Gov Signs Family Affordability Tax Credit, Bill to Support the Care Workforce

Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and create a state income tax credit for care workers to address the care worker workforce shortage.

Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 creates the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit will be available to parents with children 16 and younger with a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16. The credit will be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment.

“This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this law, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud to have carried this law to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.”

“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 Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’ll pass this year. I am extremely pleased to see this bill get signed into law, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.”

“There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this law, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our law will increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.”

“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 Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver. “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 Governor also signed HB24-1312 which creates a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit.

“Care workers are essential in providing care to our loved ones like our children and our parents, and they often do not receive the benefits and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This workforce is critical in supporting Coloradans in all industries and they are a crucial component of a thriving economy. This tax credit will allow us to recruit and retain these important care workers while boosting their incomes by over a thousand dollars so they can better afford their bills while staying in the care worker industry.”

“Robust access to care work increases workforce participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. This new law is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.”

“Whether you receive support after an accident or have someone who helps your aging relatives, we have all benefited from the work and support that care workers provide,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This law is a small token of appreciation that we can give care workers, especially our Family, Friend and Neighbor child care providers, so they can continue the important work that they do and encourage our care workforce to grow.”

“Forty percent of Colorado’s care workers rely on public assistance – we must do more to support them,” said Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “HB-1312 supports the care workforce across their entire lifetimes and provides economic support to all care workers, not just one group. This law will have far-reaching positive impacts on both the stability of this industry and the well-being of Colorado’s families, communities and economy.”

For tax years 2025 through 2028, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for:
·        Direct care workers who are employed by a long-term care employer or provide community-based services and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year,
·        Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, or
·        Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care providers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System.

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Prescription Label Accessibility for Blind Coloradans Signed into Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans. HB24-1115 is sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Junie Joseph and Senate President Steve Fenberg.

“The information on prescription labels provides important details that enable patients to safely and effectively take medication – we need to ensure blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans can readily access this information,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “If you can’t access the label of your prescription medication, it could lead to negative health consequences, even death. This law allows Coloradans to have agency over their health care by making sure prescription labels are accessible for blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans.”

“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 Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “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 new law will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.”

“Prescription labels outline important information related to dosage and frequency, and this law makes labels more accessible to blind or visually and print-impaired Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Our law will increase reading accessibility of prescription labels so that blind, and visually impaired Coloradans can access the live-saving information they need. We’re committed to improving accessibility throughout our state, and this law tackles prescription labels as an important part of that effort.”

HB24-1115 will require a pharmacy to provide blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans with access to prescription drug label information. The law requires pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients 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.

The law also allows Colorado patients to sue non-compliant pharmacies on the basis of disability discrimination, and creates the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels.

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Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Increase Availability of Telehealth Services

FRISCO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas, and to better combat cardiac disease.

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

“Expanding access to health care is critical, especially in our rural and mountain communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “My family lives with diabetes, and continuous glucose monitors have made living with this disease better for all of us and ensured strong health outcomes for my husband. To help ensure everyone has access to the health care they need when they need it, our law works to expand and encourage telehealth options. This new law also establishes a grant program to help our hospitals and providers implement telehealth technology and better serve our community members.”

“For many of the residents living in my district, the nearest hospital is miles and miles away, making it hard to receive high-quality health care when they need it,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez. “This law expands telehealth services into rural and underserved communities like mine so everyone can access the treatment and care needed to live a healthy life. Our bipartisan law also creates a rural-specific grant program to help our health care providers locate and implement telehealth technology in their practice.”

Also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-168 will direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to reimburse the use of telehealth monitoring for outpatient services for Medicaid patients and provide coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices. Additionally, the new law will create a grant program to assist rural and shortage area providers in obtaining remote telehealth monitoring equipment. Funds from the grant program could also be used for training staff on utilizing remote monitoring equipment.

Governor Polis also signed HB24-1219, sponsored by Speaker McCluskie, Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Byron Pelton, R-Sterling. This new law aims to detect cardiac disease and symptoms early and help save lives. Specifically, this law expands eligibility for required firefighter heart and circulatory malfunction benefits to include part-time and volunteer firefighters, requires employers to participate in the multi-employer cancer trust, and creates a cardiac screening trust for peace officers.

“Cardiac disease impacts so many Colorado families and early detection can save lives,” said Speaker McCluskie. “Minority Leader McKean was a great leader who left us too soon. In his honor, we will continue to fight against cardiac disease, save lives and work toward a brighter future that he can be proud of.”

“Diagnosing cardiac disease early on can lead to better prognoses, more effective treatment, and can save lives,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “By expanding eligibility for cardiac benefits programs to first responders like firefighters and peace officers, we’re taking better care of the folks that take care of our communities. This new law will help reduce the risks of life-threatening cardiac disease and support the well-being of our communities – I’m proud to see it signed into law.”

