Senate Votes to Advance Worker Protection Act

Legislation would update the 80-year old Colorado Labor Peace Act

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today advanced Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, legislation to update Colorado’s labor law on a preliminary vote.

SB25-005, the “Worker Protection Act,” would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act by eliminating the requirement for employees to conduct a second election to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process.

“Colorado is the only state that requires a second election to achieve union security, putting up an additional obstacle for workers who want the freedom to negotiate to put more money in the pockets of working families, decrease the wealth gap and increase worker safety,” said Rodriguez. “Aligning Colorado’s workers’ laws with most other states requiring only one election will empower workers to stand up to level the playing field with corporate employers.”

“We have an obligation to do right by hardworking Coloradans who are demanding we pass the Worker Protection Act,” said Danielson. “It is time we change the 80-year-old law that makes it hard for workers to unionize. Let’s make it easier for workers to get better pay, better benefits, and more safety on the job, and pass the Worker Protection Act.”

Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the ​​National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. The proposed legislation would modernize the Colorado Labor Peace Act by repealing the requirement for the second election.

SB25-005 will be heard on third reading in the Senate before moving to further consideration by the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Strengthen Shield Protections for Reproductive Health Care Clears Committee

SB25-129 would protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state attacks on reproductive health care

DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for reproductive health care passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. 

SB25-129, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would strengthen Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive health care. 

“We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” said Cutter. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield health care patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive health care and freedom.” 

The bill would protect providers by allowing their name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The bill would also prohibit attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses, and insurers from complying with hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. 

Finally, the bill would update Colorado’s 2024 telehealth law to clarify that out-of-state health care providers offering telehealth services to Colorado patients are protected under the state’s shield law. 

In 2023, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to establish shield laws to protect health care providers and people who travel to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care from out-of-state lawsuits and criminal prosecution. 
 
The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track SB25-129’s progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Improve Treatment of People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System Pass Committee

SB25-041 & HB25-1058 would refine competency restoration and sanity examinations while expanding supportive housing for incarcerated individuals

DENVER, CO – A pair of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to improve the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal justice system passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their interactions with law enforcement and the justice system, especially people battling serious behavioral health issues,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These bills work to streamline and protect access to the resources that the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system need to heal and eventually re-enter their communities feeling healthier, stronger and more productive.” 

“Coloradans seeking support in the aftermath of mental health crises deserve comprehensive care and a system willing to treat them with dignity,” said Amabile. “Every American is owed the right to fair criminal trial, and we owe it to victims, defendants, their families and their communities to implement an equitable and dignified environment for proceedings to take place.”

Approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today, SB25-041 would allow the Colorado Department of Human Services to continue providing inpatient services for up to 90 days after an individual’s case is dismissed because the person is deemed “incompetent to proceed.” The bill also allows the department to work with community organizations to provide permanent supportive housing for these individuals or those who complete the Bridges of Colorado program.

Earlier this week the committee also approved HB25-1058, which would update protections for defendants pleading not guilty by reason of insanity by explicitly prohibiting “truth serums” and polygraph tests from sanity examinations, an antiquated practice that is no longer used but still legal. In addition, if a sanity examination is recorded, the bill would prohibit a defendant from being dressed in prison or jail clothing and prohibit restraints from being visible on the recording.

SB25-041 and HB25-1058 were recommended by the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, which is responsible for overseeing its associated task force and implementing recommendations regarding the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems until 2027.

SB25-041 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and HB25-1058 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration. 

Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes Committee

SB25-008 would streamline access to necessary legal documents for vulnerable populations

DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program requires Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and drivers’ licenses. SB25-008, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, would update the program to allow eligible individuals to access ID documents for free directly at the point of service. 

“The Necessary Documents Program is crucial for the most vulnerable members of our communities – low income earners, unhoused populations, victims of domestic violence, people who are affected by natural disasters, and disabled or elderly Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “Equitable access to legal documents is essential to a fresh start so that more Coloradans can get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.”

“Identity documents are critical when it comes to accessing health care, housing, employment and transportation. We need to remove unnecessary barriers of getting identification documents to ensure more Coloradans are able to access these important documents,” said Kipp. “This adjustment is necessary to ensure that our Necessary Documents Program is utilized to its full potential.”

SB25-008 would streamline administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Eligible individuals would still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States.

