Colorado legislation to expand size, scope of facial recognition task force narrowly passes

HB24-1051 would prohibit towing companies from patrolling parking residential lots

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate Finance Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, to crack down on predatory towing, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections.

HB24-1051 would direct the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to promulgate new rules for towing carriers, including requiring carriers to disclose additional information necessary for effective oversight and meaningful reporting. It would also end the practice of towing carriers patrolling, monitoring or policing properties to enforce parking restrictions on behalf of property owners.

“When my car was wrongfully towed last summer, it showed me how the laws we had in place were being ignored and weren’t strong enough. Since then, I’ve heard from countless Coloradans who have shared their experiences as well, which was the reason to come back to the table and further strengthen Colorado’s Towing Bill of Rights,” said Gonzales. “It all worked out for me in the end, but you shouldn’t have to be a senator or know the law forward and backward just to be treated fairly. This bill ensures towing companies aren’t hiding the ball when it comes to telling people their options and rights under the law. My hope is that with this bill we can better protect consumers and hold tow carriers responsible for following the law.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve worked hard to improve consumer protections in the towing industry,” Priola said. “In the years since, we’ve learned that we need to do more to ensure Coloradans know their full range of options and that towing companies are actually following the law as intended. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation that makes much needed updates to our Towing Bill Rights and levels the playing field for Coloradans.”

Additionally, the bill aims to reduce incidents of wrongful towing by requiring the property owner to specifically authorize each non-consensual tow. Unauthorized vehicles would still be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner. The bill would also make it a deceptive trade practice to conduct a non-consensual tow in violation of the law.

The bill also ramps up consumer protections by requiring companies to return a wrongfully towed vehicle to the original location within 48 hours and at no charge to the vehicle owner, and by improving parking lot signage to explain towing regulations clearly in both English and Spanish.

Finally, in an effort to improve long-term transparency, HB24-1051 would allow the PUC to suspend or revoke a towing carrier permit in certain circumstances and would address conflicts of interest for members of the Towing Task Force.

HB24-1051 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce, Higher Education Students Passes Committee

Bipartisan legislation includes the final round of funding for the Opportunity Now grant program

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed Senator Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, bipartisan bill to support workforce development.

HB24-1365, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. This bill supports the final of several rounds of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grant program which connects more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades.

“Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Bridges. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure that what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone."

Additionally, this bill would create the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program to help Coloradans get connected to these in-demand careers in their communities. HB24-1365 leverages federal investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act to establish a workforce shortage tax credit that helps with facility and equipment improvements needed to train workers in new emerging fields. 

The Opportunity Now Grant Program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries.

It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

ICYMI: Committee Approves Bill to Require Permit to Sell a Firearm

Legislation would reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, to reduce gun violence, crack down on illegal firearm sales, and prevent crime by requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license was approved by the Senate Finance Committee yesterday.

Starting July 1, 2025, HB24-1353 would require firearm dealers in Colorado to hold a state firearms dealer permit in order to sell guns in Colorado. Operating without this permit would be an unclassified felony punishable by a fine of up to $250,000.

“Liquor stores, restaurants, and hair dressers all need a state license to operate, and this bill says that gun stores should have one too,” said Bridges. “This new licensing requirement shouldn’t have any negative impact on stores that follow state laws, which is nearly all of them. But it will ensure that every employee in every store knows what our state laws are, and that they follow them. It’s an important way to keep our communities safe, keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, and give Colorado the basic oversight it needs over these stores.”

“Due to the nature of their business, firearm dealers must be held to very high standards,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Requiring state licensure provides another check to make sure dealers are operating safely and in accordance with the law. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation which sets new requirements like increased inspections and trainings to reduce gun violence and prevent crimes.”

Under the bill, firearm dealers would apply through the Department of Revenue and must hold a valid federal firearm license to be eligible for a state firearms dealer permit. Applicants would not be eligible for the permit if they have an adverse licensing action taken for good cause by the federal government or any state within three years of applying. They would also be ineligible if they have been convicted of a violation of any state or federal law regarding the possession or sale of firearms.

