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The House Finance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Leslie Herod to expand eligibility for the successful Community Revitalization Grant Program that creates jobs and supports local economies, and creates a tax credit for capital improvements. HB24-1295 passed by a vote of 10-1. < Back March 21, 2024 Bill to Boost Colorado Communities Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Leslie Herod to expand eligibility for the successful Community Revitalization Grant Program that creates jobs and supports local economies, and creates a tax credit for capital improvements. HB24-1295 passed by a vote of 10-1. “The Community Revitalization Tax Credit offers significant help to many communities across Colorado to help them get housing and creative projects built,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. "Our legislation expands on our past grant program’s eligibility criteria, so we can fund many projects waiting for funding to revitalize communities and downtowns across Colorado. With this bill, we’re creating job opportunities and boosting small businesses and local Colorado economies.” “The Community Revitalization Grant Program has provided crucial funding for local communities in every corner of our state, helping local businesses stay in their community while creating essential housing and child care opportunities,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. "This bill would bolster the grant program, dedicating new funding that Colorado communities need to keep the unique character of their town while keeping up with the demand for workforce housing, commercial spaces, and other resources.” In 2022, Representatives Brianna Titone and Leslie Herod sponsored legislation to allocate $20 million of federal American Rescue Plan funds to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created as part of the Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan. The program provides gap funding for projects in creative districts, historic districts, main streets, or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding can be found here . HB24-1295 would expand eligibility for the Community Revitalization Grant Program to include projects that are qualified for funding under the Space to Create Colorado Program. The Space to Create Colorado Program helps communities develop affordable housing opportunities, commercial spaces, community gathering spaces, childcare centers, non-profit organizations, and other projects that provide community resources. The bill also establishes a refundable tax credit program for tax years 2026 through 2032 for creative industries and mixed-use and creative-use spaces for the general public. The committee also passed HB24-1358 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Marc Snyder, that would modify the Film Incentive Tax Credit to include additional eligible expenses and extend the tax credit. These dollars would help spur additional film production in Colorado, creating new jobs in the creative sector. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP LOWER DROPOUT RATE Bill would help keep Colorado students in the classroom (Apr. 27) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello and Rep. Tony Exum that would create a program to help students in the 9th grade succeed, as studies have shown that 9th grade can be an indicator of whether a student will drop out of school. “As a teacher, I know how crucial it is to provide resources for these students and help them succeed early on,” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. “I truly believe that this will have a big impact and change the lives of students everywhere. Ninth grade really is the make-it-or-break-it year and we can’t allow students to fall through the cracks. We need to address this problem and help lower the dropout rate.” HB19-1276 establishes a ninth grade success grant program administered by the Department of Education to help ninth grade students develop the skills needed to graduate from high school and succeed afterwards. The bill outlines best practices that must be utilized for the purposes of the program in order for a local education provider to be eligible for a grant. The department would reviews applications from local education providers and make recommendations to the State Board of Education on how to award grants. “We need to help ninth graders that are dropping out at an alarming rate. There are two school districts in my district in Colorado Springs that are in the bottom 20 percent for drop-rate, and bills like this will help those students that are struggling in the ninth grade,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. This grant would prioritize schools with four-year high school graduation rates that are in the bottom 20 percent statewide. HB19-1276 passed on a bipartisan vote of 41-19 with Rep. Colin Larson joining the Democrats. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 SIGNED! BUENTELLO’S DISABLED VETERAN PARK ACCESS PROPOSAL BECOMES LAW DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed Representative Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to allow veterans to more easily access State Parks free of charge into law. “This simple new law will ensure that those who have served our country don’t face barriers and red tape when visiting Colorado’s State Parks,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “With Fishers Peak in Southern Colorado becoming our newest State Park, this law could not have come at a better time. I’m proud that we were able to deliver a win for Colorado’s veterans today.” Currently, Colorado veterans who display a disabled license plate receive free access to Colorado’s state parks or recreation areas. Veterans who cannot, or do not, drive are unable to take advantage of free state park access. Now, under SB20-069 , disabled veterans will be able to enjoy free access to Colorado’s state parks without having to first acquire a license plate. It was previously passed by the House by a vote of 60-0. