Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Ensure Regular Inspections of Funeral Homes and Crematories Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would ensure Colorado’s funeral homes and crematories are regularly inspected by a state agency cleared the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee today.

HB24-1335, also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, would extend and expand regulations of the Mortuary Science Code, improving regulation and helping avoid future tragedies caused in part by a lack of oversight by the state.

“Coloradans should be able to trust in the services being provided during the most difficult moments of their families’ lives - but too often in Colorado, our state’s lack of oversight results in tragedy instead,” Roberts said. “We’re working hard this session to correct that. This bill will put in place stronger oversight that will ensure funeral homes and crematories are held to a high standard, and combined with SB 173 which will finally license the folks who work in the industry, we'll make sure that Coloradans’ remains are handled with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.”

The bill expands and continues certain portions of the Mortuary Science Code in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which is scheduled to be repealed on July 1, 2024. The bill also:

• Requires inspection of funeral homes and crematories on a routine basis, including after businesses have ceased operations;

• Allows inspections to occur outside business hours;

• Expands rulemaking authority for DORA;

• Adds failure to respond to complaints as grounds for discipline; and 

• Authorizes DORA to suspend the registration for persons who do not comply with orders following a complaint or investigation.

Roberts is also a sponsor of SB24-173, which would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers.

HB24-1335 will now move to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Buckner’s Bipartisan Bill to Save Colorado Renters Money on Filing Fees

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would help save Colorado renters money on filing fees during eviction proceedings.

HB24-1099, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would eliminate filing fees, including e-filing fees and service fees, for renters during an eviction proceeding, helping ensure renters are not prevented from advocating for themselves in the eviction process. 

“Fees associated with eviction proceedings make an already difficult situation even harder, and they should be eliminated,” Buckner said. “Renters facing eviction must have the resources to make their case and defend themselves, and by removing these fees we can help renters avoid default judgements and ultimately help keep more Coloradans housed.”

HB24-1099 will now move to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Gives Initial Sign Off on Fenberg, Hansen Bill to Modernize Colorado’s Electric Grid, Position State to Meet Climate Goals Moves Forward

Legislation aims to speed up distribution system upgrades, meet Colorado’s long-term electrification goals, and support a robust workforce

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, to modernize Colorado’s energy distribution systems. 

In order to accomplish Colorado’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meet state and federal decarbonization targets, Colorado’s electric grid needs updating. Coloradans have faced delays when installing electric vehicle chargers or rooftop solar, and delays in meeting our larger transportation and building electrification goals will persist if the distribution system isn’t updated. 

SB24-218 includes a suite of policy changes to modernize and prepare the electric grid for the future. Improving the distribution system would help communities and utility consumers electrify heating and cooling in buildings, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and solar energy, and reduce air pollution. 

“Colorado has ambitious goals of rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity generation, building heating and cooling, water heating, and industrial fuel uses,” said Fenberg. “To reliably and affordably reduce emissions to meet our decarbonization targets, Colorado needs to shift its reliance from fossil fuels to a cleaner electric grid. From requiring investments in undergrounding to maintaining rate stability, this comprehensive bill will improve our distribution infrastructure and help us meet our climate goals.”

“After the major power outages at the beginning of April, it was clear that utilities need to do more to guarantee energy resiliency during extreme weather or natural disasters,” said Hansen. “We need a strong electricity system to make sure we can reduce emissions, lower consumer costs, and improve reliability. After months of work, this bill strikes the right balance between making much-needed investments in our distribution system while protecting ratepayers, and I’m proud to see it move forward.”

The bill directs investor-owned utilities with more than 500,000 customers (qualified utility) to modernize the electric grid to the benefit of customers and to achieve state energy goals by:

• Improving distribution system planning to ensure investments meet transportation and building electrification goals, support distributed energy resources, and prepare for a changing energy marketplace;
   

• Addressing the cost allocation for infrastructure upgrades to avoid one customer paying for the cost of a system upgrade that would support state electrification goals and benefit other customers;
   

• Providing a long-term structure for how utilities will recover costs for distribution system upgrades while maintaining rate stability;
   

• Making workforce investments to provide the skilled workforce required to achieve these infrastructure upgrades;
   

• Clarifying the process and timeline for accommodating beneficial electrification loads and connecting customer-sited distributed energy resources to the qualified utility electrical grid;
   

• Establishing a Virtual Power Plant program that can help save customers money by taking advantage of distributed energy resources; and
   

• Expanding the undergrounding of powerlines and other community benefit investments to avoid the risks of wildfires and power outages during severe weather events.