In 2022, House Minority Leader Hugh McKean passed away after expressing concern about pain on the left side of his body. McKean was 55 years old.

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New Law Will Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford

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

BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to give local governments the right of first refusal to purchase existing subsidized housing and preserve Colorado’s limited affordable housing stock.

“With rising rents pricing Coloradans out of their communities, local governments need additional tools to help them preserve existing affordable housing options that work for everyday Coloradans,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Our new law will allow local governments to purchase and preserve affordable housing properties that were made possible by the investment of public dollars. With this legislation, we can maintain and expand affordable housing options in our communities and ease Colorado’s housing crisis.”

“Whether it’s Broomfield or Berthoud, housing is a top concern for Coloradans,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield. “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.”

“Our law is one of many steps that Colorado Democrats are taking to combat housing instability and displacement,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “We need a multi-faceted approach to address our affordable housing shortage, which is why we passed legislation to create new tools for local governments that keep existing affordable housing properties in the rental market.”

“Colorado is in the midst of a housing crisis and we must do everything we can to help renters and homeowners,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “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.”

Many affordable housing buildings are sold and converted to higher priced market-rate units once the affordability restrictions expire. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase an existing affordable multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with at least five units if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Under HB24-1175, owners would be required to notify local governments two years before affordability restrictions expire to allow time for governments to plan in case that property hits the market.  

For non-subsidized multifamily properties, the law gives local governments the right of first offer before the property is listed for sale. This applies to buildings more than 30 years old with 15 to 100 units. 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.

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Laws to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Plan for Growth Signed Into Law

New laws aim to address Colorado’s housing crisis, save Coloradans money on housing

ARVADA / BROOMFIELD, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will save Coloradans money by making housing more affordable, identifying state housing needs and strategically planning for future growth in Colorado.

HB24-1434 is a bipartisan law that will increase Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit (AHTC) by $816 million over the next eight years. The state AHTC is paired with federal incentives to create a greater statewide impact.

“These impactful bills will help steer Colorado into an environment where people can more easily afford their homes,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1435 and SB24-174.  “Colorado’s Affordable Housing Tax Credit in its previous form was so successful; we had three applicants for every one that we could satisfy. So now we are building on that success. Additionally, partnerships between the state and local governments will push communities to identify their unique housing needs and plan for growth in a strategic and inclusive way. Together, these new bipartisan laws will make planning resources available to our communities, spurring long-term, affordable housing growth.”

“The Affordable Housing Tax Credit has been the most successful affordable housing program in our state, and I’m proud this bill is now law so we can expand on the relief that this tax credit provides to hardworking Coloradans,” Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of HB24-1434 and SB24-174. “SB24-174 was also signed into law today, which allows us to leverage Colorado’s resources to work in partnership with local governments to help them build in a smart, strategic way as our population continues to grow. These bipartisan efforts will continue to boost affordable housing projects and provide strategic growth planning resources for our communities so more Coloradans can access housing that works for their budget.”

The AHTC Program became permanent in 2014 to support affordable housing developments across the state and has been renewed numerous times since then. From 2015 to 2021, the program aided the development of over 10,700 housing units, supported more than 36,000 jobs, and had an economic impact of $5.5 billion.

Also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the law invests $150 million in new tax credits to incentivize the development of affordable housing in transit-oriented communities. This incentive would ensure Colorado communities can plan for the future and increase the housing supply near existing, new, or expanded public transit, jobs and job centers, and safe biking and walking corridors.

SB24-174, also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, requires the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to conduct a statewide housing needs assessment and provide grants and technical assistance to local governments to conduct their own local or regional housing needs assessments, followed by housing action plans to address the identified needs.

Under the law, most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 residents are required to either conduct and publish a local housing needs assessment by December 31, 2026 or participate in a regional housing needs assessment. By November 30, 2027, DOLA must conduct an analysis and publish a report analyzing existing and future statewide housing needs. The law requires new housing assessments to be published every six years.

SB24-174 also requires most local governments with a population of at least 1,000 to create a housing action plan that details their commitment to address their specific housing needs by January 1, 2028, and to update the plan every six years thereafter.

Additionally, the law:
·        Requires local governments who submit a Housing Action Plan to DOLA to submit a progress report to DOLA three years after publication,
·        Requires DOLA to publish a statewide strategic growth report which will analyze land use scenarios and their impacts, including housing, infrastructure, and environmental effects; and assess state policies on development and sprawl,
·        Requires county and municipal master plans to include new water supply and strategic growth elements that compare the long-term costs of infill and greenfield development, and
·        Prioritizes state agency grant funding for housing or land use programs for local governments who have complied with the requirements in this bill.
HB24-1316 creates the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation to boost the development of rental housing for middle-income Coloradans. This pilot program would direct the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to award up to $10 million per year in five-year state income tax credits for tax years 2025 through 2029. A total of $200 million in tax credits may be allocated through this program.

