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< Back April 24, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (Apr. 24) –Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications passed in the House Health and Insurance committee. The bill will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for struggling families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the Health and Insurance Committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under Federal law to contract with a vendor to design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. “The federal government is failing to help lower the cost of health care, this is a commonsense approach that can help Coloradans and cut the cost of medication,” Rep. Jaquez Lewis added. SB19-005 passed on a vote of 7-4. The bill now goes to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2023 House Passes Bill to Address Teacher Shortage DENVER, CO – The House passed legislation today to boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado. HB23-1064 passed by a vote of 46-16. “We’re one step closer to getting more educators in classrooms across Colorado,” s aid Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “We know teachers are working through difficult situations, including burnout, and are still managing to set our students up for success. Our bill works to get more high quality teachers in classrooms by streamlining the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado.” “Colorado’s teacher shortage is affecting every school district in the state, and our bill works to address educator workforce shortages,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley . “Under this bill, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license. This bill also positively impacts military spouses who relocate to Colorado by removing barriers to entering the educator workforce.” HB23-1064 would create new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a teacher’s license from another member state. This bill is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process and reduce barriers, so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state and the compact was initiated by the Department of Defense with the Council of State Governments and National Council of Teacher Accreditation. Previous Next

The Colorado Promise will save students money and make higher education more affordable < Back May 4, 2024 House Passes Bill to Make College Free for First Two Years DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, would create a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. “As one of the first members of my family to go to college, I want to make it possible for every aspiring student to afford higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “By creating the Colorado Promise, we will make higher education nearly free for two years for every family making under $90,000 per year. With this bill, more students will be able to complete their degree and afford the cost of college, which for too many middle income families is unaffordable.” HB24-1340 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed the House by a vote of 46 to 15. This bill would fund two years of in-state college for students in families making less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families. Specifically, this bill would create a refundable state income tax credit for a student, or a taxpayer claiming the student as a dependent, that graduates from a Colorado higher education institution in certain careers. The credit is equal to the tuition and fees paid by the eligible student to the institution, minus any scholarships or grants they earned or qualified for. The career pathways would be identified by the annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report which highlights top jobs with multiple openings, above average growth and good wages. The Colorado 2023 Talent Pipeline Report identified some of our state’s top jobs in the areas of accounting, medical science, computer science, health care, education, engineering, and more. Under this bill, the state credit is available for income tax years 2024 through 2029 and is refundable.To qualify for this tax credit, the student must have completed the program during the income tax year the credit is claimed. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 BUENTELLO-GARCIA BIPARTISAN BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK Bipartisan to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Apr. 27) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello and President Garcia’s that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time we expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “This bill will save lives and help Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get they treatment they need.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. “Hundreds of Coloradans die every year at the hands of opioids and I am proud that this life-saving bill will soon be signed into law and helping Coloradans get the treatment they need,” said President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo. “We have seen tremendous results from this pilot program in Pueblo County and Routt County and this expansion will help even more Coloradans, particularly those in high-need areas of our state, who are battling drug abuse and addiction.” SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The House approved SB19-001 on a bipartisan vote of 54-7. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. < Back April 29, 2025 Mauro’s Bill to Invest in Jobs and Support Coal-Transitioning Communities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. “As market forces shift communities like mine away from a coal-based economy, we’re stepping up to support our communities and create new jobs,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Colorado has invested millions to boost workers, invest in local economies and develop a workforce for the future. Our bill ensures that rural communities can take advantage of grant opportunities that spur the growth of good-paying jobs in renewable energy and invest in local economies.” SB25-037 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill makes existing funding available for coal transition workforce assistance programs for an additional three years to support communities' transition away from a coal-based economy. The bill directs the Just Transition Office in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to also prioritize investments in tier two communities, which are communities that are indirectly impacted by coal closures. This includes programs and grants that help communities with workforce assistance and the construction or maintenance of libraries, town halls, police and fire stations. SB25-037 aims to more effectively distribute state-supported grants and programs to communities whose economy was once or is partially reliant on coal. Additionally, this bill extends the reporting deadline for the study on advanced energy solutions in rural Colorado. Founded in 2019, the Office of Just Transition was established to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future. Market shifts, consumer choices and the advancement of renewable energy sources have required Colorado to step up and create action plans that allow for a smooth economic adjustment for coal transition communities. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN BILL TO REDUCE SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS FOR YOUNG KIDS (Mar. 20) – The House approved Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to reduce preschool and early elementary out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. In Colorado and across the country, young children are being removed from pre-school and early elementary grades at alarming rates “This is about addressing a civil rights issue for Colorado’s youngest learners. Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities and it’s time for that to end,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill will help reduce the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system.” Suspensions and expulsions result in the loss of valuable learning and enrichment time for Colorado’s kids. Young students, when they return to school, are often behind their classmates and more likely to be disruptive. The bill will help address behavioral issues of our young children in ways other than suspensions and expulsions to help them grow and succeed. In 2014 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data showing that black students are suspended and expelled at three times the rate of white students. That year, the Obama administration issued discipline guidelines aimed at reducing school suspensions of students of color. In 2018, the Trump administration and Sec. Betsy DeVos rescinded those guidelines. The bill aligns with national recommendations that seek to limit school removal for young children while promoting thoughtful exceptions that ensure school safety. HB19-1194 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 43-22 and now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

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. < Back May 24, 2024 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. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 NO MORE SURPRISES: BIPARTISAN BILL TO END OUT-OF-NETWORK BILLING GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK (May 2) – A bipartisan bill to address the out-of-control practice of sending consumers out-of-network bills, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, is heading to the Governor’s desk. “As a legislator, my job is to find a way to ensure Coloradans aren’t dealing with these surprise medical bills through no fault of their own,” s aid Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We are responding to the concerns of families, individuals and seniors who have been hit by these surprise–and often expensive–bills. We think this is a strong bipartisan solution to this problem.” HB19-1174 prohibits out-of-network billing by providers when the patient unknowingly received the care from an out-of-network provider or facility. It also requires providers to inform consumers of their rights regarding bills sent to them by out-of-network providers. The bill does not prohibit patients from incurring out-of-network costs when they intentionally go out-of-network for their care but puts safeguards in place to prevent unexpected medical bills in these situations. Out-of-network bills can be more than 30 times the average in-network rate. Fifty-seven percent of patients who encountered out-of-network bills paid the bills in full because they didn’t know of their right to fight these bills. This legislation is meant to help control costs in out-of-network billing situations by setting a reasonable rate of payment for these providers and facilities. The House re-approved the bipartisan bill on a vote of 54-9. The bill passed out of the Senate with a vote of 31-4. The bill also has bipartisan sponsorship in the Senate with Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Sen. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, serving as Senate sponsors Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would strengthen protections for survivors of sexual misconduct by expanding the Civil Rape Shield Law. HB25-1138 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. < Back February 4, 2025 Bipartisan Lukens Bill to Strengthen Civil Rape Shield Law Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would strengthen protections for survivors of sexual misconduct by expanding the Civil Rape Shield Law . HB25-1138 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. “Far too often, victims have been unfairly blamed for an assault based on what they wear or how they live their lives, making Coloradans vulnerable to sensitive and irrelevant details being used against them,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The unfortunate reality is that survivors of sexual misconduct have been hesitant to pursue legal action because irrelevant details about their past sexual history, lifestyle, and clothing could be used against them. In Colorado, we stand by victims of sexual assault. Our bipartisan legislation would prevent the use of unrelated details in a civil case, protecting survivors so they can hold their stalker, harasser, or assaulter accountable.” HB25-1138 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would protect victims of sexual assault in civil court by making hairstyle, manner of speech, lifestyle, and clothing related to an alleged sexual offense inadmissible as evidence of consent, credibility, or harm. With few exceptions, the past sexual history of a victim cannot be discussed, and a judge must first review any such evidence in private. Currently, Colorado law says sexual activity is irrelevant and inadmissible in a civil proceeding unless that sexual activity was between a victim and a defendant. This bill would eliminate that exception. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law that expanded the Criminal Rape Shield Law to prohibit the admission of evidence of a victim’s clothing or the victim’s past sexual history with a defendant to prove consent. Previous Next