Other requirements for receiving a state firearms dealer permit include:

• Finger-printed background checks for employees every 3 years;

• Training on how to prevent theft and identify straw purchasers, fraudulent activities, and people at risk of self-harm. An exam on this training would also be required before an applicant is granted a permit;

• Random and regular inspections to ensure firearm dealers are complying with state and federal law;

• Firearm sales to only occur during business hours, except during a gun show; and

• Contacting law enforcement to report a suspicious person who tried to unlawfully purchase a firearm within 48 hours of the incident.

Studies show that policies regulating firearm dealer licensing can lead to significant reductions in gun violence, including gun homicides and suicides. After Connecticut passed a similar law, its firearm homicide rate fell by 28 percent and firearm suicide rate decreased by 33 percent.

HB24-1353 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Increase Prescription Label Accessibility for Visually Impaired Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Denver, to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print disabled Coloradans.

HB24-1115 would require a pharmacy to provide Coloradans who are blind or are otherwise unable to read printed prescription labels with access to prescription drug label information. The bill would require pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients or caretakers with:

• An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device;

• A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format;

• Prescription drug label information in braille or large print; or

• Any other method recommended by the US Access Board.

“All patients deserve to have access to accommodations that meet their unique needs so that they can consistently receive critical information about their medications,” said Fenberg. “Prescription medications are critical to maintaining one’s health, and a lack of access to information about prescription medications can have serious, life-threatening consequences, such as accidentally taking an incorrect medication or dosage. This important bill will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.”

Pharmacies would have a 28 day grace period to provide a method of access if they have not been asked to provide that method of access before. The bill would also create the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels.

HB24-1115 now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Boost Rural Health Care Workforce Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan legislation to improve funding for rural health care. 

“Folks who live in rural communities like those I represent on the Western Slope face unique challenges with the cost of and lack of access to health care,” said Roberts. “In the legislature, I’ve worked to boost our rural health care workforce, and this bill will expand that successful program and support our rural hospitals with much needed supplemental funding so that they can keep their doors open and continue to serve their communities."

SB24-221, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, builds upon previous legislation that established the Colorado Rural Health Care Workforce Initiative to expand the number of health care professionals practicing in rural areas. This bill would designate additional funding for institutions of higher education to expand or establish an existing rural health care track program, as well as over $1.7 million for rural hospitals.

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

Senate Passes Bill to Increase Federal Funds for Nutrition and Housing Support

DENVER, CO – The Senate passed bipartisan legislation today to help fund housing and nutrition services for those on Medicaid. 

HB24-1322, sponsored by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would lay the groundwork for redirecting federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and secure housing. This legislation aims to create a path to redirect Medicaid funding for services that address health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program.

“With HB-1322 we have an opportunity to leverage federal funds and design Medicaid programs to help more Coloradans get the resources they need,” said Rodriguez. “Families I represent in Denver are struggling to pay rent, afford groceries, and make ends meet. Redirecting federal Medicaid funds to address more health-related social needs makes sense, and I’m glad to see it move forward.”

The bill would direct the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to conduct a feasibility study and pursue a 1115 Waiver so Medicaid can fund housing and nutrition services. The feasibility study would determine how Medicaid can pay for specific nutrition-based services such as medically tailored meals and pantry stocking, as well as helping with temporary housing, rent, utility assistance, and eviction prevention and tenant support. 

Utilizing dollars already spent on housing and nutrition support services through a 1115 Medicaid Waiver would provide Colorado with a federal match and the flexibility to design and improve Medicaid programs to fit the needs of Coloradans. It would also help the state conserve local and state financial resources.

This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition support is successfully used in more than 15 states across the nation, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey and North Carolina.  

The bill now heads to the Governor's desk for signature. Follow its progress HERE.

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

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

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved 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:

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

• Saving water, including through xeriscaping and native plant landscaping;

• Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts;

• Setting goals for state government;

• Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies; and

• Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices.

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 House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Buckner, Coleman Legislation to Expand CROWN Act Protections

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Caucus Chair Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would better protect Coloradans against hairstyle discrimination cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1451 would expand hairstyle discrimination protections already established under the CROWN Act of 2020 to include hair length.

“We passed the CROWN Act to make sure every Coloradan is able to express their identity and culture without fear, and this legislation will add to those protections to make it illegal to discriminate based on hair length,” Coleman said. “I am proud to champion this bill that will ensure all Coloradans are able to express who they are.”