“Housing affordability is a top priority for Colorado Democrats, and this legislation will increase our housing stock for middle-income Coloradans,” Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, sponsor of HB24-1316. “The middle class is not immune to the rising cost of housing. Our new law will save Coloradans money on housing by building more homes for our teachers, first responders, and other essential workers so they can afford to live in the communities where they work.”

“Every Coloradan should have the opportunity to live where they work, but our housing market is completely broken,” Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1316, said. “We’ve had low-income housing tax credits for a very long time, but this is the first middle-income housing tax credit in the country. We need this right now because even people with good-paying jobs like nurses, teachers, and firefighters can’t afford to live here. This bill will help to fix that by providing tax credits for housing that’s affordable for folks earning an average wage—80 to 120 AMI in technical terms.”

“Colorado Democrats have passed a variety of laws that encourage the development and preservation of affordable housing options, but we also need more housing for middle-income Coloradans that don’t qualify for housing support,” Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1316. “Coloradans need more housing options that work for their budget and allow them to live in the community where they work and raise their kids. With this law, we can add more middle-income housing opportunities throughout Colorado to support our workforce and address the housing crisis.”

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SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Improve Care for Foster Children Becomes Law

ARVADA, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley, that will improve kinship care options for foster children in Colorado.

SB24-008, also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, will provide additional resources to families and kin who are willing to care for a child involved in the child welfare system. The law extends foster care certification to kinship placements, allowing families to access training, resources, and financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of children in their care. 

“We know that relatives are often the best placement option for children involved in the child welfare system,” Zenzinger said. “This new law will help close the kinship gap by giving families and kin access to similar resources as other foster placements. Ultimately, this is about providing the support and stability that our children and youth in care deserve.”

“When searching for placement, relatives, family friends, godparents,  and those with a significant relationship with a child or youth can be a great option to support those in foster care,” said Young. “We know that children and youth living with kinship care are more likely to experience positive outcomes, including improved behavioral and mental health and stronger feelings of both sense of belonging and love. Building on the work conducted by the child welfare interim committee, we’ve crafted this legislation to remove barriers to kinship care by making it easier for relatives or others who have a significant relationship to the child to access financial support and resources such as housing, clothing, and training. There are many children and youth in foster care who need a stable, supportive home and this law directs financial reimbursement to non-certified kinship foster care while expanding the pool of possible placements to best support our foster children and youth.”

Kinship placements maintain family connections and provide normalcy for children who have been removed from their homes. Kinship care can promote safer and faster reunification with parents, and prevent further long-term involvement in the child welfare system. SB24-008 is a result of recommendations from the 2023 Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Report.

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Governor Signs Bills to Boost Rural Economies

WESTERN SLOPE – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law three bills to create jobs and boost Colorado’s rural economies.

Sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, and Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB24-1001 extends income tax credits and grants available to businesses and their employees through the Rural Jump-Start Program, aiming to reduce the cost of starting a new business or hiring employees in rural economic jump-start zones.

“With these bills being signed into law today, we're bringing real results to the Western Slope,” said Lukens, sponsor of HB24-1001, HB24-1237 and SB24-190. “The Rural Jump-Start Program has supported numerous small businesses and created new jobs for rural Coloradans in communities like mine, and I’m proud that this bipartisan law will extend the program. We also passed a law that will support an expanded rail system from Steamboat Springs to Hayden to Craig to address issues that are most impacting rural and rural resort communities, like housing supply and workforce shortages. Finally, I'm proud that my bipartisan legislation to boost child care options for Colorado families is now law, making it easier for parents to find quality child care so they can get back into the workforce and keep our economies thriving.”

“Today marks a transformative win-win for Northwest Colorado,” said Roberts, sponsor of HB24-1001 and SB24-190. “As the region’s State Senator, prioritizing economic opportunity and resources for these communities is a top priority. From continuing the successful Rural Jump-Start program to creating new financial incentives to attract large employers to Craig, Hayden, and Grand County, to building passenger rail from Craig all the way to Denver, we are setting Colorado’s rural economies up for success. The policies signed into law today direct crucial resources to communities to enable businesses to open their doors, hire employees, grow their operations, and thrive.”

Rural economic jump-start zone are areas within a county with a population less than 250,000 that exhibits certain indicators of economic distress, such as lower per capita income than the state average, lower gross domestic product than the state average, unemployment levels higher than the statewide average, a declining workforce, or a higher concentration of students eligible for free lunch compared to the statewide average.

Governor Polis also signed SB24-190, which makes the design and use of mountain passenger rail more sustainable by incentivizing the transportation of freight from companies that establish operations in coal transition communities along the potential rail line, particularly Craig and Hayden. Sponsored by Senator Roberts, Representative Lukens, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, the new law allocates up to $10 million in incentives per year for Hayden and Craig, and Grand, Moffat, and Routt Counties to attract and retain large-scale businesses utilizing freight rail.