SB24-218 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and second reading today and now heads to the Senate floor. Follow its progress HERE. 

JOINT RELEASE: Governor, Democratic Leadership and Ozone Bill Sponsors Announce Agreement to Address Air Quality and Boost Transit

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis, Democratic Legislative Leadership, lawmakers from both chambers, and a broad coalition of major environmental NGOs today announced an agreement with large operators in Colorado’s oil and gas industry on a new legislative package that makes near-term progress on air quality, ozone, and climate goals while focusing on an economy-wide transition that will support Colorado’s future for generations to come.

"Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes today's announcement all the more exciting," Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. "This agreement represents Coloradans of all stripes coming together to put the needs of our state and our community first. It's taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I am grateful to everyone, especially the members of my caucus who have come to the table willing to work and, more importantly, listen to each other in the pursuit of an agreement we can all get behind. I am incredibly excited to see the benefits today’s announcement will bring to both our air quality and our transit system for generations to come."

“I appreciate the leadership of Governor Polis and all the parties who worked tirelessly to bring people together, achieve this consensus agreement and move forward the ‘Colorado Way,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Hearing and respecting diverse voices is critical to making lasting policy, and I believe that’s what we’ve accomplished with this agreement. I’m proud that groups with different goals and interests came to the table and reached consensus on a landmark agreement that will improve our air quality, boost transit options and protect our Colorado way of life for future generations.”

This agreement between major oil and gas producers, a coalition of environmental nonprofit organizations, Governor Polis, and legislative leaders also calls for a focus on implementation of regulatory measures rather than competing ballot measures. This will give the state time to implement the new, agreed-upon policies and make the investments needed to put Colorado on a path to achieve the state’s climate goals.

The legislative package will create more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. It will also generate significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, from modest fees placed on oil and gas production in Colorado.

The agreement is supported by Conservation Colorado, Earthjustice, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Green Latinos, and major oil and gas operators Chevron, Occidental, and Civitas.

“Colorado is at a turning point; we have to do more to improve our air quality and ensure that every Coloradan can live without fearing the dangerous consequences of ozone pollution, and that’s what this package does,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “We are coming together for Coloradans to do the right thing and address the longstanding impacts of pollution on Disproportionately Impacted Communities, which are predominantly lower-income Coloradans and people of color. It’s not easy to come to consensus, and I’m grateful to the parties on all sides for coming to the table and demonstrating the leadership needed to move Colorado forward.”

“Exposure to dangerously unhealthy ozone levels is an unfortunately common occurrence in our state, and it's impacting far too many Coloradans' health, leading to higher risk of shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas," said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need to do even more to reduce harmful emissions and keep our communities safe. Today’s agreement is a great first step, and is particularly exciting because of how it came together: through real, honest discussion towards a shared goal. It’ll help get our air quality crisis under control, and create a healthier future for our kids and our grandkids."

“Finding common ground can be challenging, but with this agreement, industry and environmental groups have worked hard to bridge gaps, come to consensus, and put Colorado first,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “This agreement, which allows time for meaningful legislation to take effect, will provide a clear timeline to implement new pollution reduction measures and put Colorado on a path to achieve our climate goals. I appreciate the hard conversations and collaboration that went into this agreement, and I’m excited to make meaningful progress that cracks down on repeat violators, improves air quality and supports future generations of Coloradans for years to come.”  

“Communities across our state, and especially like those I represent on the Front Range, have been forced to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long, which is why I am so excited to be a part of this landmark agreement,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. Today’s agreement is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all."