"Hair length has been used to discriminate for far too long,” Buckner said. “This bill builds upon the success we’ve seen in addressing this type of discrimination, and will add further protections so that every Coloradan can wear a hairstyle that is rooted in their culture and reflects who they are.”

Colorado’s 2020 CROWN Act explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture and hair type, and protects hairstyles like dreadlocks, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros and headwraps. HB24-1451 would add hair length to Colorado’s CROWN Act.
 
HB24-1451 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Rodriguez’s Bill to Establish Standards for Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems

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

Committee Advances Pair of Bills to Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness, Improve Wildfire Mitigation

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee advanced a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to continue wildfire prevention awareness and improve wildfire mitigation in rural communities.

“We must use every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for the increased number and intensity of wildfires,” said Cutter. “The bills advanced today will help get these tools and valuable information into communities under threat of wildfire, including those in under-resourced rural communities.”

HB24-1024 would require the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface.

In 2022, Cutter sponsored legislation that directed CSFS to create a working group and implement an enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaign for 2023 and 2024.

The Committee also advanced HB24-1006, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, which would establish a grant program within CSFS to provide grant funds to nonprofits to aid rural communities in navigating and applying for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. The array of available resources can be complex to wade through, which is why navigation assistance is critical to help communities obtain the resources they need to combat wildfires through prevention tactics, response efforts, and risk management.

Both bills now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review. Track HB24-1024’s progress HERE and HB24-1006’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Create New TABOR Refund Mechanism, Better Support Colorado Families Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, that would restructure the refund mechanisms for state revenue collected above the TABOR cap and ensure Colorado is able to meet its commitment to fund critical services and schools cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

SB24-228, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would temporarily lower income tax rates and create a new formula to determine future refund amounts through a six-tier refund mechanism and income tax rate reduction, and sales and use tax reductions in years with higher surpluses. 

"Making sure Colorado's tax code works for all Coloradans is one of my top priorities, which is why this bill, combined with our work to bolster critical tax credits that benefit working families, is so important,” Mullica said. "Taken together, these measures will put more money into the pockets of working Colorado families, cut child poverty in half, and make it easier to make ends meet."

SB24-228 will ensure Colorado meets its funding obligations during a recession and, when paired with the new Family Affordability Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, will support working Colorado families by reducing child poverty and boosting the incomes of hardworking people.

SB24-228 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today advanced a legislative package aimed at making 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.

SB24-229, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, would establish more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The bill will: 

• Require the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. 

• Expand enforcement actions and develop new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. 

• Establish additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions.

• Codify rulemaking to achieve the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030 through a proposed rule to Air Quality Control Commission no later than August 31, 2026.

• Provide additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission.

“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 Winter. “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. This legislation 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."

“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 Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This bill is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all."

The Committee also advanced SB24-230, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, which would generate significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado that will be tied to oil and gas prices. 

Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. 

"Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes this legislation all the more exciting," Fenberg. “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 these bills will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come."

“Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “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. These bills give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.”

The new fee will be tied to oil and gas prices with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including Northwest and North rail lines 

To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on benefitting native biodiversity.

Both bills will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track SB24-229 HERE, and SB24-230 HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Create New TABOR Refund Mechanism, Better Support Colorado Families Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, that would restructure the refund mechanisms for state revenue collected above the TABOR cap and ensure Colorado is able to meet its commitment to fund critical services and schools cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

SB24-228, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, would temporarily lower income tax rates and create a new formula to determine future refund amounts through a six-tier refund mechanism and income tax rate reduction, and sales and use tax reductions in years with higher surpluses. 

"Making sure Colorado's tax code works for all Coloradans is one of my top priorities, which is why this bill, combined with our work to bolster critical tax credits that benefit working families, is so important,” Mullica said. "Taken together, these measures will put more money into the pockets of working Colorado families, cut child poverty in half, and make it easier to make ends meet."

SB24-228 will ensure Colorado meets its funding obligations during a recession and, when paired with the new Family Affordability Tax Credit and expanded Earned Income Tax Credit, will support working Colorado families by reducing child poverty and boosting the incomes of hardworking people.

SB24-228 will now move to consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Landmark Package of Bills to Improve Colorado’s Air Quality and Boost Transit Clear Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today advanced a legislative package aimed at making 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.

