and mobile health units.

“For years, the state’s School-Based Health Center Grant Program has been instrumental in providing quality health care to students who need it most,” Kolker said. “Expanding this successful program to include services like telehealth will help ensure every student seeking care can receive it in a timely, convenient manner. I’m thrilled to see us take another step forward to ensure every Colorado kid has the support they need to thrive.”

“School-based health centers deliver critical care where and when students need it,” said Marchman. “However we still see gaps in care, especially in rural school districts. This new legislation would allow medical entities, in partnership with school districts, to use grant funding to support telehealth, mobile services and referrals for nearby services. This reduces barriers to care by bringing primary medical, behavioral, oral and preventative health care directly to school communities.”

SB24-034 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Protect Tribal Sovereignty

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved 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 House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Increase Protections for Gig Workers Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve protections for gig workers by increasing wage and task transparency cleared the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today.

Delivery Network Companies (DNCs) are entities that operate online apps or platforms that allow users to order goods for delivery, such as UberEats, DoorDash, and GrubHub. Sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, HB24-1129 aims to improve wage and task transparency for DNC drivers by requiring disclosures with specific information and providing workers with the ability to make informed decisions about which tasks to accept.

“For delivery drivers working for companies like UberEats or GrubHub, details about fares and earnings are shrouded in mystery,” said Hinrichsen. “This creates uncertainty about their take home wages and can make it difficult to budget for their family. This important bill will increase protections for delivery drivers and hold DNCs accountable to fair wages and employment practices, just like every other industry.”

“This year, we’re taking major strides to guarantee delivery drivers transparency around their wages and work,” said Priola. “Providing clear information about how much a company is making and how much a driver is taking home will create a better understanding of delivery processes for drivers and consumers alike. I’m proud to champion this bill and Senate Bill 75, both of which ensure all app-based drivers receive the essential details about their work that they deserve.”

Before a driver accepts a delivery task, DNCs would be required to disclose:

• An estimated or actual amount the driver will earn for the task;

• The number of transactions involved in the task;

• The address(es) where the food, beverages, or other goods must be picked up from;

• The direction from where the driver is required to pick up the goods and the location where goods must be delivered;

• The estimated or actual time it will take for the driver to complete the task; and

• The estimated or actual distance the driver will travel for the task.

Under the bill, when a consumer is prompted to leave a tip for a delivery driver who is paid based on a per-delivery-task or per-transaction basis, DNCs would be required to disclose the amount of money that the consumer paid or will pay for the transaction. It would also require the DNC to pay the entire tip to the driver.

Finally, the bill would require a DNC to develop and maintain an account deactivation policy that clearly establishes procedures for deactivating a driver from the platform, allows a driver to request a reconsideration and ensures a driver is not penalized for failing to respond to a delivery task offer.

HB24-1129 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Boost Water Conservation Funding Passes Committee

Roberts: “This bill will give Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state.”

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend additional sports betting tax revenue on water conservation projects cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

“Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource, because it powers everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, which is why I am fighting tooth and nail to secure our state’s water future,” Roberts said. “This bill will give Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state. I am proud to be working on this bipartisan legislation that will help protect our precious water resources and our Colorado way of life.”

HB24-1436, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap on sports betting revenue established in 2019 by Proposition DD to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This cash fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects.

The bill will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would save Coloradans money on housing by eliminating parking minimums for residential properties cleared the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today.

HB24-1304, sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would prohibit a county or municipality from enforcing minimum parking requirements for residential and commercial properties within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO), starting June 1st, 2025.

“Parking mandates drive up housing costs, increase traffic congestion, and make it harder for Colorado to hit its climate goals,” Priola said. “Developers can always choose to include parking, but eliminating minimum requirements will increase the availability of housing, drive down prices, and help ensure more Coloradans have a place to call home.”

“Parking spots cost tens of thousands of dollars each to build - an unacceptable number at a time when too many Coloradans are struggling to find housing they can afford,” Hinrichsen said. “We must do more to encourage the construction of new housing in our state, including for Pueblo which has a large amount of land devoted to parking that could be redeveloped as housing and businesses. This bill will make it easier to do just that while reducing traffic, bolstering economic development, and freeing up valuable space for our communities while enhancing our downtowns.”

The bill does not allow a county or municipality to lower protections for people with disabilities, and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes.