“Under this agreement, Colorado will soon see significant new funding for rail and other critical transit efforts that will save Coloradans money, make it easier for people to get where they need to go, and reduce harmful emissions that lead to poor air quality,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D- Englewood. “This legislative package will help reduce traffic by increasing transit options, support new housing construction, and improve the quality of life for people across our state while investing in habitat conservation, increasing state wildlife areas, and restoring important lands and native species.”

“Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This results in short and long term health impacts that affect entire communities. We’ve worked hard on policies to improve our air quality, especially during months where ozone levels are the worst. This agreement gives us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.”

“The impacts of climate change disproportionately impact communities like mine, which is why it is so important that we come together to make lasting changes that will stand the test of time,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D- Glenwood Springs. “From floods to wildfires, extreme climate events are devastating communities across our state. It’s not always easy, but coming together, like we have with this agreement, will protect our environment and paves the way for a future we can be proud of.”

I’ve long worked to advance environmental justice and protect communities from the impacts of our changing climate, and I’m excited by the progress we’ve made with this agreement,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “It’s not often that people with different perspectives and goals come together like this, and it’s something we should celebrate. This agreement will lead to increased transit options, reduced ozone emissions, and healthier communities, especially for the Coloradans who have far too often faced the brunt of the consequences from our changing climate and industrial pollution.”

“I support moving forward with this critical agreement because bringing together and finding consensus among competing sides of this issue will help us make immediate progress on addressing poor air quality on the Front Range and creating new transit options for Coloradans,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D- Fort Collins.  “We’ve made a lot of progress in recent years, and while there is still considerable work to do, I recognize that this consensus agreement represents the best chance we have to make meaningful change that protects our environment and fosters the healthy communities Coloradans deserve.”

Marchman Bill to Increase Workers’ Compensation Benefits Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate 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,” Marchman said. “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 Governor’s desk for signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Strengthen Protections for Residents of Mobile Home Parks

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill to keep Coloradans housed and strengthen protections for residents of mobile home parks.

HB24-1294, sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would close gaps in the Mobile Home Park Act that have left mobile 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.

HB24-1294 now heads to the House for concurrence of amendments. Follow its progress HERE. 

Fields, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Improve Health Insurance Transparency Passes Senate

Bill would require insurance compliance with federal regulations in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, legislation to enhance transparency in health care coverage. 

Currently, insurers are required to disclose and post pricing details and submit prescription drug spending information to the federal government. However, this information is not easily accessible to Coloradans. SB24-080 would ensure transparency for consumers so they can make informed decisions about their health care. 

“Coloradans deserve to have easy access to information on health insurance costs,” said Fields. “Right now, too many health insurance carriers aren’t complying with federal price transparency laws. By addressing the problem at the state level, we can hold these companies accountable and help save Coloradans money on health care.”

“I’m proud of our work to make health care coverage more affordable for Coloradans. This bill is the next step forward in that process,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Folks would have a digital tool to compare rates, covered items and services, and get real time responses on questions so they can find an option that works best for them and their family.”

The bill would require carriers to submit information on their negotiated rates and prescription drug trends to the Division of Insurance (DOI) in an easy-to-read, accessible format. DOI would have the ability to ensure compliance from insurers by creating a consumer price comparison tool that insurers use to input data – so that Coloradans can have easy access to cost sharing information on all items and services. 

SB24-080 now heads to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Increase Access to Preventative Care for Treatment of Chronic Obesity and Pre-Diabetes

Legislation would require insurers and Medicaid to cover bariatric surgery and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Joann Ginal’s, D-Fort Collins, bill to increase access to preventative care for the treatment of obesity and pre-diabetes.

SB24-054, the Diabetes Prevention and Obesity Treatment Act, would require insurers and Medicaid to cover the treatment of chronic obesity and pre-diabetes. Covered treatments would include screenings, behavioral and lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication, or semaglutide.

“For many people, it can take years of trial and error to find the right method to lose weight and keep it off,” Michaelson Jenet said. “I don’t want anyone else to face the kinds of obstacles I did in accessing the right treatment, and I don’t want anyone to face judgment due to the way they choose to live their life and seek care. With this bill, we have an opportunity to open up access to preventative care that can and will change lives, all while relieving stress on Colorado’s health care system.”