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GA DEMS CALL OUT RISE OF HATRED DURING PANDEMIC, URGE ACTION House and Senate Democrats release public community letter on increase in anti-Semitic, hateful, and bigoted language; urge Coloradans not to be bystanders DENVER, CO– General Assembly Democrats today released a public community letter on the increase in anti-Semitic, bigoted and racist language during the spread of COVID-19. “We are seeing an unacceptable rise in hate speech in our communities in the wake of this outbreak, and as Colorado’s representatives, it is our obligation to speak up and show that this type of language has no place in our state,” said Jewish Caucus Chair Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We are calling on Coloradans to join us in condemning bigotry and anti-Semitism and to work together in our communities to confront this danger.” The letter, which was organized by the Jewish Caucus, asks Coloradans to report hate crimes and embody the values we share: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. It is endorsed by the leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ legislative caucuses of the General Assembly. Coloradans can add their name to the letter here , and the full list of signatories and a Spanish translation of the letter can be found here . The full text of the letter is below: Dear Coloradans, We write to you as concerned citizens, advocates and as your neighbors. We are Colorado House and Senate Democrats and leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latino and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses. We endorse this letter because we are deeply concerned by the increase in bigotry and racism we are seeing and because we are compelled to speak up. We must come together as Coloradans, united to make sure that hate has no home in our state. To see the full list of signatories, please visit this website . The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak its havoc across the globe and to date, the crisis has cost us 42,514 American lives — 500 in Colorado alone. As we continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus and keep our communities safe, we the undersigned, pause for a moment to emphasize our shared commitment to ensuring that our communities and our state persevere through this crisis together, without turning on each other, and without resorting to hatred, bigotry or divisiveness. Our response to this pandemic requires that we follow CDC guidelines, listen to public health experts and practice proper social distancing. As we do so, it is imperative that we do not allow another sickness—racial and religious intolerance—to spread unchecked. In these unprecedented times, combating one pernicious disease is difficult enough. Though physically separated, we remain united and resolute: COVID-19 is no excuse for bigotry of any kind. We understand that this period of uncertainty has brought confusion and frustration to Coloradans of all backgrounds and identities. The virus has forced governments, including our state government, to make difficult decisions and take emergency action to save lives. We realize that this isn’t easy for anyone. We are endlessly thankful for the heroes who have stepped up to the challenge and made enormous sacrifices to support their fellow Coloradans. From our medical professionals, grocery store clerks and bus drivers, to all the folks staying at home, we have seen countless examples of Coloradans stepping up to contain the contagion in a spirit of kinship and togetherness. These acts of collective support, of selfless sacrifice and of everyday heroism provide a stark contrast to the examples of hateful and counterproductive behavior we have also seen on display. As such, we condemn—in the strongest possible terms—all acts of bigotry, xenophobia, racism, nativism, and antisemitism that have occurred in the wake of this outbreak. Tragically, some have used this pandemic as a cover and an excuse for abhorrent behavior. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans, conspiracy theories denigrating immigrants, statements that compare actions taken by the state’s first Jewish governor to the Gestapo—none of these are acceptable, none of it is Coloradan, and none of it will get us through this crisis any safer or any faster. While much has already been asked of the great people of our state, much more can be done to ensure we get through this crisis without sacrificing what it means to be a Coloradan. While we do the hard but necessary work of staying indoors, let’s make sure hate has no home in Colorado. We ask that as part of doing your part to combat the spread of COVID19, we all aim to speak up in the face of racism and antisemitism, report hate crimes and bigoted attacks, and embody the positive values we would like to see more of in our state: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. We ask that you join us in making sure these core American values—which the vast majority of Coloradans display proudly every day—continue to guide us as we confront this common enemy. To add your name to the letter, please visit this website . Signed, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), Jewish Caucus Chair Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Black Caucus Chair, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver), Latina Caucus Chair Representative Alex Valdez (D-Denver), LGBTQ Caucus Chair, Latino Caucus Chair Representative Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) Representative Adrienne Benavidez (D-Brighton), Latina Caucus