Lastly, the bill requires the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and other state agencies to publish a report of best practices and strategies for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024, and for each local government to submit a one-time report to Department of Local Affairs showing compliance with the bill by the end of 2025.

Parking minimums increase home prices and rents by requiring developers to use valuable space for cars that may not be fully utilized and could instead be dedicated to more housing units. In 2020, each new structured parking space in Denver cost $25,000 each.

Since the city of Minneapolis eliminated residential parking minimums in 2021, rents have only increased one percent, while Denver saw an average increase of nearly five percent in just the last two years. Research attributes the significant expansion of the housing supply in Minneapolis to the elimination of parking minimums.

The oversupply of parking is also directly linked to higher vehicle miles traveled. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado, with cars contributing nearly 60 percent of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

HB24-1304 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Preserve Affordable Housing Stock

HB24-1175 would give local governments the right of first refusal to buy existing affordable housing when a building or complex is up for sale

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee advanced legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock.

Sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, HB24-1175 would also give local governments the right to make the first offer to purchase other multifamily properties with 15 to 100 units that are more than 30 years old, before the property is listed for sale to other parties.

“Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” Winter said. “This year, we’re tackling Colorado’s housing crisis from all angles. By giving local governments an additional tool to preserve affordable housing stock, Coloradans will be better positioned to find housing options that fit their budget.”

“Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Jaquez Lewis. “By giving local governments the chance to make the first offer and create new affordable housing stock, we can ensure more Coloradans – especially lower income families – have an affordable place they can call home.”

The right of first refusal would give local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units, for existing affordable housing, if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing.

For other multifamily properties, the bill gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. If interested, the local government must respond within seven days and may request additional information, with the seller having five days to comply and the local government another 14 days to make an offer. Accepted offers would lead to a 30-day negotiation period and a 60-day closing period. The right of first offer terminates on December 31st, 2029.

HB24-1175 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Marchman Bill to Increase Workers’ Compensation Benefits Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business Labor & Technology Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to bolster workers’ compensation benefits.

HB24-1220 would increase workers’ compensation disability benefits limits on temporary injuries to $185,000, and permanent injuries to $300,000. Currently, workers' compensation disability benefits are determined by the claimants’ impairment rating. A claimant with an impairment rating of 19 percent or less is eligible for benefits up to $75,000, while a claimant with an impairment rating over 19 percent is eligible for benefits up to $150,000. 

“Workers compensation benefits are limited and don’t provide compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses,” said Marchman. “I’ve heard directly from folks who didn’t receive the full amount they were owed, while others who received nothing for their permanent injury sustained on the job. It’s time we adjust the law and ensure that more workers receive fair compensation.”

HB24-1220 would require workers’ compensation insurers to issue benefit payments through direct deposit if requested by a claimant. If an injured worker has a medical condition that restricts them from driving, the bill would protect the worker from being fired if they do not accept an offer of modified employment that includes driving to or from the workplace.

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

Bill to Increase Use of Transit Clears Senate

Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, create a tax credit for purchasing a transit pass, and establish a free transit program for youth

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Faith Winter, D-Westminster, to increase the use of transit cleared the Senate today.

SB24-032 would create the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program to provide grants to transit agencies around the state for fare free year-round transit services for Coloradans ages 19 and younger. The bill would also extend the successful Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season, which is set to expire without further legislative action.

“During my time in elected office, Colorado has taken leaps and bounds forward when it comes to smart, successful transportation policy,” said Priola. “Now in my final legislative session in the General Assembly, I’m proud to sponsor new legislation that will improve upon our past work while continuing to innovate. Senate Bill 32 will streamline a statewide transit system to increase usage and save people money.”

“Making it easier for Coloradans to choose transportation like a bus or train instead of a car is critical to helping us reach our climate goals and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Winter said. “The Ozone Season Grant Program and the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program will help lower costs for working families, while the tax credit will help Colorado businesses offer their employees reliable and discounted transportation.”

Finally, the bill would create a statewide transit pass exploratory committee within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to produce a proposal for implementing a statewide transit pass. The committee would be created by October 1, 2024, and offer a proposal by July 1, 2026. The committee members would be appointed by the executive director of CDOT and must include representatives of transit agencies from across the state.

SB24-032 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

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.