“Obesity-related conditions including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are among the top causes of premature and preventable death,” said Ginal. “New weight loss medications like Ozempic or Wegovy offer a new lease on life to folks struggling to lose weight and get their health on track. If we are able to prevent diabetes or heart disease before it starts, we can save our health care system millions of dollars and help people live out their lives unburdened by avoidable and costly medical expenditures.”

Medication with the active ingredient semaglutide has been shown to be effective for weight loss. Since 2017, two semaglutide drugs have been approved for diabetes treatment: Ozempic and Rybelsus. In June of 2021, a third semaglutide medication was approved for weight loss management, Wegovy, which was further approved for reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with a history of heart disease in March of 2024.

SB24-054 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

President Fenberg’s Legislation to Make Colorado’s Elections More Democratic and Inclusive Passes Committee

Each year, Fenberg champions legislation to clean up Colorado’s elections and ensure they remain the gold-standard

DENVER, CO – The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, bill to improve our elections system, including strengthening financial disclosures of candidates and elected officials and improving the vacancy elections process.

Under current state law, if a state senate or house district comprises more than one county, elected precinct committee persons are not part of the vacancy committee. On the other hand, if a state senate or house district consists of one county, elected precinct committee persons are part of the vacancy committee. This difference leaves single county districts with hundreds of voters in the case of a vacancy, where multi-county districts have single digits to tens of votes. 

SB24-210 would address this discrepancy by requiring all state central committees to include their elected precinct committee persons, as well as the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and secretary of the several party county central committees who reside within the district. Expanding the number of voices on a vacancy committee increases the representation of those in the impacted districts and makes the process more democratic.

“Colorado’s elections are the envy of the country - but there are always adjustments and improvements we can implement to make our election system even better,” Fenberg said. “This bill will allow more Coloradans to have their voice heard in the case of vacancies and improve access for young voters, in addition to strengthening our financial disclosure laws. In Colorado, we are continuing to build confidence in our democratic process and ensuring we remain at the forefront when it comes to holding free and fair elections.”

This legislation would increase transparency and ethics in financial disclosure laws by ensuring the public has access to information about public officials’ finances and their potential conflicts of interests. If a citizen feels that someone isn’t complying with the law, there will now be a clear process for how to file complaints. 

Additionally, the bill would make Colorado’s election process more accessible to young voters by requiring counties to establish a ballot drop box on each higher education campus that has 1,000 or more enrolled students.

SB24-210 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve protections for victims of domestic violence and child abuse engaged in court proceedings cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

HB24-1350, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would make changes to the regulation of child and family investigators and evaluators. The bill would:

• Increase the hours of training required for investigators and evaluators;

• Require investigators and evaluators to provide options to the court that serve the best interest of the child;

• Require investigators and evaluators to provide written disclosure about their duties to each party involved in a court proceeding; 

• Require investigators and evaluators to include all information concerning domestic violence and child abuse acquired during the case, regardless of how they learn this information; and

• Require court personnel to be trained on coercive control, or a pattern of behavior an abuser uses to gain control and power over their victim.

“Too often, when domestic violence or child abuse is reported in custody cases, not only is custody ultimately awarded to the abuser, but survivors’ experiences are not taken seriously or are disregarded altogether,” said Winter. “In recent years, we have passed important legislation to increase awareness around these issues, but there’s more we can do. The protections included in this bill will ensure investigators have the necessary tools to reduce victim blaming bias and ensure safety for all of Colorado’s youth.”

“Victims of domestic violence and child abuse are often re-traumatized during court proceedings by custody decisions that put them in further danger,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We must do everything we can to ensure child and family investigators are well-trained and equipped to act in the best interest of victims, which is why this bill is so important. With this bill, we’re helping ensure victims’ well-being and safety, while also improving accountability in our court system.”

HB24-1350 would also require a court to consider the health and safety needs of a child when allocating parenting time. If a court orders unsupervised parenting time for a parent accused of domestic violence or child abuse, the court must make a statement on why that decision is in the best interest of the child. 

Finally, the bill charges the State Court Administrator (SCA) with accepting complaints against family investigators and evaluators, and requires the SCA to annually report those complaints to the legislature.