Representative Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) Representative Janet Buckner (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), Latina Caucus Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton), Latina Caucus Representative James Coleman (D-Denver), Black Caucus Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) Representative Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge), Latina Caucus Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Tony Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs), Black Caucus Representative Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) Representative Alec Garnett (D-Denver) Representative Matt Gray (D-Broomfield) Representative Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) Representative Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D- Boulder), Latina Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood) Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) Representative Susan Lontine (D-Denver) Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) Representative Jovan Melton (D-Aurora,) Black Caucus Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) Representative Jonathan Singer (D-Longmont), Jewish Caucus Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs) Representative Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial) Representative Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood), Latina Caucus Representative Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Donald Valdez (D-La Jara), Latino Caucus Representative Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), Jewish Caucus Representative Steven Woodrow (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Mary Young (D-Greeley) Senate President Leroy Garcia Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Steve Fenberg Senator Rhonda Fields Senator Mike Foote Senator Joann Ginal Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Chris Hansen Senator Dominick Moreno Senator Brittany Peterson Senator Robert Rodriguez Senator Tammy Story Senator Nancy Todd Senator Angela Williams Senator Faith Winter Senator Rachel Zenzinger Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2020 TWO ESSENTIAL CHILD CARE BILLS PASS HOUSE Denver, CO– The House today passed two bills that would give Colorado families much-needed flexible child care options. Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill would allow home-based child care in Homeowners’ Association Communities, and Representatives Mary Young and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill would extend the licensure exemption for family child care homes to September 2026. Rep. Roberts’ bill passed 62-2. Rep. Young’s bill passed 48-16. “As we work to recover Colorado’s strong economy, Colorado workers and families need access to child care more than ever,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley . “I’m thrilled that this bill passed with bipartisan support. Colorado families need flexible child care options, and this bill eases some of the licensure requirements for certain family care homes. Now more than ever, it’s important that we take steps to get back to work safely and responsibly.” “This bill gives parents more options and more information about home-based child care facilities,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder . “With daycare and preschool costs doubling almost twice as fast as overall inflation, this bill will also keep child care costs lower.” “This bill will give Colorado families even more child care options, something we desperately need as we take steps to support workers and small businesses and strengthen the economy,” said Rep. Roberts, D-Avon . “This is a win, win bill. Not only can Coloradans be assured that their children are being taken care of by a licensed establishment, but this bill also paves the way for more child care businesses to open, giving people the chance to open their home child care businesses more easily.” SB20-126 , Rep. Roberts’ bill, would allow a homeowner in a community organized under the “Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act” to operate a licensed family child care home notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the community’s guidelines. Community guidelines on parking, noise, landscaping continue to apply but communities must make reasonable accommodations for fences required by state child care home licensing laws. Licensure requirements for family child care homes are extensive and must include background checks, required training, inspections and more. HB20-1347 , Rep. Young’s and Rep Jaquez-Lewis’ bill would prolong the time period in which certain family child care homes can receive licensure exemptions from the state to September 1, 2026. Under HB20-1347, family care homes are homes where less than 24-hours of child care is provided. A family care home cannot exceed four children, and no more than two children can be under the age of two. Additionally, the children are not required to be related to the caregiver, but if the caregiver is caring for their own children in addition to non-family members, their own children are included in the four child limit. Caregivers are required to notify parents that they are operating under a legal license exemption. The state is required to provide educational information on the state licensing website for caregivers who are interested in becoming licensed. Previous Next

