Search Results

Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder < Back February 21, 2024 Removing Bail Eligibility for First-Degree Murder Cases Passes Committee Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to make first-degree murder defendants ineligible for bail. “This constitutional amendment makes it clear that for certain heinous crimes, bail should not be an option,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HCR24-1002 and HB24-1225. “When there is strong evidence that ties someone to a murder, it’s in the best interest of the safety of Coloradans to keep them in custody until their case is adjudicated. If voters support this constitutional amendment, this bill would clarify in statute that people accused of first-degree murder aren’t eligible to be released on bail.” In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in People v. Smith that defendants of capital offenses are eligible to be released on bail per language in Colorado statute. HCR24-1002 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would refer a constitutional amendment to Colorado voters on the November 2024 ballot to exempt the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment by at least 55 percent for it to be adopted into the Colorado Constitution. HCR24-1002 passed by a vote of 8-2. HB24-1225 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would make the conforming changes in Colorado statute if the voters adopt the constitutional amendment, exempting defendants who are charged with first-degree murder from bail eligibility when the proof is evident or presumption is great. HB24-1225 also aligns jury procedures for first-degree murder cases with other capital cases to allow 10 peremptory challenges during jury selection for the first defendant and an additional three for every defendant after. The bill, which also passed by a vote of 8-2, is contingent on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment created by HCR24-1002. Previous Next

Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. < Back November 5, 2024 Colorado Democrats Secure Overwhelming House Majority DENVER, CO - Coloradans voted tonight to continue Democratic leadership of the Colorado House. With ballots still being counted, results indicate that House Democrats will have an overwhelming majority with additional races still too close to call. “Coloradans have once again placed their trust in us, and I am grateful to the people of our state. They have elected an overwhelming Democratic majority to the House in similar numbers to what we won in 2018 and 2020 when we secured the largest Democratic majority since FDR,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “It’s clear from the results that Coloradans believe we are the right people to lead our state forward. Coloradans believe in reproductive freedom, and tonight, Coloradans reelected a pro-choice majority. Coloradans believe in public education, and tonight we reelected a pro-public schools majority. Coloradans believe in climate science, and tonight we reelected a pro-climate action majority. House Democrats are excited to build on our breakthrough session and continue fighting for our values, our freedoms and our Colorado way of life.” “I’d like to thank the voters of our state for reelecting our majority, and I congratulate all the Democratic lawmakers and candidates who worked so hard and ran great campaigns,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “This cycle, we were defending seats in Republican territory that Trump won four years ago, and we still won an overwhelming majority because Coloradans agree with us on the issues that matter most like saving families money, protecting our climate, reducing gun violence, and securing abortion rights. Tonight, Colorado rejected the party of election deniers, climate deniers and politicians who would take us backward and once again entrusted Democrats to move Colorado forward.” During the 74th General Assembly, House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results. During the breakthrough 2024 Legislative Session, we focused on gun violence prevention, fully funding K-12 public schools, improving air quality and reducing the costs for families. Major Accomplishments from the 74th General Assembly Making Colorado More Affordable for All: House Democrats passed legislation to save people money and new laws to make housing more affordable , reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and prevent unpredictable rate spikes on utility bills. We also delivered property tax relief for homeowners and businesses, including veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors. Colorado Democrats put money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by boosting the state Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and creating the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. Saving Coloradans Money on Health Care: From providing no-cost mental health services to youth and increasing hospital transparency to cutting patient costs, Colorado Democrats have passed new laws to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, quality health care. The reinsurance program and Colorado Option are saving consumers nearly half a billion dollars a year. Protecting Reproductive Rights: Colorado Democrats have protected your right to reproductive health care. We passed laws to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with abortion and gender-affirming care, limit surprise medical billing for reproductive health care services and treatment, and improve access to contraceptive care. We also rejected dangerous bills from the Colorado GOP that would have criminalized abortion and effectively banned IVF. Investing in Public Education: One of the biggest accomplishments of the 2024 legislative session was eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor , increasing total funding for public schools by more than $500 million. A new bipartisan school funding formula increases funding for rural schools and at-risk students, special education, and English Language Learners. Families will save money on higher education with the Colorado Promise Act, a refundable income tax credit that will cover the cost of two years of higher education or the full cost of community college. Protecting Our Air and Water: House Democrats are dedicated to addressing climate change , improving Colorado’s air quality, and protecting our water . New laws will generate significant funding for transit, rail, and land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Additionally, Colorado Democrats created over $60 million in annual tax cuts to businesses and consumers for clean energy and made water and energy efficiency improvements more affordable and eco-friendly. Preventing Gun Violence and Improving Public Safety: Colorado Democrats took major strides to prevent gun violence in our communities. We expanded Colorado’s “red flag” law, implemented a minimum three-day waiting period to receive a firearm, strengthened training requirements to receive a concealed carry permit, and improved enforcement of federal gun laws. A bipartisan law was credited for a sharp decrease in auto thefts. In 2024, we passed bipartisan laws to strengthen protections against human trafficking and improve safety for victims by expanding protections around civil protection orders. