Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Housing by Eliminating Parking Mandates Becomes Law

Legislation puts ‘people over parking’ to lower the cost of building new homes, increase Colorado’s housing supply, and reduce harmful air pollution

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill to make housing in Colorado more affordable and reduce traffic congestion by eliminating parking mandates that drive up the cost of building new housing, especially multi-family developments.

"Minimum parking mandates drive up costs by forcing every builder to provide more spaces than the market demands. They can add hundreds of dollars to monthly rents and make many smaller scale developments completely impossible," said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “These mandates, which are being challenged all over the country, have created to an abundance of asphalt, a shortage of housing and transportation choices, and higher greenhouse gas emissions. We have quite literally paved paradise to put up a parking lot. Our new law scales back this onerous regulation, allowing builders to right size parking supply based on the context and unique characteristics of every project.”

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

“The financial burden that comes with parking minimum requirements gets passed onto hardworking Coloradans through higher housing costs,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Each parking space can add tens of thousands of dollars and reduce the number of units that we can build—restricting supply and driving up costs. This law, coupled with the other housing legislation that Colorado Democrats passed this year, will help alleviate our affordability crisis.”

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

HB24-1304 prohibits a county or municipality from enacting or enforcing minimum parking requirements for most multifamily residential properties within a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) that are within a quarter mile of a transit stop or station.

The bill still allows a local government to impose a parking minimum of up to one space per unit on proposed housing developments with more than 20 units or that include any units classified as affordable housing. To impose this mandate, they must show that the parking minimum is required to avoid a substantial negative impact.

HB24-1304 does not allow a county or municipality to lower protections for people with disabilities and does not prevent a local government from enacting or enforcing a maximum parking requirement or requiring a number of spaces for temporary loading purposes.

Lastly, the bill requires the Colorado Department of Transportation and other state agencies to publish technical assistance materials and best practices for optimal parking supply and management policies by the end of 2024.

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

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

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

JOINT RELEASE: Polis Signs Bill to Create the Office of Rail Safety

PUEBLO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to establish the Office of Rail Safety which will study and implement rail safety measures in Colorado.

“As we work toward expanding passenger rail in Colorado, we need to ensure our railways are safe,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “We know train derailments can be incredibly destructive and dangerous, which is why we’re working toward ways to ramp up Colorado's rail safety measures. This law establishes the Office of Rail Safety to oversee rail operations, collect data and create safer railways for us all.”

"Train derailments and obstruction accidents have increased and we must protect the safety of workers and our communities, particularly as we move to expand passenger rail," said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. "Hazardous materials are frequently moved by rail through heavily forested areas near critical waterways, so an accident has the potential to be catastrophic. Our new Office of Rail Safety will oversee rail operations and collect data to help address the real safety issues we know are plaguing the rail industry."

“We need to take steps now to improve rail safety and prevent dangerous derailments,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This law creates the Office of Rail Safety to oversee rail operations across the state and requires them to file a report on critical safety information, such as train length, emergency response and clean up protocols.”

“As Colorado continues to grow, our rail-network will become even more critical to the sustainability of our state,” Senator Tony Exum Sr., D-Colorado Springs, said. “Train derailments can shut down critical transportation networks, cause major environmental harms, and threaten the health and safety of countless individuals. This new law will help ensure that the economic needs of our commercial rail system are met, without sacrificing the safety of our communities, our environment, or our transportation professionals.”

HB24-1030 will create the Office of Rail Safety within the Public Utilities Commission. The Office will be required to create a report including information to increase rail safety measures such as assessments of train length, emergency response and financial responsibility for cleanups of hazardous material incidents, and necessary staffing and equipment levels for implementation of safety measures. Under the law, the Office would be required to submit their report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2024.

The law aims to improve safety requirements for railroads operating in Colorado by:
·        Improving emergency response procedures through preparation and coordination;
·        Initiating state oversight of critical wayside detector systems;
·        Requiring a train crossing to be clear when an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance or police car, approaches;
·        Allowing relevant union representatives to request investigations from the Office of Rail Safety; and
·        Increasing penalties for safety violations, with increased emphasis on repeat or knowing violations.