“From new job opportunities to more transportation options, our Western Slope communities will greatly benefit from this new law,” said McCluskie. “In addition to our Front Range passenger rail legislation, this law will bring our mountain and rural communities closer to an expanded rail system for transit and goods. We’re supporting the Western Slope, especially those in coal transition communities, to boost the economic security of our mountain and rural resort towns.”

The proposed mountain line connects Denver to Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Hayden, and Craig and allows for commuter transit between the towns. However, continued freight use of the rail line is key to the financial viability of passenger rail service. Bringing new businesses into Northwest Colorado will expand economic development, create new jobs in the area, and provide essential support for the rail line.

SB24-190 creates an income tax credit through the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) for businesses that choose to locate in a coal transition community and use rail to transport their freight. It also makes more of the region eligible for economic support from OEDIT, creating opportunities for economic diversification in the region and offering needed support for mountain rail development. Potential mountain rail would also facilitate increased tourism in the region, create additional economic growth, and allow locals to commute safely to and from Winter Park to Craig, with stops in between. 

Finally, the Governor signed HB24-1237, sponsored by Representatives Lukens, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, and Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, which helps reduce costs for developing child care facilities by providing technical planning, building, construction, and development support.

“I’m proud to see our bipartisan legislation to increase affordable child care options signed into law today,” said Marchman. “Quality, affordable child care is essential to support Colorado’s workforce, and by providing funding to develop new and convert existing spaces into childcare centers, we can offer more options to Colorado families.”

The new law creates the framework to provide planning and capital grants, as well as technical support for local governments, institutions of higher education, public schools, employers, private partners, builders, and child care providers.

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Signed! Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands

Bill would reinstate and expand critical wetlands protections jeopardized by the U.S. Supreme Court Sackett v. EPA decision and encourage water conservation through increased graywater use

SILVERTHORNE / STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. He also signed bipartisan water conservation bills to encourage the adoption of graywater use, fund water conservation projects and implement recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force.

“After the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy, we knew we must take action now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB24-1379. “As this bill is signed into law, we are now one step closer to a Colorado-specific approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands. From brewing beer to sustaining our livestock and crops – fresh, clean water is at the core of nearly every industry in Colorado. This law protects our state’s water supply now and into the future so generations to come can experience the Colorado way of life we all hold dear.”

“There is no more important resource to our state and no more pressing challenge that we will face as a state in the decades to come than protecting our water,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of HB24-1379. “Last year’s Supreme Court decision jeopardized protections for over half of Colorado’s wetlands, which threatens water supply, wildlife habitats, and our state’s environment and economy. This new law will protect streams, rivers, and wetlands that are vital to Colorado by creating a new Colorado-based permitting program to implement proven best practices for dredge and fill activities with key protections for agriculture and other crucial industry activity.”

“Protecting our freshwater resources now means future generations can thrive in Colorado knowing they have clean and accessible water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1379. “A 2023 Supreme Court decision rolled back crucial water protections and we need legislation that helps effectively manage and protect our wetlands, rivers, and streams. Our law would outline regulatory certainty for our businesses, landowners, and agriculture industry when it comes to Colorado’s water. Colorado’s water is a steady and vital resource that must be conserved and protected for generations to come, and this law protects what we all find essential.”

The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define “Waters of the United States” and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet the definition. The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA in 2023 redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections. The impacted wetlands and seasonal streams are in need of protection work to ensure there is adequate water supply, to aid groundwater recharge, and to provide for wildlife habitat in Colorado.

HB24-1379, works to protect Colorado waters that are no longer federally protected. The law will create a permitting program within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for dredge and fill activities impacting state waters. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity and certainty on when a permit is needed for dredge and fill activities. Normal farming, ranching, and agricultural activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, ditch maintenance, and erosion control practices would not require a permit.

Until the recent decision in Sackett v. EPA, the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorado’s state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. This law provides a way for these projects to move forward while protecting Colorado’s water resources.

HB24-1362, also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose encourages the use of graywater in Colorado to conserve our state’s scarce water supply by authorizing the installation of graywater systems in new construction projects statewide. It offers flexibility for local governments to adopt more tailored uses of graywater systems, including permitting their installation in existing structures, or prohibiting them altogether.

“With this bill becoming law, we’re conserving our water resources, protecting our environment and upholding the Colorado way of life,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB24-1362. “This bipartisan law encourages local governments to use graywater in irrigation and for non-drinking household purposes, which is a great option for getting the most out of our water. Living on the Western Slope, I’m committed to protecting and conserving our precious water resources — and this law makes it easier for our communities to recycle water.”