SB24-229, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, would establish more permitting and enforcement authority for the state to lower emissions, improve air quality and reduce pollution in Colorado communities. The bill will: 

• Require the latest strategies to minimize pollution to be incorporated in newly permitted oil and gas locations. 

• Expand enforcement actions and develop new approaches to prevent repeat violations and preempt future violations. 

• Establish additional transparency around complaints and enforcement actions by the Air Pollution Control Division, including establishing an annual report and opt-in distribution list to provide the public with information about investigations and enforcement actions.

• Codify rulemaking to achieve the Governor’s directive to reduce ozone-causing NOx from oil and gas operations by 50 percent by 2030 through a proposed rule to Air Quality Control Commission no later than August 31, 2026.

• Provide additional protections for Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs), including expanding the mission of the orphaned wells mitigation enterprise to also include marginal wells, focusing funding on plugging marginal wells in DICs and near population centers, and establishing new dedicated community liaisons at the Energy and Carbon Management Commission.

“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 Winter. “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. This legislation 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."

“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 Priola. “We must take action now to improve our air quality and mitigate the harmful impacts of ozone on our communities. This bill is a critical step towards reducing emissions and air pollution that puts Colorado on a path to securing a healthier future for us all."

The Committee also advanced SB24-230, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, which would generate significant new funding for transit and rail, as well as land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration, with modest fees on oil and gas production in Colorado that will be tied to oil and gas prices. 

Oil and gas development is among the largest contributors in Colorado to both greenhouse gas emissions and ozone pollution. Reducing vehicle trips by supporting reliable transit and rail service statewide can offset these impacts by lowering ozone-forming and greenhouse gas vehicle emissions while improving quality of life, supporting the construction of new housing, and alleviating traffic. 

"Forging consensus on an issue like this is hard, which is what makes this legislation all the more exciting," Fenberg. “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 these bills will bring to our air quality, our transit system, and our public lands for generations to come."

“Our geography in Colorado – and especially along the Front Range – makes us uniquely susceptible to unhealthy ozone levels and poor air quality,” said Cutter. “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. These bills give us the opportunity to take significant action that will reduce air pollution, protect Colorado’s environment, and build a healthier Colorado.”

The new fee will be tied to oil and gas prices with 80 percent of the revenues dedicated to the Clean Transit Enterprise and 20 percent to natural lands and wildlife conservation. Of the 80 percent dedicated to transit, the majority will bolster local transit operations while 20 percent is dedicated to the expansion of passenger and commuter rail in Colorado. These funds will support RTD in providing new services including Northwest and North rail lines 

To address impacts on wildlife from oil and gas production, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide remediation services by conducting a range of badly needed conservation work, including restoring lands and improving ecosystem health, improving wildlife connectivity, and even creating new state parks and wildlife areas, with a focus on benefitting native biodiversity.

Both bills will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track SB24-229 HERE, and SB24-230 HERE.

Senate Committee Advances Legislation to Increase Penalties for Child Labor Violations

Bill would increase financial penalties for businesses that violate the law, incentivize reporting and improve transparency

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today passed legislation to ramp up financial penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws.

Under current law, first-time child labor law violators face little-to-no financial consequences. HB24-1095, sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, would update the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 and strengthen the penalty structure, raising total employer liability for first-time offenses and for willful or repeated offenses. It would also remove legal disincentives that keep victims of child labor violations from reporting and protect child workers from employer retaliation.

“As child labor protections have been rolled back in different parts of the country, it’s essential we strengthen ours and hold violators accountable,” said Sullivan. “Our current child labor laws are decades out of date, and are no longer serving as the deterrent they were meant to be. This bill is common sense: we can protect youth and whistleblowers while also ensuring businesses operate lawfully.”

Additionally, this bill would strengthen employer transparency by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish child labor violations or determinations. CDLE must issue a written notice to an employer with a description of penalties and damages owed if the act is violated. All fine revenue would be deposited into the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund, which distributes payments owed to Colorado employees who have filed claims of wage theft.

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

Committee Advances Pair of Bills to Reduce Competency Waitlist, Improve Efficiency in Competency System

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a pair of bills to reduce the competency waitlist and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the competency system.