SB25-008 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Senate Committee Passes Bill to Address the High Cost of Child Care

SB25-004 would create transparency with application and waitlist fees for private child care centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, to address the high cost of child care passed the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee yesterday.   

SB25-004 would require private child care centers to provide a transparent fee schedule before applications are submitted. The bill would also require application or waitlist fees to be refundable after six months if the child is not admitted and remains on the waitlist. 

"The rising cost of child care is a significant hurdle for countless families across Colorado," said Marchman. "By establishing clear guidelines for application and wait list fees as well as deposits, we can provide tangible relief to working families. With application fees often exceeding $175 per child, these costs add up quickly and put unnecessary pressure on household budgets. This bill ensures child care becomes more affordable and accessible, empowering more families to find the care they need without financial hardship."

“The lack of transparency on child care fees burdens families with unexpected expenses,” said Winter. “I hear from so many parents in my community that they are struggling to find child care. Limiting waitlist fees and adding transparency to application fees on child care center websites and forms reduces financial uncertainty and helps parents make informed decisions about what’s best for them.” 

These requirements would apply to private child care programs outside the Universal Preschool Program, Colorado Childcare Assistance Program, and Head Start. Under the bill, a waitlist fee could only be used to cover the administration costs of managing a waitlist or processing an application. A center may charge a deposit, but if admitted, the deposit must go towards the first month of child care.

SB25-004 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Legislation to Prohibit Excessive Sentencing for “Failure to Appear” Passes Senate

Bill would ensure that an individual’s failure to appear at a scheduled municipal court date may not form the basis of a criminal charge or jail time

DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans, particularly low-income and unhoused individuals, from excessive sentencing for missing a municipal court date passed the Senate today. 

Sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, SB25-062 would address the excessive penalties some Colorado municipal courts impose for Failure to Appear (FTA) charges, which can significantly exceed the punishment for the original offense, typically a charge for loitering or trespassing.

“We need to hold people accountable for their actions, and this bill ensures local governments still have the tools to do that,” said Hinrichsen. “But in Pueblo, a person spent over a year in jail simply for missing court over a littering charge, while people with more serious offenses were released early due to overcrowding. This isn’t public safety, it’s weaponized cruelty. This bill will ensure local resources are focused on true public safety concerns.”

“There are proven ways to improve court appearance rates, like automatic text reminders,” said Weissman. “But excessive jail time for minor municipal offenses like trespassing and loitering isn’t one of them. Instead, it criminalizes poverty and has devastating, lifelong consequences for our communities. By limiting this practice, we can keep families together and uphold fairness in our justice system.”

FTA charges disproportionately impact low-income and unhoused individuals who often miss court for reasons like lack of transportation or child care. 

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

Freedom to Read Legislation Clears Committee

SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries

DENVER, CO –  Legislation to create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a written policy on the acquisition, use, and removal of library resources passed the Senate Education Committee today. 

SB25-063, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would require local school boards and the Charter School Institute (CSI) to establish a policy to ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair, and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the CSI could not remove a library resource from its collection. 

“Free societies don’t ban books,” said Cutter. “This bill will ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature, including works that might challenge preconceived notions or present uncomfortable truths. By doing so, we empower Colorado's children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As diverse identities are being erased and marginalized throughout the country, it has never been more important to protect the freedom to read.”

“As an author and owner of a publishing company, I am committed to telling stories that would not otherwise be told,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These are the stories that end up on banned book lists. While other states enact laws to criminalize educators and restrict access to books, this bill sends a strong message that Colorado values our students’ freedom to access diverse voices and opinions.”

SB25-063 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. 

The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Bill to Increase Stock of Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee

SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing

DENVER, CO – Senators Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, bill to increase the stock of affordable factory-built housing passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee yesterday. 

SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional homes and can be assembled quicker, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. 

"Every Coloradan should be able to afford to live where they work," said Bridges. "We have an affordability crisis here in Colorado, and while there's no silver bullet for housing, there are silver BBs. This is one of them. Our bill will increase Colorado's housing stock by bringing down construction costs, giving more folks the opportunity to live where they work, raise a family, and call Colorado home.”

“Right now, the people that keep our communities running – teachers, nurses, and firefighters – can’t afford to live where they work,” said Exum. “Expanding opportunities for them and their families to thrive and grow together in a stable, safe environment is vital to strong, lasting success for Colorado communities.”

This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. 