< Back March 14, 2022 HOUSE PASSES REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT Legislation will protect and uphold the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House today passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act on Third Reading and Final Passage by a vote of 40 to 24. “This is a big win for protecting access to abortion and reproductive health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Across the country, the GOP is introducing and passing extreme laws to criminalize those who seek reproductive health care, and to ban abortion entirely, with no exceptions. We’re here to say, that’s not going to happen in Colorado. We’re standing up to protect access to abortion and I’m thrilled the Reproductive Health Equity Act has passed the House.” “Today, our hours of endurance, dedication and perseverance to protect abortion paid off for Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . “We’re one step closer towards enshrining access to reproductive health care and abortion into Colorado law. We trust Coloradans to make their own medical decisions and that includes deciding whether or not they want to become a parent.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court today made it virtually impossible for abortion advocates to fight the bill by halting their use of federal courts. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Another bill introduced in the Missouri House would make it illegal for pregnant people to abort ectopic pregnancies, pregnancies that happen outside of the uterus and which can lead to serious complications and even death if left untreated. House Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected providers who perform an abortion to imprisonment. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2022 SIGNED! BILLS TO SUPPORT MARSHALL FIRE RECOVERY AND FIREFIGHTER SAFETY Wildfire recovery and prevention bills are part of the JBC’s FY21-22 Budget Supplemental Package DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will aid the Marshall Fire recovery and boost firefighter safety. Marshall Fire Property Tax Reimbursement: As one of the many ways that the state is responding to the Marshall Fire, HB22-1183 will transfer $3.7 million to the impacted counties to ensure they don’t face additional revenue shortfalls as a result of the devastation. “Today, we’re making sure that communities are protected from negative financial impacts from the devastation caused by the Marshall Fire,” said Rep. Matt Gray D-Broomfield. “This bill is a step in the right direction towards helping those impacted by wildfires to recover and build back stronger, safer communities. We know the road ahead is long. We’re committed to helping families affected by the Marshall Fire so they can continue to rebuild communities and create a safer, healthier state in the process.” “This bill is a commitment to the people of Boulder County – we are here for you,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville. “We’re grateful for the outpouring of support our community received from our neighbors and strangers across the world after the catastrophic Marshall Fire. This bill is immediate relief for our communities to rebuild stronger than before. We’re dedicated to continuing to help the residents impacted by the Marshall Fire recover and to continue to move Colorado forward.” Firefighter Safety: As part of House Democrats’ commitment to creating healthier and safer communities, HB22-1194 will direct additional resources to help our firefighters access the best equipment available. The bill makes $5 million available this year to provide grants to help local fire departments purchase safety and disease prevention gear, and support firefighter safety training. “We’re committed to building safer, healthier communities and that begins with making sure our firefighters have the equipment to safely combat wildfires,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Coloradans rely on firefighters to protect their homes, livelihood and communities. This bill will help firefighters do their job more effectively by giving them access to the best safety equipment available. This is all part of our ongoing wildfire recovery and prevention efforts that will help communities across the state.” Previous Next

< Back June 2, 2022 SIGNED! TRIO OF BILLS TO AFFIRM THE RIGHTS OF WHEELCHAIR USERS Legislation includes right to repair and rental vehicles with adaptive equipment DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles. HB22-1253 championed Representative David Ortiz and Senator Jessie Danielson will require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment. “For me and the thousands of wheelchair users across Colorado, the three bills signed into law today go beyond our securing our mobility–they’re about health, safety and affirming our rights,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton . “We’ve taken action to improve transparency and accountability so we can rent a car, get our mobility device repaired in a timely manner and save money. The accessibility issues faced by the disability community are real and it places us and our families at risk. With Governor Polis’ signature, I’m proud to say we’ve taken the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers to create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.” Under this new law, adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs will be available in rental vehicles upon request. This law will also protect disabled vehicle renters by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement outlined in the law details. HB22-1031 sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ortiz as well as Senator Rachel Zenzinger requires powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. This is one of the first “right to repair” laws of its kind enacted in the country. “With the right to repair bills signed into law today, we’re making huge advancements towards a more equitable, healthier Colorado for all,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “Many wheelchair users, especially in rural Colorado, face long waits and unpredictability when it comes to repairs and routine maintenance on their mobility devices. The