Gov Signs Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado’s Workforce

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill into law that will create a refundable state income tax credit and grant programs to boost registered apprenticeship opportunities.

“Colorado has made a lot of progress in our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities, and this new law will help employers offset the costs of creating high-quality registered apprenticeships to connect Coloradans with on-the-job experience and address workforce shortages,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “By supporting businesses in new and emerging industries to create apprenticeship opportunities, more Coloradans can earn money while they learn the ropes of their chosen industry. This law will allow us to help local businesses keep their doors open and create a stronger workforce with in-demand skills to keep our communities running.”

“I’m committed to paving the way for equitable access to opportunity, so that all Coloradans have the chance to get ahead – and a key way we can do that is by investing in our workforce,” Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, said. “We’re bringing forward resources that will expand existing programs and increase the adoption of registered apprenticeships. These investments can create more than 8,000 new apprenticeships, and give Coloradans the opportunities they need to succeed.”

HB24-1439, also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senator Mark Baisley, R-Sedalia, creates a refundable state income tax credit for eligible employers starting in tax year 2025. This income tax credit is available to businesses operating in a new and emerging industry with a registered apprenticeship program.

HB24-1439 also creates the Scale-Up Grant Program to start new or expand existing registered apprenticeship programs and the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant Program to connect employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs.

SIGNED! Legislation to Encourage More Housing Near Transit and Jobs Becomes Law

Law will help save Coloradans money on housing by encouraging housing near transit options, increasing housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed legislation into law that will encourage more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community. It also provides financial support to cities, counties, and municipalities that meet their housing goals.

“Colorado’s housing crisis is making it nearly impossible for Coloradans to buy their first home, which is why we have to prioritize building denser housing near transit and job centers so we can reduce the cost of housing,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1313. “Our new law encourages local governments to build transit-oriented housing by providing financial support to help them meet their communities’ housing needs. By legalizing smart and attainable housing development, we can make it easier for our community members to afford housing.”

“The housing challenges plaguing our state are reaching a fever pitch, which is why Democrats are laser focused on providing solutions,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “One of those solutions is to incentivize smart, strategic growth near jobs and transit. This law will do just that, while also reducing congestion on our roads, cutting air pollution, and increasing affordability, so that more Colorado families can find a place to call home that works for them.”

“The vast majority of Coloradans support legislation that makes it easier to build housing near jobs and transit hubs,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1313. “This new law seeks to make housing more affordable near jobs and transit centers, protect vulnerable communities from displacement, reduce water use and traffic, and build the homes Coloradans want. Coloradans need us to act now so we can address our housing and climate crises.”

“Coloradans are begging for more housing, and there is no better place to build housing and increase density than near transit,” Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “This new law is important in multiple ways - it will increase housing options, reduce costs, and help our state reach its climate goals, all while protecting vulnerable communities from displacement. I am proud to champion this legislation, and I look forward to the benefits it will bring to our state.”

HB24-1313 empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve Colorado’s natural resources and improve air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. Of the 31 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor.

Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from the new $35 million Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their work to improve infrastructure within transit centers or neighborhood centers.

A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects.

SAVING Coloradans Money on Housing! Gov Signs Bill to Legalize ADUs

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed into law a bill that will create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing more homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

“Coloradans are relying on us to pass effective legislation to tackle the housing crisis, and this law gives homeowners the tools to create more housing opportunities,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1152. “From housing aging relatives to renting out extra space, ADUs offer alternative housing options that can save Coloradans money on housing and legalize alternative home-care placements. This is an important bipartisan law that makes it easier for Coloradans to live near their jobs, schools, and loved ones.”

“Colorado families and communities are desperate for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB24-1152. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.”

“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1313 said. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home.”

HB24-1152, also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, allows homeowners in subject jurisdictions to build an ADU with fewer obstacles and creates a new $5 million state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote and streamline the construction of ADUs.