Governor Polis also signed HB24-1435, sponsored by Representatives McCormick and Marc Caitlin and Senators Roberts and Cleave Simpson to designate important water supply and conservation projects around the state for funding from the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

In addition to HB24-1435, Governor Polis also signed SB24-197, sponsored by Speaker McCluskie, Representative Caitlin and Senators Roberts and Perry Will, R-New Castle, which would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River.

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At White House, Hansen Attends Summit on Modernizing the Power Grid

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, traveled to the White House today to attend a summit and participate in a state lawmaker panel discussion on modernizing America’s power grid.

Hansen discussed his legislation to help Colorado leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand the state’s use of distributed community solar generation, and his bill to modernize and prepare the electric grid for the future.

“Climate change is impacting our lives every day, and I am laser-focused on preventing the worst consequences of climate change and ensuring an equitable clean-energy transition for our state,” said Hansen. “We need a strong electricity system to make sure we can reduce emissions, lower consumer costs, and improve reliability. I was proud to discuss my legislation to do that today at the White House, and I look forward to continuing my work to update and modernize our grid while supporting the transition to clean energy and saving folks money on their energy bills.”

At the Summit, the White House announced further federal action to deliver a clean and reliable electric grid. The Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative aims to bring together states, federal entities, and power sector stakeholders to help drive grid adaptation quickly and cost-effectively meet the challenges and opportunities that the power sector faces in the twenty-first century.

This year, Hansen also passed legislation to require state agencies, at the request of a local or tribal government, to provide technical support concerning renewable energy projects like wind and solar and coordinate with local experts to create a set of best-practice local codes for new development.

In 2023 Hansen led the charge to improve greenhouse gas reductions by establishing a goal for Colorado to reach 100 percent net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, an ambitious, yet achievable, goal that aligns with the global scientific consensus.

Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills to Increase Protections in the Funeral Home Industry, Prevent More Tragedy

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to increase protections in the funeral home industry and prevent more tragedy.

“Enough is enough. It is long past time for funeral tragedies in our state to stop. Coloradans should be able to trust the services being provided during the most difficult moments of their families’ lives – but too often in Colorado, our state’s lack of oversight results in tragedy instead,” said Roberts, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “We worked hard this year to correct that. These new laws put in place stronger oversight that will hold funeral homes and crematories to a higher standard, and require folks who work in the industry to be licensed and in good standing. Combined, the laws will help restore faith in this valuable industry and ensure that Coloradans’ remains are handled with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.”

“Until today, we were the only state in the nation that did not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – these bills will help us ensure that our state’s funeral homes and crematories are operated by professionals only with the utmost respect and care,” said Titone, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “These bipartisan bills will expand and extend the Department of Regulatory Agencies' ability to inspect funeral homes and crematories as well as require proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has unfortunately been at the center of many egregious instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Funeral homes and crematories must operate within the law – our public health and safety depends upon it and our loved ones deserve it.”

SB24-173, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, establishes licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Introduced following numerous tragedies at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, the new law aligns Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education and licensure for those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers. 

Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. 

SB24-173 requires an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2027. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. 

Those currently working in the industry will be able to obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, received the requisite workplace learning experience, passed a criminal background check, and will be subsequently eligible to qualify for full licensure.

The Governor also signed into law HB24-1335, which extends and expands regulations of the Mortuary Science Code, helping avoid future tragedies caused in part by a lack of oversight by the state.

Sponsored by Roberts, Gardner, Titone, and Soper, the new law also:

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

• Allows inspections to occur outside business hours;

• Expands rulemaking authority for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA);

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

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

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Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers Becomes Law

ALAMOSA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency.

“With the help of this law,  we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.”

“As Colorado continues to face drought, we must ensure we’re balancing the needs of our agricultural industry with stewardship practices that benefit the environment,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law creates tax credits that will help improve soil health and water efficiency while supporting Colorado’s family farms and ranches. I’m proud to see this bipartisan policy – one of many we passed this year to support rural Colorado and our agriculture industry – signed into law today.”

HB24-1249, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, creates a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch.

Under this law, farmers and ranchers are eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are:
·        Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000,
·        Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and
·        Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000.

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Signed! Right to Repair Electronic Equipment

DENVER, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone and Steven Woodrow and Senators Jeff Bridges and Nick Hinrichsen, would extend the current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions.

“Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This new law will give consumers more options to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. From tractors to mobility devices, I’m proud to carry another consumer-focused right to repair law through the legislature and save Coloradans money.”

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

“Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This law strengthens our state’s right to repair laws so that consumers can access the tools and tech they need. This law saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.”

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

HB24-1121 will require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics.

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

Last year, Rep. Titone championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121.

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Governor Signs Hansen Bill to Prepare Future Workforce for Climate Change

Legislation connects high school students with hands-on experience

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bill to establish a Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement.