The bill heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee next for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Clears Committee with Unanimous Support

SB25-042 would address gaps in crisis response resources so that Coloradans experiencing a behavioral health crisis get the care they need

DENVER, CO –  Legislation to improve and better integrate behavioral health crisis response resources passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with unanimous support today.

SB25-042, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would help people with serious mental illness access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. 

“We’ve made significant progress over the past several years in expanding access to behavioral health care and lowering costs of mental health treatment,” said Cutter. “However, Colorado still has serious gaps when it comes to emergency crisis response. This bill puts together several life-saving improvements so that Coloradans can access the treatment they need during a behavioral health crisis.”

“The fight to improve mental health care is personal for me, and a top priority in my work as a legislator,” said Amabile. “Coloradans with serious mental illnesses cycle through emergency rooms, jail, and even homelessness because of gaps in our crisis response resources. This bill will help Coloradans access the care they need to get better.”

The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also convene a group to compile and publish resources on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. 

SB25-042 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Kipp Bill to Reduce Suicide, Prevent Firearm Deaths Passes Committee

SB25-034 would allow people to voluntarily waive their right to purchase a firearm

DENVER, CO – Senator Cathy Kipp’s, D-Fort Collins, bill to reduce suicide by establishing a process for allowing a person to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm passed the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee today. 

SB25-034 would establish a process to enable a person to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in the Department of Public Safety. For a person at risk of suicide, the decision to voluntarily suspend access to a firearm can significantly decrease the probability of death.

“Mental health crises can impact anyone, and when they escalate to suicidal thoughts, they are often brief and impulsive. When attempted by means of a firearm, a second chance at life is rare,” said Kipp. “Approximately 90 percent of people who survive their first suicide attempt do not ultimately die by suicide – this bill is about giving people who are in crisis that second chance.”

In 2023, 70 percent of all firearm deaths in Colorado were suicides, and in the same year, the state had the 13th highest rate of firearm suicide. Research shows that delaying access to firearms significantly decreases gun suicides without increasing non-gun-related suicides. 

The bill would also create a pathway for a person to revoke a waiver, upon which time the waiver would remain in effect for 30 days. This 30-day waiting period is intended to provide time for a mental health crisis to pass and a support system to be built. 

SB25-034 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves FY 24-25 Supplemental Budget Package

Package includes measures to support Colorado families, workers and students, fund behavioral and health care services, and build safer communities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 supplemental budget package. The suite of bills includes measures to support Colorado families, workers and students, bolster behavioral and health care services, and build safer communities.

“Coloradans depend on programs and services that help them thrive, and this year’s supplemental budget package delivers those in a responsible, balanced way,” said Chair of the Joint Budget Committee Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Additionally, this package invests and relies on millions of dollars of critical federal funding that provide essential employment, health and behavioral health care, and safety services to families across the state.”

“It’s crucial that we take stock of where we are in the middle of the fiscal year to make sure our budget remains balanced,” said member of the Joint Budget Committee Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This process allows us to continue to fund, at the correct amounts, the work that keeps Colorado running. This year, I am especially proud of our work to continue investments in behavioral health care, keep our communities safe, and support working families.”

Each year, the legislature adopts a supplemental budget package to make mid-year adjustments to the current fiscal year’s budget based on changes to caseload, pupil counts and other considerations.

Supporting Colorado Families, Workers, and Students

• SB25-112 would invest $276,088 in state funding and $1,020,100 in federal funding to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Department of Labor and Employment to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and keeping employment, as well as living independently.

• SB25-095 would increase funds for the Relative Guardianship Assistance Program by $4.6 million. The program provides financial assistance to families that meet federal eligibility criteria for income or child medical needs that present a barrier to adoption or legal guardianship.

• SB25-093 would allocate $17.6 million of federal funding to Medicaid-eligible Coloradans through school districts and Boards of Cooperative Education Services, who supply educational services to two or more school districts that alone cannot afford the service.

Funding Behavioral and Health Care Services

• SB25-093 would:

  • Allow the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to utilize federal funds already received for Medicaid-eligible Coloradans to operate Mental Health Transitional Living Homes, which are a step-down from the state hospitals and a step-up from home and community-based services.

  • Provide $43.5 million for home- and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Allocate $7.5 million for physical, dental and behavioral health services through the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) and $13.9 million for benefits that mirror Medicaid and the CHP+ for children who would otherwise qualify, except for their immigration status.

• SB25-089 includes funding for food services provided by the Pueblo’s Colorado Mental Health Hospital to the Youthful Offender System, San Carlos, and La Vista facilities.