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

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

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

Senate Approves Marchman, Danielson Bill to Create Access to HVAC Systems for Schools

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, that would help schools access infrastructure grants to improve their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems cleared the Senate yesterday.

HB24-1307 would require Colorado schools to follow technical specifications for the installation, inspection, maintenance, review and reporting of HVAC systems whenever improvements are made using federal money, which would allow schools to apply for state and federal grants to upgrade their HVAC systems.

“It’s hard to learn and teach in classrooms that are hot and have poor air quality. Across America, school districts are securing federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds to directly improve health and safety in public schools,” Marchman said. “But Colorado statute does not currently allow bipartisan IIJA funds to be distributed to school districts. Colorado has missed out on billions of federal dollars because without this bill, schools are ineligible for federal grant funding in Colorado. This bill will help Colorado school districts access critical federal funding that will allow them to install or update their heating and air conditioning systems.”

“Every year schools across our state cancel classes due to ‘heat days’ because far too many schools still lack access to basic air conditioning,” Danielson said. “Those are extremely valuable lost hours of learning that make a real impact on our students. This bill would help make schools more competitive for critical federal dollars that will help make our learning environments safer and more comfortable so students can focus on what matters most: learning.”

The bill would also require schools to only employ certified contractors to perform HVAC improvements.

HB24-1307 will now move to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness, Improve Wildfire Mitigation Clears Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate recently approved 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 Senate also approved 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 head to the Governor for his signature. Track HB24-1024’s progress HERE and HB24-1006’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Support New Immigrants

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Lisa Cutter’s, D-Jefferson County, legislation to support new immigrants.

HB24-1280 would create the Statewide Welcome, Reception, and Integration Grant Program to direct funding to community-based organizations that provide services to new immigrants within their first year in the United States.

“Colorado’s immigrant communities make our state stronger,” said Fields. “With the recent increase of new immigrants to our state, community organizations and local governments are struggling to keep up with the high demand for services. Increasing access to resources like employment and housing services will help new immigrants build successful lives in Colorado.”

“Colorado has seen a recent influx of new immigrants, and they often arrive with very little and no knowledge or connections to help them integrate,” Cutter said. “This critical bill will better resource existing community-based organizations so they can support new immigrants and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in Colorado.”

Under the program, grant funding could be used for:

• Conducting an intake and assessment of needs;

• Providing cultural orientation and case management;

• Services or referrals to employment services, immigration legal assistance, housing-related services, transportation services, financial orientation, mental and physical health services, interpretation and translation services, and English as a second language courses;

• Distributing emergency and transitional supplies; and

• Assisting new immigrant parents to enroll their kids in public schools or summer programs.

HB24-1280 now heads to the Governor to be signed into law. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes Senate

New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed legislation to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services Fund and behavioral health crisis response services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry.

If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $39 million annually.

“Coloradans have shown time and again that they want to make our communities safer, and supporting crime victims is a critical part of that,” Hansen said. “With this measure, Coloradans would have the chance to vote to ensure victim services like youth behavioral health care and violence prevention are sustained for years to come. These programs are essential across the state and can help cut off the cycle of crime before it continues.”

“With federal funding for the Victims of Crime Act to decrease in Colorado by 40 to 50 percent in the next year, it is so important we pass this measure to support victims of crime,” said Buckner. “Many families in my community rely on services like housing support and legal advocacy as they navigate their painful ordeal – which is why I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to create consistent funding for them.” 

The funds would be allocated in the following manner:

• $30 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants;

• $8 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and to provide mental health services for veterans; 

• $1 million to support school safety; and

• Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors.

Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill.

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

Senate Approves Bill to Preserve Affordable Housing Stock

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The right of first offer and right of first refusal would terminate on December 31, 2029.

HB24-1175 now returns to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Coleman’s Bill to Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Reduce Recidivism

DENVER, CO – The Senate yesterday approved legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, that would strengthen Colorado’s workforce and reduce recidivism. 

HB24-1004 would ensure Coloradans who have served their time can re-enter the workforce, acquire professional credentials, support their families, and succeed in their careers. 