SB24-014 will prepare high school students to lead in addressing economic and social impacts of climate change while gaining real-world experience. The seal is granted to students who gained skills and knowledge on the impacts of climate change by taking two climate literacy courses and completing an experimental learning project (ELP). For the ELP, schools can connect students with local apprenticeships and trades to expand professional opportunities in the green workforce.

“Today’s youth have seen and lived through the effects of climate change firsthand,” said Hansen. “The Seal of Climate Literacy will provide students with tools and education to address climate change in their communities. With this law, students can get hands-on experience that will prepare them for their future and gain skills that can help support the transition to a low-carbon economy.” 

According to a Working Nation report, green jobs are expected to grow by 10.3 percent over the next five years in Colorado. Additionally, studies show climate education is an effective way to reduce emissions and prepare youth for a warming environment.

SIGNED! New School Finance Formula to Increase Equity in School Funding, Support Rural Districts

Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts

AURORA, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed a monumental, bipartisan bill to support Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students.

“This law is a monumental step forward for public education in Colorado and a breakthrough achievement for how we fund our schools,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “For far too long, our school finance formula has not invested in the students with the greatest needs, underfunding rural districts and those serving more children in poverty. The new, student-focused formula will increase funding for K-12 education and drive more resources to at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education, and rural school districts. Every student deserves a world class education no matter where they live, and with this new law, we will live up to our promise to set all Colorado students on a pathway to thrive.”

“For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. I am extremely proud of our work to update Colorado’s school funding formula to ensure it reflects the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. This new law will ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.”

“With our historic buy-down of the budget stabilization factor, this is the time to update Colorado’s 30 year-old inequitable school finance formula to better reflect our state’s values,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “When it comes to public education in Colorado, we have not been meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students, including our at-risk, English Language Learners, and special education students. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to direct additional dollars to the districts and classrooms serving students with the greatest needs. When we invest in high-quality public education, we’re investing in our future, and I’m beyond proud to be championing a law that prioritizes student outcomes and opportunity for every child in our state.”

HB24-1448 will update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education who are shown not to achieve at the same levels as their peers.

This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most.

With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students, English Language Learners, and Special Education students. When fully implemented, there will be $866 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical.

The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor, all set at 25 percent. Smaller districts with a concentration of 70 percent or higher at-risk students will receive an extra 7 percent, to total 32 percent, ensuring their high concentration of at-risk students get the additional funds they need. Funding for every district will increase by at least .5 percent year over year. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23.

The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts.

SIGNED! 2024 School Finance Act to Pay Off Budget Stabilization Factor, Increase Education Funding to Historic Levels

School Finance Act will increase average per pupil funding by $780

AURORA, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed the 2024 School Finance Act, which sets funding levels for Colorado’s public school districts.

Sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, SB24-188 raises the base level of per-pupil funding by $780 to $11,450 per-pupil on average. This year’s School Finance Act increases total funding for public schools by more than $500 million to $9.7 billion and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that helps ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve.

"Fully funding our schools is one of the main reasons I ran for the state senate, and I am absolutely thrilled that the 2024 School Finance Act will make it happen,” Zenzinger said. “All our students deserve a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. While we have much more to do to truly fully fund our schools, this year’s School Finance Act represents a great start, and will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth."

“After years of strategic budgeting and planning, the 2024 School Finance Act finally pays off the budget stabilization factor which means schools can increase teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and better support our students living with disabilities,” said Bird. “This is a record-breaking increase of $780 per-pupil funding which brings the total per-pupil funding to more than $11,450 on average. My passion for public service began with the drive to fully fund our K-12 public schools and support our hardworking educators – this bill fulfills that promise and more to support each and every student in Colorado.”

“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me, and this year’s School Finance Act will do just that,” said Buckner. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.”

“This year’s School Finance Act is historic because it fully eliminates the budget stabilization factor, increases per-pupil funding by nearly $780 on average and supports our rural school districts directly,” said McLachlan. “Our commitment to improving educational outcomes for each and every student is unwavering, and this year we’re stepping up to help recruit, retain, and support the educators who make all the difference in the education our kids receive. I’m beyond proud of our legislative efforts to drive resources to small rural schools and those who serve students with the greatest needs.”

Increased Funding for Rural Schools: Colorado’s small and large rural school districts often have a difficult time recruiting and maintaining a high-quality workforce needed to support Colorado students and school functions. In conjunction with legislation passed this year to update Colorado’s school funding formula, the 2024 School Finance Act eliminates rural school districts’ reliance on one-time funding, which makes it difficult for districts to plan ahead using multi-year budgets.

Ninth Grade Success Program: This important program helps ninth grade students with the skills they need to successfully reach tenth grade on-track, on-time and with their peers. This year’s School Finance Act increases funding for this program to support our students’ growth and educational trajectory.