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to improve the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. SB23-054 passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3 and would streamline case information and communication between families and the office. < Back May 7, 2023 House Passes Bill to Improve the Office of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to improve the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. SB23-054 passed the House by a vote of 61 to 3 and would streamline case information and communication between families and the office. “Colorado’s made great progress in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives, but more must be done to ensure families get the communication they need,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “The data is heartbreaking: Indigenous people are far more likely to be the victims of violent crimes and families are often left waiting for answers. Our bill improves Colorado’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives by making sure families have a designated contact to follow up on their loved one’s case. We’re taking steps to improve our state’s coordination and response to make sure missing or murdered indigenous people and their families get the justice they deserve.” “Colorado’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives is a step in the right direction, and we’re making improvements to the office so more families can get answers and seek justice,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The number of missing and murdered indigenous relatives, especially women, has reached a crisis point nationwide. Colorado is no exception to this crisis, and we’re working to streamline our response and better support family members through the judicial process. It’s way past time we resist the normalization of violence against Indigenous people, and we must respond in ways that protect the Indigenous community.” SB23-054 will improve coordination, response, communication and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases. Last year, SB22-150 created the Office of Liaison for Missing or Murdered Indigenous Relatives. This legislation refines the MMIR liaison’s role by strengthening their advisory board and requiring an annual report to be shared with legislative committees to improve accountability and follow up for challenges the Indigenous community is facing. SB23-054 brings training to victim advocates who work with indigenous persons. More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population and murder is the 3rd cause of death for Native women . This bill aims to improve the MMIR liaison and communicate better with families of the missing indigenous persons. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2023 Successful I Matter Program Has Served Thousands of Colorado Youth The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration presented data today about the I Matter Program DENVER, CO - The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) today presented data in the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee about the I Matter Program, which has provided 5,655 Colorado youth with up to six free therapy sessions. “I’m so proud that this program has been successful at reaching kids that are looking for mental health support and counseling,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet. “Ensuring that our youth have access to timely, quality mental health services has been one of my main priorities at the Capitol. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of depression and anxiety in our kids, and the I Matter Program has proven to be an exceptional tool that has helped thousands of Colorado youth.” The I Matter Program was created with the passage of HB21-1258 , sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, and expanded by HB22-1243 . The program received $15 million dollars in funding from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions to provide a mental health screening followed by six free therapy sessions to youth across the state and is available virtually and in person. Students use a screening tool through the program’s website to match them with licensed mental health professionals that best fit their needs, including bilingual services. If the student needs additional services or shows signs of needing immediate help, their assigned care navigator connects them to long-term mental health care providers or crisis support, including Colorado Crisis Services. Data from the BHA shows that almost 44% of participating youth used at least four sessions and 83% of youth showed up to their session. The 5,655 students who have utilized this service come from 59 of the 64 counties across Colorado. Rep. Michaelson Jenet introduced HB23-1003 to expand the reach of the I Matter Program by offering a mental health assessment in schools. Similar to the screening on the I Matter website, the in-person assessment will help identify potential struggles the student is facing and connect them with the I Matter program. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee on February 7. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Lorena Garcia to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants. HB24-1280 passed by a vote of 44-20. < Back May 1, 2024 Legislation to Support New Immigrants Passes House DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Lorena Garcia to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants. HB24-1280 passed by a vote of 44-20. “Diversity makes us stronger, and we must set up new immigrants for success so they can create a better and safer life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Supporting new immigrants helps all our communities. By strengthening Colorado’s existing community-based resources, new immigrants will have a better chance of building a thriving life, just like the generations of immigrants before them did.” “Colorado has seen a significant increase in new immigrants, and counties and organizations across the state are struggling to keep up with the demand for necessary services and resources,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Resources like referrals to housing, employment assistance, and school enrollment support have a significant impact on new residents achieving stability here. Our legislation aims to better support the good work that community organizations are already doing to aid new immigrants as they transition to life in Colorado.” HB24-1280 creates the Statewide Welcome, Reception, and Integration Grant Program to grant funds to community-based organizations that provide services to new immigrants within their first year in the United States. Grant money can be used for: Conducting an intake and assessment of needs, Providing cultural orientation and case management Services or referrals to employment services, immigration legal assistance, housing-related services, transportation services, financial orientation, mental and physical health services, interpretation and translation services, and English as a second language courses, Distributing emergency and transitional supplies, and Assisting new immigrant parents to enroll their kids in public schools or summer programs. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN: OUTDOOR REC CRITICAL FOR COLORADO’S ECONOMY Legislation advanced today would create the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office to help drive continued growth in the sector DENVER, CO— Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan legislation to create the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office today passed the House Committee on Energy and Environment by a vote of 9-2. “Outdoor recreation is critical for Colorado’s economy, and this legislation will sustain and foster this growing industry,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “We can do more to support outdoor recreation and the jobs it creates while also protecting the beautiful public lands on which the industry relies. That’s what this bill would do.” In 2015, the governor formed the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office in the Office of Economic Development. HB20-1191 would cement this office in statute and outline the office’s specific responsibilities and objectives. Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy has grown significantly, but additional support is needed to sustain this growth. HB20-1191, which is also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, calls for the cultivation, promotion, and coordinated development of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado and for the protection and conservation of public lands, waters, air, and climate. It calls on the state to partner with the outdoor recreation industry to ensure that the industry serves as a good steward of Colorado’s natural beauty. The Office would support the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado by working with state, federal, local governments and nongovernmental organizations to promote economic development, conservation, stewardship, education, workforce training, and public health and wellness. The outdoor industry accounts for 10 percent of Colorado’s economy, with $37 billion in consumer spending supporting and creating more than 511,000 jobs. Since 2015, the outdoor recreation office has worked to attract and retain businesses, offered workforce training programs, fostered product manufacturing and entrepreneurialism, and brought high-tech and advanced industries to the state. The Office created the Rural Technical Assistance Program, which leverages state partnerships to further economic development in rural Colorado. It also sponsored the 2019 Colorado Classic, the only all-women professional bike race in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Next

“Stop the Bleed” is a straightforward training used to prepare people for life-saving emergency situations < Back August 5, 2024 Rep. Young Meets with Nurses Behind “Stop the Bleed” Legislation GREELEY, CO – Representative Mary Young today met with nurses, Jennifer Landis and Robyn Wolverton, to discuss implementation of the “Stop the Bleed” legislation. “It was fantastic to meet with nurses Jennifer and Robyn – they played a key role in spreading awareness and training educators in Stop the Bleed ,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “We all know time is precious during an emergency and Stop the Bleed training ensures people, including educators, have the resources and training to respond efficiently. I’m beyond grateful to have their expertise in this topic and look forward to hearing about more individuals receiving training to save lives.” In 2023, Representative Mary Young, Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsored legislation that requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to distribute “Stop the Bleed” kits and training materials to K-12 schools that opt into the program. Bleed control kits and training resources contain first-aid materials for treating blood loss in traumatic injuries. The idea behind this law came from local Greeley nurses, Jennifer and Robyn, who had been providing “Stop the Bleed” training to educators, but were met with funding barriers that made it difficult to sustain the program. HB23-1213 helps to better prepare educators and staff for emergency situations. Previous Next