“Coloradans who have a criminal record face significant barriers to entry when looking for jobs, which makes it harder to break the cycle of incarceration and rebuild their lives,” Coleman said. “This bill aims to break down those barriers and make it easier for formerly incarcerated Coloradans to re-enter their communities and find a good-paying job that supports them and their families.”

HB24-1004 establishes a uniform process for considering criminal records in occupational registration, certification, and licensure applications. The bill includes a wide range of careers from the construction and banking industries to IT. The bill further prohibits regulators from automatically refusing to grant or renew a license based on an applicant’s criminal record unless the applicant’s conviction is directly related to a specific element that is still relevant at the time of an individual’s application.

HB24-1004 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Pair of Bills to Cut Child Poverty, Support Working Colorado Families

DENVER, CO – The Senate approved a pair of bills to better support working Colorado families.

HB24-1311, sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, would create the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC). This credit would be available to parents with children aged 16 and younger, and the maximum credit amount would be $3,200 per child and would be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment.

“Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Winter. “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’re going to see this session. I am extremely pleased to be a part of making this bill possible, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.”

“Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Coleman. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.”

The FATC is available to single tax filers with a federal adjusted gross income up to $75,000 or joint filers up to $85,000

The Senate also approved HB24-1134, sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, which would permanently expand the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by setting it to a baseline of 50 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024, 35 percent for tax year 2025, and at least 25 percent for tax years beginning 2026, and allowing it to increase up to 50 percent in years of strong economic growth in 2025 and beyond.

“Our tax code is skewed towards benefitting earners at the top, which is why I am fighting to pass measures like this that shift the balance towards all Coloradans,” Hinrichsen said. “This legislation will provide significant relief for the folks who need it most, and make it easier for Colorado’s working families to get by.”

“Colorado’s working families deserve a break,” said Hansen. “These critical tax credits will put more money in their pockets, and make it easier to pay for necessities like groceries and rent. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will lift folks out of poverty and will make life easier for Colorado families.”

In addition to permanently expanding the EITC for Colorado families, HB24-1134 would merge the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Low-income Child Care Expenses Tax Credit to create the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of up to $60,000. 

Both bills will now return to the House for consideration of amendments. Track HB24-1311 HERE, and HB24-1134 HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Require Permit to Sell a Firearm

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 today.

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

Senate Approves Bill to Create the Office of Rail Safety

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Tony Exum’s, D-Colorado Springs, bill to establish the Office of Rail Safety, charged with studying and implementing rail safety measures in Colorado.

HB24-1030 would create the Office of Rail Safety within the Public Utilities Commission. The Office would be required to create a report including information to increase rail safety such as assessments of train length, emergency response and financial responsibility for cleanups of hazardous material incidents, and necessary staffing and equipment levels for implementation of safety measures. Under the bill, the Office would be required to submit their report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2024.

"Train derailments and obstruction accidents have increased and we must protect the safety of workers and our communities, particularly as we move to expand passenger rail," said Cutter. "Hazardous materials are frequently moved by rail through heavily forested areas near critical waterways, so an accident has the potential to be catastrophic. This bill will create an Office of Rail Safety, so we can oversee rail operations and collect data to help address the real safety issues we know are plaguing the rail industry."

“As Colorado continues to grow, our rail-network will become even more critical to the sustainability of our state,” Exum said. “Train derailments can shut down critical transportation networks, cause major environmental harms, and threaten the health and safety of countless individuals. This bill will help ensure that the economic needs of our commercial rail system are met, without sacrificing the safety of our communities, our environment, or our transportation professionals.”

HB24-1030 aims to improve safety requirements for railroads operating in Colorado by:

• Improving emergency response procedures through preparation and coordination;

• Initiating state oversight of critical wayside detector systems;

• Requiring a train crossing to be clear when an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance or police car, approaches;

• Allowing unions to request investigations from the Office of Rail Safety; and

• Increasing penalties for safety violations, with increased emphasis on repeat or knowing violations.

HB24-1030 will now return to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Save Older Coloradans Money on Housing Earns Senate Approval

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, to reinstate a refundable tax credit to save older Coloradans money on housing.