• SB25-113 would support equitable access to health, behavioral health and social health services for all Coloradans by extending appropriations for ongoing rural connectivity projects.

Building Safer Communities

• SB25-105 would utilize $1.1 million of funding in the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention Grant Fund to better support community-based, multidisciplinary approaches to crime prevention and crisis intervention strategies, specifically in areas where crime is disproportionately high.

The FY24-25 supplemental budget package now moves to the House for further consideration.

ICYMI: Pair of Marchman Bills Clears Education Committee

Bills would improve the use of trauma-informed practices in schools

DENVER, CO – Yesterday a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to improve the use of trauma-informed practices in schools cleared the Senate Education Committee.

"Every child deserves a supportive learning environment, especially when facing adversity," said Marchman. "These bills work together to ensure that both school safety drills and daily interactions prioritize student well-being while respecting and maintaining local control. By incorporating trauma-informed practices and the Handle-With-Care notice, we are creating a safer, more supportive space for all students to learn and thrive."

SB25-027 would establish a work group in the Office of School Safety within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop recommendations on the use of trauma-informed practices in conducting school safety drills. 

Trauma-informed practices equip school personnel with knowledge and strategies to make school safety drills less traumatic and anxiety-inducing for students. Under the bill, the work group would meet throughout 2025 and 2026, and would be required to submit a report to the DPS and the legislature containing their findings and recommendations.

The committee also advanced SB25-064 with bipartisan support, which would require the Safe2Tell program in the DPS and Department of Law to provide a handle-with-care notice to a school when an enrolled student has experienced a traumatic event that occurred at the student’s home.

Safe2Tell gives students, parents, and community members a safe, anonymous way to report any threats to their safety or the safety of someone else. Traumatic events include situations such as domestic violence, serious accidents, or abuse and neglect.

Both SB25-027 and SB25-064 now head to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. 

Colorado Democrats Introduce Pair of Bills to Strengthen Protections for Reproductive Health Care

SB25-129 and SB25-130 would protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action and ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected

DENVER, CO – Colorado Democrats today introduced two bills to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for reproductive health care. 

SB25-129, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Representatives Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, would strengthen Colorado’s shield law to protect patients and providers from out-of-state attacks on accessible reproductive health care. 

“We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” said Cutter. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield health care patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.”

“We’re standing up to protect our patients and providers from far-reaching civil, out-of-state, and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion, and also health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Representative McCormick. “New legislation will expand Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. Our bill will also strengthen Colorado’s ability to fight back legally against hostile attacks on reproductive freedoms and health care.” 

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive justice and freedom.” 

“Colorado has consistently led the nation in protecting abortion rights. Now, we are taking further steps to safeguard our providers and patients from external threats that endanger reproductive freedom and access to essential health care,” said Representative Joseph. “By strengthening Colorado’s shield laws, we can enhance protections for both patients and providers, standing firm against any attempts to undermine bodily autonomy. I am proud to be spearheading this legislation to safeguard abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights for the people of Boulder and Colorado. This bill reaffirms our commitment to upholding reproductive health care rights amidst growing challenges.”

The bill protects providers by allowing a provider’s name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The bill would also prohibit attorneys, Colorado residents and entities, and local agencies from complying with hostile out-of-state investigations. Finally, the bill would protect patients using telehealth and strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

SB25-130, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care and create clarity for emergency patients and providers. 

“The people of Colorado deserve safe and accessible access to abortion and miscarriage care without exception, especially when lives are at stake in emergency situations,” said Gonzales. “We owe it to all Coloradans, and particularly the Coloradans most negatively impacted by barriers to reproductive care – to ensure that emergency care is always granted, no questions asked.” 

“The Trump administration continues to erode federal protections surrounding reproductive health care, and Colorado must protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people,” said Representative Froelich. “Since Roe was overturned, hospitals and physicians around the county have been experiencing dangerous ambiguity when it comes to the type of life-saving care they’re legally allowed to provide, specifically for abortion and miscarriage care. In Colorado, we’re ensuring emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives.”

“States with the most restrictive abortion bans have challenged and disrupted our federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, which has resulted in devastating loss of life,” said Weissman. “As a part of our efforts to protect Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms in volatile times, it is imperative that we clarify to patients and providers alike that emergency care in Colorado will remain comprehensive and accessible.” 