HB24-1350 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Roberts Bill to Ensure EpiPen Affordability, Save Coloradans Money Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would boost enforcement of a law intended to save Coloradans money on epinephrine auto injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

HB24-1438 builds on Roberts’ bill to cap the cost of a two pack of EpiPens at $60 by increasing the fines for noncompliance. The bill also authorizes the Colorado Attorney General to enforce both the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program and the Insulin Affordability Program, and makes it a deceptive trade practice for a manufacturer to fail to comply with the Insulin Affordability Program.

“Nobody should have to choose between affording their prescription drugs and paying rent or putting food on the table - but too many families like the ones I represent on the Western Slope are being forced to do just that when it comes to insulin or EpiPens, despite the state law that requires them to be sold at a price families can afford,” Roberts said. “This bill will put more teeth into enforcing our landmark legislation to make EpiPens more affordable, and hold accountable the bad actors who continue to charge Colorado families an arm and a leg for this life saving medication.”

HB23-1002 created the Epinephrine Auto-Injector Affordability Program, which allows uninsured Coloradans with a prescription to obtain low-cost epinephrine auto-injectors. Under the law, manufacturers are required to provide access to the program on their websites - but recent reports show that some pharmacies and manufacturers are not complying with the new law. 

HB24-1438 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Cutter, Michaelson Jenet Bill to Protect Colorado Libraries From Book Bans Clears Committee

Colorado saw a 143 percent increase in book ban attempts in 2023, according to the American Library Association

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to address the rise in attempts to ban certain books from Colorado libraries.

SB24-216, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would establish policies for the acquisition, retention, and display of library sources, as well as their removal upon the request of a patron. Libraries would not be allowed to remove content based on the demographics of the author or based on partisan disapproval of the topic. 

“Librarians work hard to provide their patrons with an inclusive array of materials, but culture war extremists are attacking them trying to deny other library goers materials and programming they don’t agree with,” said Cutter. “As more states move to ban books and limit citizens’ freedoms, we have to protect free speech and ensure access to information in Colorado. This bill protects librarians and ensures libraries remain welcoming and enriching spaces for all.”

“The freedom to read is one of our most precious rights, providing us with knowledge and skills to think critically and be informed citizens,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Most books challenged have been written by or about a historically marginalized group. This political tactic has dire consequences, especially for children, whom research shows benefit from culturally and racially responsive representation. Our communities deserve to be represented in public spaces like libraries, and codifying those legal standards demonstrates our commitment to protecting all Coloradans.”

Under this bill, libraries may only remove materials based on the policies their board adopts, and librarians would be protected from retaliation, discrimination, or termination for any resource that is not removed in accordance with the board’s policy. 

Finally, a person who requests that material may be removed must live within the service area of the library, and their requests would be public under the Colorado Open Records Act. For example, if a person requests a book be removed from a Jefferson County Public Library, they must reside within Jefferson County.

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

Bipartisan Ginal Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

HB24-1009, also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would expand bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood.

“Every Colorado family deserves access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education, but those resources aren’t available to every family who needs them,” Ginal said. “This bill will help improve bilingual outreach to help Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, which will make our early childhood system more accessible and inclusive. Bilingual early childhood programs will help children grow and learn, and give more families access to the early childhood services they deserve.”

The bill would expand licensed child care options across the state by improving outreach and helping Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, while providing more linguistically relevant child care options for children and families. 

HB24-1009 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Limit Use of Prone Restraint

HB24-1372 would require law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy on the use of prone restraint and train officers on that policy

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation to limit law enforcement’s use of prone restraint.

Prone restraint is a tactic used by law enforcement that involves placing a person face down to restrain them, and often includes law enforcement officers applying pressure to the person’s back or neck.

Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, HB24-1372 would require that law enforcement agencies adopt, and publish on their website, a written policy regarding the use of prone restraint. The policy must include when medical aid must be requested or rendered after the use of prone restraint. 

“Due to its high risk of injury and even death, law enforcement officers must do everything possible to avoid the use of prone restraint,” Fields said. “Going against best practices, over the past few years we have seen troubling examples of harmful uses of prone restraint. This long overdue bill will reinforce best practices, help prevent injury and avoid future deaths.”