bills signed into law will expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies and improve existing Medicaid rules, saving Coloradans who use wheelchairs money and time. Mobility isn’t something to take for granted and wheelchair users in Colorado deserve the freedom to repair their mobility aids.” HB22-1031 works in tandem with another bill Governor Polis signed into law today. HB22-1290 , championed by Representatives Titone and Ortiz and Senator Zenzinger, would improve existing Medicaid rules for repairing wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and other mobility devices. This law eliminates the need for prior authorization for any repair of complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients, including powered wheelchairs. This law will save Coloradans money on costly wheelchair expenses and repairs and expand access to an urgently needed service Previous Next

< Back April 10, 2020 REP. BUENTELLO APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON ECONOMIC STABILIZATION & GROWTH Lawmaker will serve on Telecom Infrastructure Committee DENVER, CO — House Democrats today announced that Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, has appointed Representative Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to serve on the Telecom Infrastructure Committee, part of the governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth. “A lot of Coloradans are hurting right now. We need to use all the tools we have to help people, families and businesses get through this crisis,” said Rep. Bri Buentello. “Whether it’s helping us work from home or continue our children’s education, video conferencing has become essential to our lives. I’m excited to join private sector and community leaders to continue working on the issues that are important to Colorado families and small businesses.” The Governor’s Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth is looking at how COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of Colorado’s economy and will make recommendations to the governor on how to help families, businesses and communities through the crisis. In addition to making policy recommendations, the Council is focused on identifying existing relief programs and is actively connecting small businesses, nonprofits and independent contractors to these programs. The Council is looking at gaps in federal relief programs and potential ways to fill them. Read more about the other committees and the Council on their website . Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 REP. TITONE’S MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would make it easier to find critical mental health resources DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services today advanced Representative Brianna Titone’s bill to make mental health educational resources more accessible by a vote of 11-1. “Many Coloradans don’t know about all the behavioral health care resources that are currently available in our state,” said Rep. Titone (D-Arvada). “This bill will provide links to all these resources in one easy to access online directory and will create a tailored outreach campaign to help make people aware of where they can find these critical resources.” By providing these resources, legislators aim to reduce Colorado’s highest in the nation suicide rate based on research showing that targeted advertising campaigns do produce results. HB20-1113 , which is also sponsored by Representative Lois Landgraf, would require the state to contract with an organization to create an online resource directory with information about mental health crisis resources and resources for individuals seeking behavioral health care services. The online directory and internet links would include information about the Colorado SEE ME campaign and the national suicide prevention hotline . It would also include demographic-specific information about behavioral health care providers that are available to people seeking mental health care services with links to the providers’ websites. The bill allows the state to seek and accept private or public donations to create these online resources and requires the department of human services to contract with an organization to develop and distribute community and demographic-specific targeted messaging about the availability of the new mental health resources online directory. Furthermore, the bill allows health care professionals to complete a course in mental health education as part of their continuing education competency requirements. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. < Back April 16, 2025 Bills to Make it Easier to Cancel Automatic Renewals, Support Families with Newborns in the NICU Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed two bills that would require sellers to provide consumers with an opportunity to cancel automatic renewal contracts either online or in person and extend the paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for families with newborns receiving inpatient care in the NICU. “Coloradans shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to be able to cancel a subscription,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB25-145. “When ‘free trials’ turn into unbreakable contracts, consumers suffer. This legislation would simplify the process for Coloradans to cancel subscriptions, including online options, to avoid unwanted charges and save Coloradans time and money.” “Too many companies are using complicated cancellation processes to trap consumers into contracts with costly charges,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB25-145 and SB25-144. “From Netflix and Amazon Prime to gym memberships, subscription services are prevalent in our daily lives. This legislation would make it a deceptive trade practice to purposefully make subscription