The House today advanced on a preliminary vote HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. < Back August 27, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Responsibly Reduce Property Taxes and Protect Colorado’s Future Advances DENVER, CO – The House today advanced on a preliminary vote HB24B-1001, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, that will reduce property taxes while protecting critical community institutions like public schools, health care, fire response, libraries, water infrastructure, and municipal parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. “Colorado Democrats are dedicated to making our state more affordable, which is why we’re back at the Capitol to responsibly reduce property taxes for Coloradans while protecting the progress we’ve made to invest in our future and boost school funding,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Two initiatives from wealthy special interests on the November ballot would have catastrophic impacts on Coloradans. I’m proud that through additional negotiations with the proponents of these measures, I secured a significant win for our schools and local governments by providing greater flexibility in the revenue cap, which will do more to preserve the local services we all rely on and protect our future.” Democrats have stepped up to avoid steep property tax hikes and are leading a multi-year effort to deliver meaningful relief while protecting critical funding for schools and local services. In May, the General Assembly passed SB24-233 by a vote 92-8 to responsibly reduce statewide local taxes by more than $1 billion, prevent future spikes in property taxes, and protect critical services that Coloradans rely on. HB24B-1001 makes minor adjustments to SB24-233 in order to avoid devastating ballot measures from wealthy special interests. Irresponsible ballot measures would reduce revenue for public schools, fire departments, health care, libraries, water infrastructure, and public outdoor recreation by nearly $3 billion. They would risk the major strides Colorado Democrats have made to boost public education funding and eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor. If these measures were to pass, they would lead to draconian cuts to fire response and public safety. HB24B-1001 reduces property taxes in a responsible way while protecting funding for crucial institutions, especially Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Using SB24-233 as the baseline, the bipartisan proposal would reduce assessment rates and the local government revenue cap. The House today adopted two amendments. Amendment L042 provides additional flexibility to school districts and local governments by allowing them to retain revenue above the growth cap if in the prior assessment cycle they did not reach the cap. This will allow districts to keep additional funding in years that follow low-growth cycles, letting revenue catch back up to the long-term trendline. The House also adopted an amendment to direct the Property Tax Commission to evaluate the property tax changes made in SB24-233 and HB24B-1001 and report back on how Colorado’s tax code does or does not deliver relief to the people who need it the most. Residential Assessment Rates (RARs) Depending on the growth in assessed valuation (AV) between property tax years 2024 and 2025, there are two options for adjustments to RARs: *RARs and value exemptions would apply to and stack with the Senior Homestead Exemption. Nonresidential and Personal Property Assessment Rates Nonresidential assessment rates and exemptions are for both schools and local governments. Oil and gas and producing mines remain excluded from this classification. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to reduce the cost of housing, health care, and child care. In the 2024 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed new laws that will provide two years of free college , reduce evictions , and boost the incomes of hardworking families with new tax credits. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 FAMILIES FIRST! COMMITTEE VOTES TO PROVIDE LOW-INCOME COLORADANS WITH DIAPERS AND EXPAND FAMILY PLANNING COVERAGE DENVER, CO– The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today advanced two bills to help parents with newborns afford diapers and ensure more Coloradans have the support they need to plan for their families’ future. “As a new mom, I’ve become more acutely aware of the difficulties that families struggle with while trying to provide a great life for their babies,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, sponsor of both SB21-025 and SB21-027. “That’s why I’m so proud that today we moved to help families afford diapers – one of the most basic necessities that a young family has. I’m also excited that more Coloradans will soon be eligible for family planning services that will ensure they are empowered to make their own decisions about when and how to start a family.” “Even before the pandemic began, far too many families in Colorado were struggling to afford diapers for their kids,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, sponsor of SB21-027. “The pandemic’s devastating impact on jobs and hardworking families only made matters worse and put moms and kids in further danger. As moms and lawmakers, my co-prime sponsors and I decided we wouldn’t accept this heartbreaking reality in our state. Today, we’re one step closer to giving young families the support they deserve.” SB21-027 would help new and recent parents care for their children by ensuring that diaper essentials are available to all low-income families in Colorado. The bill provides $4 million for this purpose and asks the Colorado Department of Human Services to contract with nonprofit organizations to administer diaper distribution centers. Despite the high cost of diapers and estimates that show about 1 in 3 U.S. families report needing more diapers, diapers cannot be purchased through public assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Woman, Infants, and Children program (WIC). The bill passed by a vote of 7-5. SB21-025 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, would expand Medicaid coverage for family planning services to more individuals who are currently prevented from accessing care because they are just above the eligibility limit. The coverage would give more Coloradans the resources and information necessary to make decisions about how and when to start a family by providing counseling services, access to contraceptives, and information regarding available health care coverage. A majority of states across the country have already taken up the option to raise the Medicaid eligibility. The bill passed by a vote of 7-5. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REFORM CRIMINAL JUSTICE, GIVE PEOPLE A SECOND CHANCE Bill was approved on a bipartisan vote 59-3 (Apr. 26) – The House approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chair Mike Weissman to broaden access to record sealing. HB19-1275 will allow more people to successfully obtain and maintain housing and employment, to help them move on from their past mistakes after they have served their sentences. “This bill will help give people who have served their time for lower level offenses and paid their debt to society a second chance. I thank my co-sponsor Rep. Soper for his work on this bill and I am glad that we have broad bipartisan support,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. More than 1.8 million Coloradans are in the state criminal record database. For many of these individuals, involvement with the justice system has led to a cycle of unemployment or underemployment, housing insecurity, or a loss of income for themselves or their families. The bill will streamline record sealing processes for individuals eligible under existing law. It will also allow some individuals who would be newly eligible under the bill to petition the court to seal their existing case as opposed to having to file a new civil case, helping to make our court system more efficient.. Victims and prosecutors will be able to provide input to a judge who will ultimately decide whether a case will be sealed. The Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, and Violence Free Colorado all support the bill. The bill was approved by the House by a bipartisan vote of 59-3. Previous Next

< Back September 9, 2019 REP. MCCLUSKIE STATEMENT ON SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN SUMMIT COUNTY HEALTH INSURANCE RATES DILLON, CO — Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway announced that Summit County residents purchasing health insurance on the individual market from Peak Health Alliance will see decreases ranging from 39 to 47 percent compared to last year’s premiums. “I am so proud to be a part of a community that is tackling the backbreaking costs of health care with new and innovative ideas. The Peak Health Alliance is significantly reducing health insurance premiums for the working people of Summit County, and I hope we can be a model for what is possible statewide. I was proud to work alongside Sen. Donovan and Rep. Roberts on the legislation that helped make these dramatic reductions in health insurance premiums a reality.” BACKGROUND A new law to create a reinsurance program (HB19-1168) and another bill to establish new health care options (SB19-004) are two bills that are successfully helping to lower health care costs in Summit County. Summit County is the first county in the state to stand up a healthcare co-op. Previous Next

< Back January 21, 2020 GA DEMS UNVEIL BILL TO HELP BRING DOWN COSTS OF RX DRUGS Price transparency legislation would reveal pharmaceutical cost drivers and lower the cost of health insurance DENVER, CO– Today, General Assembly Democrats unveiled the Colorado Prescription Drug Transparency Act of 2020. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Dominique Jackson and Dylan Roberts, and Senators Joann Ginal and Kerry Donovan, would mark a major step forward in uncovering the factors that are driving up pharmaceutical prices, and it would deliver relief to consumers through reduced insurance premiums. “This important legislation will finally bring to light the murky dealings and obscured relationships that drive up the cost of prescription drugs and health insurance, leading to record profits for billion-dollar, global pharmaceutical corporations,” said Rep. Jackson (D-Aurora). “This is an issue that affects Coloradans across the state, at every stage of life, and it’s time we move the ball forward to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.” “For too long, drug companies have been price gouging older adults and hardworking Americans without consequence. Prioritizing profit over people and forcing patients to go without lifesaving medication,” said Sen Ginal (D-Fort Collins) . “With new transparency laws, our state will force Big Pharma to shine a light on what drives up the cost of medication, so we can ensure accountability for our communities.” “Last session we capped the cost of insulin, saving Coloradans living with diabetes thousands of dollars per year, and that was just the first step. Today we’re building on the progress we’ve made with robust transparency measures,” said Rep. Roberts (D-Avon). “This bill will bring relief to consumers by lowering insurance premiums and by holding drug manufacturing, drug middlemen and insurance companies accountable.” “This is bill is a part of a comprehensive approach to improve healthcare by defending our friends and neighbors from the excess corporate profit that forces them to jeopardize their health,” said Sen. Donovan (D-Aspen). “We are committed to joining together to fight for all Coloradans so that they can get the care they need.” The Colorado Prescription Drug Transparency Act of 2020 would address two primary concerns. First, it would provide the state and policymakers with critical data needed to understand and address the factors that are driving up the cost of prescription drugs. Second, it would provide immediate relief to consumers by ensuring that the rebates insurance companies receive from drug manufacturers are passed along directly to reduce premiums across the board. The bill would help policymakers understand the financial relationships between drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), insurance companies and consumers. By revealing how the currently hidden pharmaceutical supply chain operates, policymakers can better determine and address the key factors that are driving up the costs of prescription drugs. Under the bill, health insurers will have to submit detailed information to the commissioner of insurance starting in 2021 about the top 50 most costly and most used prescription drugs covered under their plans, any rebates they receive from drug manufacturers and how drug costs and rebates are accounted for in insurance premiums. Drug manufacturers will have to notify the commissioner when they increase the price of certain drugs, the specific reasons for the price change and if the price change was necessitated by a change or improvement to the drug. The drugs that would fall under this category are drugs with a price of more than $50 per course of therapy and for which the price has increased by 10 percent or more over the prior year. Previous Next