“In many circumstances, prone restraint is a tactic used safely by law enforcement and does not lead to harmful outcomes. However, when misused, it can lead to serious injury and even death, and one death is too many," said Gonzales. "Officers are already trained on the appropriate use of the tactic, but outliers unfortunately occur. This bill codifies best practices for the use of prone restraint, promoting safety for community members who are placed in it, and the law enforcement officers who deploy it, while extending currently existing liability to officers who misuse it."

Under the bill, law enforcement agencies would be required to adopt a policy on the use of prone restraint by July 1, 2025 and the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board would be required to make a training on the use of the prone position available to law enforcement agencies. By July 1, 2026, law enforcement agencies would be required to implement and train peace officers on the provisions of their adopted policies and procedures.

HB24-1372 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Mullica’s Bill to Improve Eviction Data Collection and Reporting Clears Senate

Legislation would require courts to collect and report an expanded set of eviction case data

DENVER, CO – Senator Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bill to improve eviction data collection and reporting cleared the Senate today.

SB24-064 would require courts to electronically collect data for eviction cases in every county, beginning July 1, 2024. By January 1, 2025, the Judicial Department would be required to publish data on all residential evictions online in a searchable format, free of charge and on a monthly basis. The public data would not include personally identifiable information about a landlord or tenant.

“The cost of housing in Colorado continues to push people out of the communities they call home,” Mullica said. “As part of our larger effort to address Colorado’s housing crisis, we need to make sure we have a thorough understanding of how often and why people are being evicted. My hope is that through improved eviction data collection and reporting, we can better recognize trends from county to county and in the future, develop policies that will keep more Coloradans housed.”

SB24-064 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Gov. Polis Signs Budget to Support K-12 Schools and Hardworking Families

2024-25 state budget includes significant investments to fully fund K-12 education, boost funding for higher education, behavioral health care services, support for those with disabilities and Colorado’s state parks

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the FY 2024-2025 Long Appropriations Bill into law to invest in families, prepare our students for success, and build healthier communities across the state.

“Our balanced budget provides historic K-12 public school funding of more than $525 million, buys down the budget stabilization factor and addresses the most pressing needs of our communities,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “I’m proud that we are making higher education more affordable for students by capping tuition increases and ramping up financial aid support. Additionally, this bipartisan budget will improve inpatient behavioral and mental health care outcomes and fund services and programs relied upon by community members with an intellectual or developmental disability. With this law, we’re setting our state on a path forward where more Coloradans have the opportunity to not only get by, but thrive.”

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

“I’m excited to see this budget, which reflects our priority to support families and communities, signed into law. We are meeting our commitment to our students with record levels of K-12 public school funding and increased support for early childhood education,” said Joint Budget Committee member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. "This budget fully funds special education for the first time, increases pay for health care and universal preschool providers, saves people money on housing, and bolsters critical services for people with disabilities. This budget puts families first and fosters a stronger state for everyone.”

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

The state’s $40.6 billion budget is a 3.7 percent increase over last year’s budget. Signed into law today, HB24-1430, includes a total of $58.6 million to save people money on housing and boost education and workforce efforts.  

Preparing Students for Success

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

As outlined in the 2024-25 Long Bill, the total funding for public schools will increase by more than $500 million, including an increase in per-pupil funding by $736 per student, bringing the total per-pupil amount to $11,406 – the largest in state history. Final action on per pupil funding, and total program funding will come later in the session through the annual School Finance Act.

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

Supporting English Language Learners and New Arrival Students: This budget outlines an increase in funding of 10.6-percent or $3.3 million to help our students become proficient in the English language. Additionally, to help our school districts across the state support and meet the needs of the influx of new students, this budget includes an appropriation of $24.0 million from the State Education Fund to be distributed directly to schools as quickly as possible (HB24-1389).

Providing Mental Health Resources for Students: To help our learners succeed and access the mental and behavioral health services they need, this budget creates the School-Based Mental Health Support Program. This $2.5 million program will help our students enhance their social, emotional or behavioral well-being and support students going through adjustment periods (HB24-1406).