Last year, Colorado had 448 people who were deemed to be incompetent to proceed by a court and were waiting to receive competency restoration services before proceeding to trial, with an average wait time of 66 days. HB24-1355, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, aims to reduce this competency waitlist through creation of the Bridges Wraparound Care Program, which would deflect eligible individuals with mental health struggles from the criminal justice system into wraparound care services.

“Colorado’s exorbitantly long competency waitlist is a long-standing issue, and I’m proud that this year we’re advancing policy to start addressing the problem,” said Michaelson Jenet. “When individuals languish on the competency waitlist, they’re not receiving the treatment they need and their likelihood to reenter the criminal justice system greatly increases. The Bridges Wraparound Care Program offers folks a path forward that ensures their needs are being met while helping break the cycle of reoffense and reentry in our criminal justice system.”

A defendant is deemed eligible for the Bridges Wraparound Care Program if a district attorney and defense counsel agree that there is reasonable cause to believe the defendant will be found incompetent and if the defendant does not pose a risk to public safety. Allowing eligible defendants to participate in the program will give them access to critical behavioral health services while helping reduce Colorado’s recidivism rate. 

Under the bill, if a defendant in the Program complies with their individualized care plan for a specified amount of time, the court must dismiss the charges against the defendant.

The Committee also advanced HB24-1034, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, which would streamline complicated processes in the competency system to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

“Colorado’s competency system is overwhelmed and overcomplicated,” Fields said. “Folks are struggling with difficult mental health issues and they need help now. It’s past time we make updates to our competency system to ensure more people are getting the behavioral health care support they need to stay out of the criminal justice system and live more whole lives.”

To help get people who are unlikely to be restored to competency into appropriate treatment, the bill imposes new time limits for when a defendant who has been deemed incompetent to proceed can remain in custody. Additionally, the bill directs when competency services may be provided on an outpatient basis.

HB24-1355 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. HB24-1034 now heads to the Senate floor. Track its progress HERE.

Coleman’s Bill to Better Support Justice-Engaged Youth Earns Committee Approval

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, that would boost support for K-12 justice-engaged students cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

HB24-1216 would establish a Student Bill of Rights, collect graduation data, set standards for credit transfers, and create a hotline for legal and educational resources aimed at helping justice-engaged youth succeed.

“Just because a student becomes involved with the juvenile justice system doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of an education and a future,” Coleman said. “This bill is important, and would help reduce recidivism while giving justice-involved students a shot at gaining the skills and knowledge they need to graduate school and build a successful life for themselves.”

HB24-1216 would establish rights for students who are involved in the juvenile justice system, including the right to alternative solutions for general education, prompt enrollment with a local education provider, appropriate credit for coursework that was completed while being justice-engaged, a graduation plan, education while committed, and participation in gifted and talented and college readiness programs.

The bill requires school districts to publish available resources on their websites and designate a person to serve as a point of contact for justice-engaged students. The bill also encourages courts to delay sentences to commitment to the Division of Youth Services if the student did not commit a physical offense or cause bodily injury, and directs the Department of Education to create a statewide hotline for justice-engaged students to seek legal advice, school options, and other necessary services and support.

HB24-1216 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Limit Use of Prone Restraint Clears Senate

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 approved 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 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Roberts Bill to Ensure EpiPen Affordability, Save Coloradans Money

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 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 to $10,000 for each month of noncompliance. The bill also authorizes the Colorado Attorney General to enforce the program, and makes it a deceptive trade practice for failure to comply with the Epinephrine Auto-Injector 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 the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Michaelson Jenet Bill to Improve Access to Health Care Passes Senate

Bill would address health care workforce shortages

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to health care.

SB24-141, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Van Winkle, R-Highlands Ranch, would allow out-of-state health care providers to register and practice telehealth in Colorado. To apply for telehealth registration, applicants would be required to possess an active and unencumbered license, certificate, registration, or credential issued by a governmental authority in another state.

“Every Coloradan deserves access to high quality, affordable health care regardless of their age, income, or zip code,” Michaelson Jenet said. “We’re working to address health care workforce shortages by making it easier to provide telehealth and mental health care services in Colorado, helping secure access to care for every Coloradan who needs it.”

According to the Rural Health Information Hub, over 1.2 million Coloradans are in primary care shortage areas, and over 2.8 million are in mental health professional shortage areas. The legislation aims to decrease wait and travel times for rural residents, and break down barriers to underserved communities who may find language barriers with their current providers.

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