“In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are having a hard time receiving emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late – we cannot let this happen in Colorado,” said Representative Zokaie. “This bill eliminates any dangerous ambiguity around the physician and hospital duty to provide emergency care to patients so no one is denied life-saving care. Our state has been a long-time leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to reproductive health care saves lives.”

The Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court is allowing states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies by sending cases back to lower courts. In response to threats to these federal protections, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado.

Both bills have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and will be scheduled for hearings in the coming weeks.

Senate Gives Initial Approval to FY 24-25 Supplemental Budget Package

Package includes measures to support Colorado families, workers and students, fund behavioral and health care services, and build safer communities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today advanced the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 supplemental budget package on a preliminary vote. The suite of bills includes measures to support Colorado families, workers and students, bolster behavioral and health care services, and build safer communities.

“Coloradans depend on programs and services that help them thrive, and this year’s supplemental budget package delivers those in a responsible, balanced way,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Additionally, this package invests and relies on millions of dollars of critical federal funding that provide essential employment, health and behavioral health care, and safety services to families across the state.”

“It’s crucial that we take stock of where we are in the middle of the fiscal year to make sure our budget remains balanced,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This process allows us to continue to fund, at the correct amounts, the work that keeps Colorado running. This year, I am especially proud of our work to continue investments in behavioral health care, keep our communities safe, and support working families.”

Each year, the legislature adopts a supplemental budget package to make mid-year adjustments to the current fiscal year’s budget based on changes to caseload, pupil counts and other considerations.

Supporting Colorado Families, Workers, and Students

• SB25-112 would invest $276,088 in state funding and $1,020,100 in federal funding to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Department of Labor and Employment to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and keeping employment, as well as living independently.

• SB25-095 would increase funds for the Relative Guardianship Assistance Program by $4.6 million. The program provides financial assistance to families that meet federal eligibility criteria for income or child medical needs that present a barrier to adoption or legal guardianship.

• SB25-093 would allocate $17.6 million of federal funding to Medicaid-eligible Coloradans through school districts and Boards of Cooperative Education Services, who supply educational services to two or more school districts that alone cannot afford the service.

Funding Behavioral and Health Care Services

• SB25-093 would:

  • Allow the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to utilize federal funds already received for Medicaid-eligible Coloradans to operate Mental Health Transitional Living Homes, which are a step-down from the state hospitals and a step-up from home and community-based services.

  • Provide $43.5 million for home- and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Allocate $7.5 million for physical, dental and behavioral health services through the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) and $13.9 million for benefits that mirror Medicaid and the CHP+ for children who would otherwise qualify, except for their immigration status.

• SB25-089 includes funding for food services provided by the Pueblo’s Colorado Mental Health Hospital to the Youthful Offender System, San Carlos, and La Vista facilities.

• SB25-113 would support equitable access to health, behavioral health and social health services for all Coloradans by extending appropriations for ongoing rural connectivity projects.

Building Safer Communities

• SB25-105 would utilize $1.1 million of funding in the Multidisciplinary Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention Grant Fund to better support community-based, multidisciplinary approaches to crime prevention and crisis intervention strategies, specifically in areas where crime is disproportionately high.

The FY24-25 supplemental budget package will be heard on third reading in the Senate before moving to further consideration by the House.

Protect the Freedom to Marry Act Passes Senate

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman

DENVER, CO – Following voter approval of Amendment J, which removed language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage, legislation seeking to make that same language change in Colorado statute passed the Senate today. 

SB25-014, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Lakewood, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would repeal the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution.

“The freedom to marry who we love is a fundamental right,” said Danielson. “I cannot sit back and allow Coloradans to have their marriages and families put at risk. It’s especially important now, as the Trump Administration attacks the LGBTQ community, to secure everyone’s right to live safely in our state, and marry whomever they love.”

"I helped lead some of the first Gay Pride marches in the South and I saw and felt discrimination and hatred then,” said Jaquez Lewis. “Sadly, I am seeing and feeling it now towards my LGBTQ community, in particular, my trans friends and family.  As the only LGBTQ Senator in the state, I introduced this bill to protect the ability for any Coloradan to love who they want to love and marry who they want to marry. SB25-014 reaffirms marriage equality in our Colorado state statutes and protects the freedom to marry."

SB25-014 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing

SB25-006 would invest up to $50 million to activate development of affordable for-sale housing

DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to unlock Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing passed the Senate. 

SB25-006 would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. 