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

Capping Tuition Hikes, Boosting Funding for Higher Education, Supporting College Students: This budget caps tuition hikes at 3-percent for in-state students and 4-percent for non-resident students. The budget also boosts funding by $114.3 million to help our higher education institutions streamline services and operational support. Additionally, this budget sets aside $26.6 million in the General Fund for aligned financial aid support and $1.67 million in funding to provide assistance to students experiencing homelessness during high school. Students can use this funding to assist with housing, tuition, fees and textbooks (HB24-1403).

Support for Early Childhood and Families

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

Increasing Funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program: To help our families find child care options in their budget, this legislation includes a $21.1 million increase toward the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program which connects low-income families to child care options.

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

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

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

Creating Healthier, Stronger Communities

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

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

Increasing Funding for Nutrition Assistance: The budget includes a $16.9 million investment to meet the increased demand for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), so Coloradans can access and purchase healthy foods. The budget invests a further $3M in food banks and local food pantries to reduce food insecurity (HB24-1407).

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

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

Protecting Critical Health Care & Community Services:

• Funding for Popular I Matter Program: The successful I Matter program provides free therapy sessions to our youth under 18-years and younger. The budget includes $5 million to keep this program going.

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

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

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

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

• Support for Senior Centers: The budget protects vital services for seniors by providing $2 million in supplemental funding for local senior centers across the state.
  
  Increasing Veteran Support: To support those who’ve served our nation, the budget includes a $500,000 increase to the Veterans Assistance Grant Program which improves social, health and community services to Colorado’s veteran population.
  
  Boosting Support for New Americans: The budget includes more than $119,000 to expand the Office of New Americans which will help manage grants, coordinate with other entities, and identify opportunities for new migrant career pathway enhancements.
  
  Safer Communities
  
  Boosting Staffing for Public Defenders: To help Colorado’s public defenders meet the needs of our criminal justice system and reduce caseloads, this budget outlines $11.5 million and a 9-percent increase year-over-year to fund 50 new attorneys, 42 support staff, and 11 social workers.
  
  Combatting Auto Theft and Other Crime Prevention: To help keep our communities safer, the budget outlines a $8 million increase in funding toward grants to reduce and prevent auto theft. The budget also includes $1.1 million for state forensic resources vital to auto theft cases and $3 million for local crime prevention grants under the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention program (HB24-1421).
  
  Crime Victim Services Funding: Those involved in domestic violence situations or other life-altering crimes often need support. This budget invests $6 million in the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund to support victims of crime, their families and children (HB24-1420).
  
  Improving Emergency Response: To help our first responders reach those in need, this budget includes a $1.2 million investment to prove the Colorado Team Awareness Kit (COTAK). This mobile app will allow first responders to track and map their locations and improve the coordination of emergency response.
  
  Enhancing Security at Non-Profits: Nonprofits, such as synagogues and mosques, are facing an increase in threats. This budget includes an increase of more than $906,000 to the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help them ramp up physical security at their buildings.
  
  Boosting Funding for the Office of School Safety: The budget provides an additional $2 million for grants to help K-12 schools implement programs and infrastructure improvements to keep students safe.
  
  Investments for Parks, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation, Water Resources and Environment
  
  Strengthening Underfunded Parks & Wildlife Operations: To protect, maintain and make our state’s most awe-inspiring public parks more accessible this budget includes a $5.7 million investment to fund 45 new staff positions to strengthen several Division of Parks and Wildlife operations, including wildlife management, species conservation, fish hatchery operations, counter-poaching efforts, and the maintenance, management, and services necessary to serve the growing number of visitors to Colorado state parks.
  
  Spearheading Environmental Justice for Impacted Communities: To improve health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution, the budget allocates $2.8 million in funding to create the Office of Health Equity and Environmental Justice.
  
  Protecting Water Rights & Resources: To protect our valuable freshwater resources, this bill includes more than $237,000 to monitor and address national or regional developments that affect our water supply. The goal is to defend Colorado’s water rights as well as conserve and preserve our water resources.

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.