HB24-1052 would reinstate a refundable income tax credit for Coloradans aged 65 or older with incomes under $75,000 (or $125,000 if filing jointly) who have not claimed a homestead property tax exemption for the 2024 property tax year. The income tax credit was initially created by HB22-1205.

“Amidst our statewide housing crisis, seniors on fixed incomes need additional relief to afford their rent and stay in their homes,” said Hansen. “While we’ve worked hard to extend housing support through property tax relief and a portable homestead property tax exemption, we must do more to help seniors who rent. This refundable tax credit will help even more lower and fixed income seniors remain in the homes and communities they love.”

“We’ve been working hard to support Colorado seniors, and especially those living on a low fixed income while renting, or who are not eligible for the senior homestead exemption, which is why I am so proud to champion this important legislation,” Kolker said. “This measure would save older Coloradans millions of dollars on housing, make our state a more affordable place to live, and ensure seniors can remain in the communities they have called home for years to come.”

The amount of the credit depends on income and taxpayer filing status. Single and joint filers with an income of $25,000 or less would receive the maximum credit amount of $800. For taxpayers who could file jointly but choose to file separately, the maximum credit amount would be $400. For every $500 of income above the threshold, the amount of the credit is reduced by $8 for single filers and by $4 for married taxpayers filing jointly or separately.

Under the bill, taxpayers who qualify for a property tax and rent assistance grant or heat assistance grant may receive the maximum credit amount regardless of income level.

HB24-1052 now heads to the Governor to be signed into law. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Implement Statewide Jail Standards

Legislation would require jails to follow standards adopted by the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed a bill that would help improve the health and safety of individuals housed in jails across the state and those employed in jails, and to ensure that persons experiencing incarceration have a basic set of rights.

HB24-1054, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, extends the duties of the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards that address and improve the rights of people incarcerated in jails, including access to health care, visitation, housing and more. Jails must comply with these standards by July 1, 2026.

“Too often differences in Colorado jail standards result in a lack of appropriate care,” said Coleman. “By requiring jails to comply with statewide standards established by the Legislative Oversight Committee, we can better ensure that individuals' needs are being met and we can improve outcomes for those incarcerated in Colorado jails. I look forward to the work ahead to implement statewide standards and build on our progress of creating a more just criminal justice system.”

“In order to reduce recidivism and improve safety in our communities, certain quality standards must be met in Colorado’s jails,” said Fields. “With this bill, we are taking the first step towards implementing statewide jail standards and bolstering access to services that can better outcomes for incarcerated individuals. By involving a broad coalition on the Jail Standards Advisory Committee, we will develop a rounded approach to the continued improvement of incarcerated Coloradans’ rights.”

The bill would also create a Jail Standards Advisory Committee composed of sheriffs, county commissioners, the state public defender, a health professional, and an advocate from a statewide organization. The Advisory Committee would be charged with conducting jail assessments, establishing standards and procedures, and submitting an annual report and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee.

The Attorney General’s office could conduct investigations regarding potential violations of the standards. Under the bill, the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety would be required to create a list of funding assistance and resources for jails to offset the costs of complying with the new standards.

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

Wage Theft Prevention Bill Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to combat wage theft and boost the economic security of Colorado’s workers.

HB24-1008, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, would improve wage theft accountability by requiring general contractors to cover lost wages if a subcontractor commits wage theft and increases transparency to improve compliance. It would also impose a $2,000 fine on a subcontractor if they do not forward a written demand for payment to the general contractor.

“Wage theft is wrong, and it impacts people all across the state. Coloradans should know we’re working hard to combat this problem,” Danielson said. “With this bill, we will strengthen protections for workers and ensure they are paid their fair share.”

“Colorado’s dedicated workers lose nearly $728 million in stolen wages annually,” said Kolker. “Theft is theft, and it keeps hardworking families from being able to make ends meet. Our legislation targets the increased use of subcontracts and other labor market intermediaries to ensure all workers are paid for the work they do and no one falls through the cracks.”