“We know that affordable and attainable housing is a challenge facing our whole state,” said Roberts. “This bill will allow us to use existing resources to help build more ‘starter homes’ which is key to giving hardworking Coloradans the opportunity to own a home and accumulate generational wealth. I’m grateful this bipartisan bill that doesn’t require new spending is moving forward.” 

The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. The program would be funded through the treasurer’s investment portfolio and there would be no impact to the state’s general fund. 

SB25-006 will now head to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Improve Efficiency & Accessibility in Health Insurance Communications

SB25-010 would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from their health insurance provider

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to improve efficiency and accessibility in health insurance communications passed the Senate today. 

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, SB25-010 would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. 

“There are many benefits to making electronic communications the default for health insurance communications,” said Mullica. “This bill would provide consumers with information in real-time with technology they are already comfortable with, keep sensitive data safe, reduce waste, and lower administrative costs. This bill is a win-win for Coloradans and health care providers alike.” 

SB25-010 would mirror the National Council of Insurance Legislators’ “E-Commerce Model Act,” which seeks to improve the quality of insurance regulation and oversight. Twenty other states have enacted similar legislation.

Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. 

SB25-010 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing Passes Committee

SB25-006 would invest up to $50 million to spur development of affordable for-sale housing

DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to unlock Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee. 

SB25-006 would allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds would give low rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability restrictions and low mortgage rates to first-time buyers to ease their way into the housing market. 

“We know that affordable and attainable housing is a challenge facing our whole state,” said Roberts. “This bill will allow us to use existing resources to help build more ‘starter homes’ which is key to giving hardworking Coloradans the opportunity to own a home and accumulate generational wealth. I’m grateful this bipartisan bill that doesn’t require new spending is moving forward.” 

The $50 million would finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents. The program would be funded through the treasurer’s investment portfolio and there would be no impact to the state’s general fund. 

SB25-006 will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Marchman, Jaquez Lewis Bill to Analyze a Statewide Single-Payer Health Care System Advances

DENVER, CO – Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Longmont, bill to analyze model legislation for a statewide universal single-payer health care system passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

SB25-045 would require the School of Public Health at the University of Colorado to create a report on the model legislation and would establish the Statewide Health Care Analysis Collaborative in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to assist the school in developing its report.

“Colorado faces significant health care affordability issues, especially in rural areas,” said Marchman. “Senate Bill 45 is a fact-finding and data-driven approach to analyze the potential for a single-payer, publicly financed health care payment system in Colorado. This important bill will ensure we get the facts straight with a thorough, independent review of costs, funding sources, and feasibility of such a system before we take legislative action on major health care reform.”

“The high costs of health care continue to burden Colorado families and small businesses,” Jaquez Lewis said. “The study will analyze costs, revenue sources, reimbursement rates, and overall economic impacts to help guide future health care policymaking. Additionally, the task force will incorporate input from patients, providers, business leaders, and policy experts, ensuring a balanced analysis. We are committed to exploring practical options to make health care affordable and accessible.”

By December 31, 2026, the school would be required to acquire model legislation developed by a nonprofit to enact a universal single-payer health care system and submit a report on the legislation that analyzes costs and connections to federal law, identifies possible revenue sources to cover costs, and evaluates the feasibility of other models.

Under the bill, funding for the study is dependent on receipt of sufficient gifts, grants, or donations.

SB25-045 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Protect the Freedom to Marry Act Passes Committee

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman

DENVER, CO - Following voter approval of Amendment J, which removed language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage, legislation seeking to make that same language change in Colorado Statute passed the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today.

SB25-014, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Lakewood, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, would repeal the provision in Colorado Statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution.

"The freedom to marry who we love is a fundamental right," said Danielson. "I cannot sit back and allow Coloradans to have their marriages and families put at risk. It’s especially important now, as the Trump Administration attacks the LGBTQ community, to secure everyone’s right to live safely in our state, and marry whomever they love."

"I helped lead some of the first Gay Pride marches in the South and I saw and felt discrimination and hatred then,” said Jaquez Lewis. "Sadly, I am seeing and feeling it now towards my LGBTQ community, in particular, my trans friends and family. As the only LGBTQ Senator in the state, I introduced this bill to protect the ability for any Coloradan to love who they want to love and marry who they want to marry. SB25-014 reaffirms marriage equality in our Colorado state statutes and protects the freedom to marry."

SB25-014 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.