The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. It passed by a vote of 9-1. < Back March 14, 2023 Bill to Reduce the Cost of Prescription Drugs Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Insurance Committee today passed legislation to improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce the cost of prescription drugs. It passed by a vote of 9-1. “Pharmacy Benefit Managers act as the middleman between health insurers, employers and patients, giving them a lot of power in determining the cost of prescription drugs,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora . “Strengthening the Division of Insurance’s ability to enforce the cost-saving legislation we’ve passed in recent years will hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable for not following the rules. Colorado Democrats are committed to finding solutions that drive down costs so all Coloradans can afford their essential medication.” “Colorado Democrats have made significant strides in making quality health care more affordable, but these cost-saving measures are not as effective when Pharmacy Benefit Managers don’t act in accordance with the law,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “This legislation will require Pharmacy Benefit Managers to register with the state and create new tools to ensure that they follow the cost-saving measures and consumer protections we’ve created to save Coloradans money. Affordable access to prescription drugs and health care is essential in creating an equitable health care system.” HB23-1227 will ensure that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This bill will provide the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. This bill would grant the commissioner the power to investigate and impose penalties on PBMs for failing to comply with consumer protections such as charging pharmacies fees to adjudicate claims, clawing back money from pharmacies inappropriately, and discriminating against independent pharmacies versus PBM affiliated pharmacies. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2021 BILLS TO SUPPORT SENIORS, INCREASE ACCESS TO GERIATRIC PROVIDERS SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will support older Coloradans by creating a new grant program to expand access to critical services and increase the number of health care providers in Colorado who provide geriatric care. “The bill Governor Polis signed today will dedicate $15 million toward projects that promote the health, wellbeing and security of Colorado’s seniors,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This funding will help seniors access food, critical health care and transportation services. It will also be used to implement best practices for preventing falls and managing chronic diseases.” “Colorado has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the country, which is why we need to act now to increase the number of providers in our state that specialize in caring for seniors,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “I’m proud that we were able to pass legislation this session that will incentivize health care providers with geriatric training or experience to commit to caring for older adults in areas where there aren’t enough providers.” “Estimates show that we are going to face a significant shortage of health care providers who treat older Coloradans,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With Governor Polis signing this bill today, we are going to encourage more medical providers who treat older adults to come to Colorado and help improve access to care for seniors.” SB21-290 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield, dedicates $15 million to support Colorado’s aging population by expanding housing assistance, increasing access to health services, subsidizing nutrition programs, and improving transportation opportunities to medical appointments. SB21-158 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada and Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, changes the Colorado Health Service Corps Program, a loan repayment program, to include geriatric advanced practice providers. Under the bill, registered nurses and physician assistance with geriatric training or experience could participate in the loan repayment program on the condition they commit to providing geriatric care to older adults in health professional shortage areas. Colorado has an aging population. Colorado has the third fastest growing population over the age of 65, and Coloradans over age 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state. By 2050, the state demography office estimates that more than one in five Coloradans will be over age 65. Not only is there a national doctor shortage, but estimates also expect a significant shortage of providers who treat older patients. Previous Next

< Back February 19, 2020 BILL TO ABOLISH COLUMBUS DAY PASSES THE HOUSE DENVER, CO — The Colorado House today passed a bill to remove state recognition of Columbus Day, a holiday named after the perpetrator of numerous crimes against humanity, and instead create a holiday that recognizes humanitarian Frances Xavier Cabrini. The new holiday would be the first state holiday named after a woman and would honor Cabrini’s tireless work on behalf of Colorado’s children. The bill was approved by a vote of 37-26. “I’m glad to finally see the House vote to end our state’s recognition of a holiday that brings pain to indigenous people in Colorado every year,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County). “I’m proud that we were able to get this done after so many years trying — this is a momentous day. I’m especially glad that at the same time as we ended our recognition of Columbus, we were able to take a step towards establishing the first state holiday in Colorado to honor a woman.” “I’m proud to see the House vote to set the historical record straight,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn). “The legacy and memory of Columbus are a very present source of pain for many communities in our state, and I’m glad we took a step towards putting this pain behind us.” HB20-1031 would establish Cabrini Day on the first Monday in October as a state holiday. It would be a paid holiday for state employees, and the bill would remove state sanction of Columbus day, which occurs one week later. The holiday would recognize Cabrini’s humanitarian values and lifelong dedication to service, especially to the Italian American immigrant community, who faced discrimination and difficulty as they immigrated to America. She worked tirelessly to support the Italian-American community in the United States, including through several projects in Colorado. In 1904, Cabrini established Denver’s Queen of Heaven Orphanage for girls. In 1910, she founded a summer camp for the orphanage’s residents in Golden, Colorado. Currently, a shrine stands in her honor in the original location of the summer camp in Golden. The shrine includes the “Stone House”, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Columbus Day is one of the few holliday’s named after a person, and its continued existence perpetuates the pain and suffering he inflicted. He was responsible for the kidnapping, rape and murder of thousands. Over 50,000 indiginous people commited suicide rather than comply with his rule, and within two years of his landing in the bahamas, over 125,000 people died, half the population. The bill aims to end the state sanctioned pain this holliday The bill passed on Third Reading this morning; the bill will now move onto the Senate. ### Previous Next