cancellations difficult, saving Coloradans money on services they no longer find useful.” SB25-145 would require sellers of goods and services to implement simple mechanisms for consumers to cancel automatic renewal contracts and trial periods either online or in person. Failure to do so would constitute a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. SB25-145 passed by a vote of 7-5. “Having a child in the NICU is one of the most terrifying moments as a parent, and the last thing they should be worried about is having to choose between spending time with their child in the hospital and keeping their jobs,” continued Zokaie. “I got involved in politics to fight for a paid family leave, as I had to work from the hospital when my baby was sick in the NICU. Extending FAMLI for families in the NICU is a no-brainer, and I am proud to sponsor this bill to better support Colorado families.” SB25-144 , which passed by a vote of 9-3, would allow parents of children who are receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to receive paid family and medical insurance benefits for up to an additional twelve weeks while the child is receiving care. “The FAMLI Insurance program has given Colorado families much-needed time away from the office to take care of sick loved ones or bond with new additions to the family without worrying about how they’re going to pay the bills,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of SB25-144. “We know that parent engagement while their newborn is in the NICU is crucial for development and attachment. This bill would extend FAMLI benefits up to 12 weeks for families in the NICU so they can focus on what matters most - the health of their child.” The bill would also modify the premiums for the FAMLI program to reduce the current rate of 0.9 percent of wages per employee to 0.88 percent for the next calendar year. For each subsequent year, the FAMLI division director is required to set the premium rate to reflect the solvency of the program and create more stability for businesses. Colorado voters approved Proposition 118 in the November 2020 election, creating the Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative to provide Colorado families 12 weeks of paid leave. Some families are allowed up to 16 weeks of leave in certain cases. To date, the FAMLI program has paid out an average weekly benefit payment of $915 to cover 155,000 Coloradans for medical leave, parental leave, caretaking, safe leave for survivors of domestic violence and military family leave. The average leave duration is over 51 days. A 2019 report found that parent presence in the NICU decreases stress and pain, strengthens parent-child attachment and improves brain development. Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to expand affordable mental and behavioral health for youth and streamline necessary services for people on parole or probation. Both bills passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. < Back April 12, 2023 Lukens Bills to Increase Access to Mental Health Services Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to expand affordable mental and behavioral health for youth and streamline necessary services for people on parole or probation. Both bills passed unanimously by a vote of 11-0. “Being a teacher in rural Colorado, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to remove unnecessary barriers to affordable and accessible mental health care,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Rural Colorado kids are twice as likely to die by suicide, which is why I’m bringing legislation to connect kids with the services they need to live happy, healthy lives. HB23-1268 also aims to streamline access to resources like substance use treatment to promote public safety and save lives.” SB23-174 , also sponsored by Representative Ty Winter, requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to provide certain behavioral health services for Medicaid recipients that are 21-years-old or younger without requiring a formal diagnosis, removing barriers to access. The services include therapy, evaluation, case management, treatment planning, and other services based on feedback from community members. A study by Mental Health America found that only 34.4% of Colorado youth with depression receive treatment to address their mental health issues. Families on Medicaid often struggle with financial restrictions, transportation to health care centers, and other hurdles to receive appropriate or preventative care. By eliminating the requirement for an official diagnosis, Colorado youth and their families will have quicker and easier access to equitable prevention-focused services to prevent a mental health crisis. HB23-1268 , also sponsored by Representative Gabe Evans, also streamlines access to treatment for people who were involved in the criminal justice system in other states. Under current Colorado law, any person who is serving an out-of-state probation or parole is required to get a criminal background check, fingerprints, and photographs through the Department of Corrections before they can receive court-ordered treatment services. While the background check is only supposed to take 48 hours, they often take weeks to process, keeping patients from accessing the services they need to address issues from mental health disorders, substance use disorder, and support for domestic violence treatment. This bill requires background checks to be completed within 48 hours to shorten waiting times to qualify for life-saving and necessary treatments. It would allow treatment providers to initiate care with individuals on probation or parole who comply with their supervision and have checked-in with law enforcement, giving individuals access to the life saving care they need immediately while also protecting public safety. Previous Next