Support for Students Living with a Disability: The 2024 School Finance Act amends the definition of “concurrent enrollment” to include students in special education. This means students living with a disability and those who receive transition services on their Individualized Education Program can access college-level courses for credit as well as some credential and apprenticeship programs to create stronger workforce pathways and opportunities.

Governor Signs Bills that Revitalize Colorado’s Community Solar Program, Modernize Electric Grid

Legislation aims to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act and position state to meet climate goals

BOULDER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed two pieces of legislation that revitalize Colorado’s community solar program, set new standards for equitable clean energy policy, and modernize Colorado’s energy distribution systems. 

SB24-207, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, is a bipartisan law that will put Colorado in a strong position to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to the clean energy transition, upgrade Colorado’s electric grid, and reduce energy costs.

“Colorado has ambitious goals of rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity generation, building heating and cooling, water heating, and industrial fuel uses,” said Fenberg. “Our bills remove barriers to renewable energy, so every Coloradan who wants to access clean energy will be able to do so at a cost that won’t break the bank. With unprecedented federal funding opportunities through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, now is the time to revitalize Colorado’s grid and solar programs to meet our climate goals.”

“Colorado is committed to meeting our renewable energy goals, and this new law will make it easier for Coloradans to harness renewable energy power, no matter what their living situation is,” said Valdez. “This is an exciting bipartisan bill that allows Coloradans to utilize solar power even if they don’t have rooftop access of their own, saving them money and helping Colorado transition to green energy.”

“After the major power outages at the beginning of April, it was clear that utilities need to do more to guarantee energy resiliency during extreme weather or natural disasters,” said Hansen. “We need a strong electricity system to make sure we can reduce emissions, lower consumer costs, and improve reliability. A part of this also includes making Colorado’s community solar program more accessible to lower-income individuals and renters. Together, these policies will support our transition to clean energy while saving folks money on their energy bills.”

Community solar projects generate electricity that flows directly to the electricity grid. Community solar subscribers pay for a share of the electricity generated by the project, and then receive bill savings on their electricity bill in the form of a monthly credit. Community solar paired with storage alleviates stress on the grid and avoids costly transmission system upgrades.

Colorado was the first state in the nation to pass community solar legislation - however, only one percent of Xcel’s customers are able to participate in community solar due to the program’s outdated design and limited size. 

The law improves the future of community solar in Colorado by: 

• Requiring investor-owned utilities to continue allowing for the development of community solar projects;

• Reserving at least 51 percent of community solar projects for income-qualified residential subscribers;

• Delivering income-qualified residential customers a 25 percent bill credit discount, which increases to up to 50 percent with federal tax credits;

• Adopting subscriber enrollment methods and consumer protections; and

• Giving the Public Utilities Commission discretionary authority to evaluate community solar program requirements in 2028 and beyond.

In order to accomplish Colorado’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meet state and federal decarbonization targets, Colorado’s electric grid needs updating. The second law, SB24-218, also sponsored by Fenberg and Hansen, as well as Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, includes a suite of policy changes to modernize and prepare the electric grid for the future. Improving the distribution system helps communities and utility consumers electrify heating and cooling in buildings, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and solar energy, and reduce air pollution. 

“Colorado Democrats are making significant progress on environmental protections, and this law helps our state prepare for more electrification,” said Duran. “It’s crucial that we continue our efforts to combat climate change, which is why we passed this law to better expand our capacity to distribute electricity, support our workers, and create jobs.”

“Addressing the threats of climate change is a top priority of mine at the Capitol, and I am proud that our legislation is now Colorado law,” said Brown. “Renewable energy is on the rise, and we have to ensure our infrastructure is up-to-date to accommodate our new energy systems. This new law will boost our economy and modernize our electrical grid to ensure a safe and smooth transition to renewable energy.”

Coloradans have faced delays when installing electric vehicle chargers or rooftop solar, and delays in meeting our larger transportation and building electrification goals will persist if the distribution system isn’t updated. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SIGNED! Fenberg Bill to Prevent Forced Mineral Development Becomes Law

Fenberg: “This bill creates guardrails that will allow local governments to decide for themselves whether their mineral holdings will be developed or not.”

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, that bolsters the rights of mineral owners, especially local governments, by putting protections around “forced pooling” orders was signed into law today. Forced pooling is the “mandatory consolidation of leased and unleased minerals to access one common underground mineral reserve.”

SB24-185 ensures publicly-owned minerals aren’t developed against the will of local governments. For forced pools of privately owned oil and gas, it promotes transparency around the process for proving that oil and gas operators own or control the requisite 45 percent of the mineral rights within a drilling unit in order to force pool the remaining minerals in the unit.

“Many local governments in Colorado own minerals that have been purchased with public funds, and because of our ‘forced pooling’ law, our communities have been forced to develop those minerals against their will and without their consent,” Fenberg said. “This bill creates guardrails that will allow local governments to decide for themselves whether their mineral holdings will be developed or not.”