Wage theft can include paying workers below the minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime and taking tips that were meant for the employees.

A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Construction workers are particularly at risk for wage theft due to the high rates of subcontracting and other labor market intermediaries.

HB24-1008 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Advances Bill to Make College Free for At Least Two Years

The Colorado Promise would save students money and make higher education more affordable

DENVER, CO – The Senate today advanced Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan legislation to save students money on higher education. 

HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would create a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of at least two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. This bill would fund at least two years of in-state college for students in families making less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families.

“In my legislative career, improving education and creating opportunities for all of Colorado’s students has been a top priority,” said Zenzinger. “The Colorado Promise will be a historic opportunity to make higher education more accessible for students whose families make under $90,000 a year. I’m so proud to see this bipartisan legislation move forward. We’re one step closer to making affordable degrees a reality.”

The legislation would create a refundable state income tax credit for a student, or a taxpayer claiming the student as a dependent, that attends a Colorado higher education institution, community college, or technical or occupational school. The credit is equal to the tuition and fees paid by the eligible student to the institution, minus any scholarships or grants they earned or qualified for. 

Under this bill, the state credit is available for income tax years 2024 through 2032 and is refundable.To qualify for this tax credit, the student must be enrolled in at least six credit hours for the semester or term for which they are claiming the credit.

The bill will next be heard on third reading and final passage in the Senate. Follow its progress HERE.

Hinrichsen Bill to Support Veteran Employment Passes Senate

Legislation would increase career pathways for veterans after service

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand employment pathways for veterans.

SB24-109, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would extend the Colorado Veterans’ Service-To-Career Program for another three years. The program allows nonprofit agencies to partner with workforce centers to provide veterans, their spouses, and their dependents with skills training, internships, work placements, mentorship opportunities, career counseling, and support services. From 2018 to 2022, the program supported nearly 900 individuals and helped nearly 250 participants gain employment.

“Veterans have many specialized and transferable skills from their years of service, yet too many still face barriers to employment,” said Hinrichsen. “This bill will expand training, support, and pathways to employment for our armed service members and their families. I am proud that we are working to support veterans in their transition back to civilian life.”

SB24-109 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off On Legislation to Encourage More Housing Near Transit and Jobs

DENVER, CO – Legislation aimed at increasing housing options and providing financial support to local governments that meet their housing goals cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1313, sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would encourage more housing near public transit, cycling and walking corridors, places of employment, and other centers of community, while helping prevent Coloradans from being displaced from their communities.

“The housing challenges plaguing our state are reaching a fever pitch, which is why Democrats are laser focused on providing solutions,” Hansen said. “One of those solutions is to incentivize smart, strategic growth near jobs and transit. This bill will do just that, while also reducing congestion on our roads, cutting air pollution, and increasing affordability, so that more Colorado families can find a place to call home that works for them.”

“Coloradans are begging for more housing, and there is no better place to build housing and increase density than near transit,” Winter said. “This bill is important in multiple ways - it will increase housing options, reduce costs, and help our state reach its climate goals, all while protecting vulnerable communities from displacement. I am proud to champion this legislation, and I look forward to the benefits it will bring to our state.”

The bill empowers local governments to address Colorado’s housing needs and incentivizes them to build more housing by providing financial assistance to help meet their housing goals. It also aims to conserve Colorado’s natural resources and improve air quality to protect vulnerable communities from pollution-related health issues. Of the 31 jurisdictions that would qualify under this bill, most are along the I-25 corridor.

Communities that meet their Housing Opportunity Goals would benefit from the new $35 million Transit-Oriented Communities Infrastructure Fund to support their work to improve infrastructure within transit centers or neighborhood centers.

A recent poll found that 95 percent of Coloradans say the cost of renting or buying a home is a problem, with 70 percent saying that local governments aren’t doing enough to address this issue. Nearly 70 percent of Colorado voters also support a state law, like HB24-1313, to require cities and counties to allow more housing to be built near public transit and businesses and shopping areas while providing financial assistance for these projects.

HB24-1313 will now move to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.