Prior law required oil and gas operators to own or control 45 percent of the mineral rights within a drilling unit in order to force pool others’ minerals, but it did not require operators to submit sufficient evidence of their proportion of ownership or control. SB24-185 requires operators to provide a list of the public leases that make up the 45 percent threshold. 

The new law also prevents drilling from starting until a force pooling order has been issued, which ensures the 45 percent mineral right threshold has been met before extraction begins.

New Bill to Boost Electric Vehicle Charging Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed HB24-1173 into law, which will increase access to electric vehicle charging stations.

“Coloradans are adopting electric vehicles at record rates because they are less expensive to own and operate and are good for our air,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This new law will make it easier for drivers to charge up their vehicles and travel across our state. Making EVs cheaper and easier to own improves our environment, provides choices to consumers and saves Coloradans money.”

“Electric vehicles will reduce pollution and help us meet our statewide climate goals, while also saving Coloradans money on gas and maintenance costs,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “As more and more Coloradans make the switch to electric vehicles, we must have a charging infrastructure that gives drivers the freedom to move throughout our beautiful state. From the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, this new law will ensure electric vehicle drivers are able to charge up and enjoy every corner of Colorado.”

“Expanding access to electric vehicles is a key component of our strategy to reduce emissions and create a healthier environment,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “As someone who has traveled around a good part of Colorado in an EV, this new law will make it easier to find EV charging stations so we can give Coloradans more travel options while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”

HB24-1173, sponsored by Representative Alex Valdez and Senators Kevin Priola and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, expands access to electric vehicle charging by removing barriers to new charging stations. The new law streamlines the permitting and approval process for new charging stations to make it easier for Coloradans to charge their EVs. The new law intends to balance local responsibilities while removing arbitrary roadblocks for new charging stations.

Polis Signs Bills to Reduce Emissions, Spur Renewable Energy

Denver, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs.

“New technologies can help Colorado meet our climate goals, improve our air quality, save money on energy, and create jobs,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “The new laws signed today will advance geologic storage to reduce carbon in our atmosphere and make it easier for local communities to approve new renewable energy projects that lower costs for consumers. Together, these laws will deploy new technologies to boost our economy and protect our Colorado way of life.”

“Colorado is blazing our own trail to become a national leader on climate policy,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “From providing support to local renewable energy projects to embracing new technologies, these bills are part of a comprehensive climate strategy that will benefit all Coloradans environmentally and financially.”

HB24-1346, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Karen McCormick and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, will reduce emissions by establishing a clear regulatory framework for the geologic storage of carbon. It also improves the Energy and Carbon Management Commission’s enforcement procedures.

“Carbon sequestration has the potential to create jobs and use our natural resources to reduce carbon pollution that is warming our planet and leading to more devastating climate consequences,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1346. “As a geologist, I know that there are lots of opportunities for this new technology to help us meet our climate goals and support a Just Transition for our workforce. I’m excited Colorado will be at the forefront of developing the safe and responsible use of geologic storage to help address carbon pollution.”

SB24-212, sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and President Steve Fenberg and Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, will spur the development of renewable energy projects. The new law will make it easier for new projects to be approved by helping local governments develop codes and procedures for approving and reviewing new renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and the supporting energy transmission.

“Colorado needs to massively scale up our renewable energy capacity over the next 15 years if we’re serious about meeting our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-212, said. “Development of renewable energy resources will benefit all Coloradans by generating cost savings on electricity bills, providing more stable energy prices, reducing harmful air pollution, and increasing our energy security.”.

“Renewable energy creates jobs, reduces costs for consumers and improves our air quality, which is why we are making it easier for these critical projects to get off the ground,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB24-212. “With this new law, local governments will have more tools to support renewable energy projects in Colorado, which will lead to lower energy costs, less reliance on fossil fuels and good paying jobs across our state.”

Gov. Polis Signs Two Bills to Support Students into Law

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two pieces of legislation to support Colorado students. SB24-164 will improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. HB24-1076 will create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families.

“Throughout my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it became clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-164. “This new law is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.”

“Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we put students first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-164. “This law will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate. It will also ensure that students transferring from a community college to a four year institution receive credits they deserve for the classes they’ve successfully completed.”

SB24-164 is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. This law will make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions.

Transparency requirements include:
·        Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education;
·        Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses;
·        Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and
·        The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits.

A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 will build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits.

“Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This legislation will help students that are part of military families during the transition process so they can focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.”

“Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive at school. I’m proud to sponsor this law that will help military family members get connected to the support and resources they deserve.”

“This important law uplifts our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “As the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, the bill getting signed into law today will help ease the school transition for kids in military families, making it easier to call our great state home.”

HB24-1076, also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. The Purple Star School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments.

To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must:
·        Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison,
·        Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families,
·        Maintain student-led transition programs, and
·        Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students.