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The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. < Back February 26, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. HB24-1080 passed by a vote of 45-16. “Colorado youth participating in out-of-school sports should be safe, which is why we are putting common sense protections into place to ensure that the adults who supervise youth sports have passed a background check and are trained in CPR/AED certification,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “We owe it to our children to ensure we are doing everything we can to prevent injury and harm and this bill is a critical step to create the safe environment they deserve.” “Kids and parents deserve to know that their sports programs are run by someone they can trust,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “Our bill would require coaches and other adults involved in these sports programs to pass a background test and be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to ensure that we’re creating a safe environment for our kids to play in.” HB24-1080 would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR/AED and First Aid certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEES CLEAR THREE BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON HOUSING, FAMILY TAX FILINGS Bipartisan legislation would invest $189 million in federal pandemic relief funds to create more affordable housing and assist families in tax filings DENVER, CO – Three bills to save Coloradans money won committee approval today. SB22-159 and SB22-160 are part of a package of bills recommended by the Transformational Affordable Housing Task Force to save Coloradans money on housing. SB22-182 uses federal economic relief funds to provide family tax filing assistance and education. “Mobile home park ownership can change hands fairly quickly – leading to skyrocketing lot-rent prices and sometimes displacement of park residents,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB22-160. “This legislation invests critical resources to keep mobile homes affordable by empowering mobile homeowners to purchase the land their homes sit on. Resident-owned communities are important for keeping Coloradans housed.” “Mobile homeowners are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs, but often face an uphill battle when it comes to fighting high rent prices,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB22-160. “Our bill invests $35 million toward creating critical protections for mobile park residents so they can invest in their own communities and create the stability they need to keep their homes affordable.” Loan Program Resident Owned Communities: SB22-160 , sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Mandy Lindsay, passed the House Transportation and Local Government Committee by a vote of 8 to 5. This bill will invest $35 million into the newly created Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund. The Fund will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land under their homes and convert into a resident-owned community. Additionally, the bill establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. This bill will provide a critical financial tool for mobile homeowners across the state at risk of displacement or exorbitant lot rent increases that often occur when a park is sold from one for-profit owner to another. “Any way you slice it, Colorado needs more affordable homes and our bipartisan bill invests $150 million to create, modify and improve Colorado’s affordable housing stock,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-159. “This record investment in affordable housing leverages local and private investments to increase the supply of affordable housing in every corner of the state in a sustainable and adaptable manner.” Revolving Loan Fund Invest Affordable Housing: SB22-159 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Perry Will passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 7 to 2. This bill will invest $150 million to create the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Program to develop and integrate housing-related infrastructure, provide gap financing for affordable housing development projects, and preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing. “Colorado families have not been immune to the rising costs and pandemic pressures,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-182. “Our bill provides families with tax filing assistance and information so families can claim the tax credits they’re owed. Working together with local partners, we’ll ensure that Colorado families will receive the tax credits they are eligible for and be able to pay for groceries, rent and other necessities.” “Some Colorado families might not know they’re eligible for certain tax credits,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-182. “Our bill provides tax filing assistance and outreach to Coloradans so they can keep more of their paycheck and receive the tax credits they are owed. Economic education is an important tool for saving Colorado families money.” Economic Mobility Program: SB22-182 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Mary Young passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 6-5. This bill would save Coloradans money by providing $4 million to extend the successful Economic Mobility Program, which provides tax filing assistance for eligible Coloradans. Among other things, this program helps people claim tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which Colorado families may not know they are eligible for. SB22-182 aims to help low-income families and those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic by facilitating communication, training, and technical assistance in tax filing with state agency partners, public health agencies and community based organizations focused on economic mobility. This investment will increase awareness and enrollment in economic assistance programs available to low-income individuals and families. It will also provide grants to nonprofits, local public health agencies, and other community based organizations that help people access economic support. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent child labor violations. < Back March 17, 2023 House Advances Bill to Prevent Child Labor Violations DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent child labor violations. “Currently, underage employees are only able to pursue legal action for workers compensation violations, meaning that victims of child labor violations like dangerous working conditions and illegal working hours can’t seek accountability in court,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Teens across the state find part-time work for many reasons, such as gaining work experience or saving for college expenses. This bill expands legal options for underage workers to hold their workplace accountable for child labor violations and unsafe working conditions that no child should be subjected to.” Current Colorado law only allows a child worker to pursue legal action against a company for workers’ compensation. HB23-1196 amends language in the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 to expand the legal action that a child, or a parent of a child, can take to hold a company accountable for breaking child labor laws. The bill is in response to many recent child labor law violations, including a food sanitation corporation with Colorado facilities that was fined $1.5 million in penalties. Teens have twice the risk of nonfatal on-the-job injuries than older workers, making it especially necessary for this legal expansion for underage workers. Previous Next

< Back April 9, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO INCLUDE BREAST EXAMS IN HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (Apr. 9) — The House Health and Insurance committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would require women’s preventative health, which is already mandated under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to include follow-up diagnostic procedures for women with increased risk factors for contracting breast cancer without any additional costs or co-pays by the patient. “We already know that early detection is key to both saving women’s lives and also lowering health insurance costs,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet. “We need to provide coverage for women on these exams so they no longer have to decide between the cost of their screening and the cost of their life. We are giving people the option to act instead of having to react.” HB19-1301 would require health insurance to cover any breast imaging performed after a breast cancer screening study comes back and requires additional testing within the same calendar year. This can be based on factors including a high lifetime risk or an individual’s healthcare provider indicating that further imaging is necessary. “When women are given the resources to detect early signs of breast cancer, this will in turn save lives of the patients and save health insurance companies money,” said Rep. Buckner. “Patients can take the proper steps to get healthy and avoid costly procedures to treat their cancer.” The 2010 ACA defined benefits for individually purchased health insurance. It included covering one breast exam screening per year, but did not extend to covering a breast exam if further analysis or tests are needed. The bill passed the committee unanimously and the bill now heads to House floor. Previous Next

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman < Back March 25, 2025 Protecting the Freedom to Marry Passes Colorado House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to implement Amendment J and remove language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage. SB25-014 passed by a vote of 45 to 14. All House Democrats voted in favor of the bill and 14 House Republicans voted against it. “This legislation will implement the will of the voters and protect marriage equality in Colorado,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this bill upholds marriage equality in Colorado. With the passage of this bill, we’re now one step closer to protecting the freedom to marry who we love.” “Colorado voters have spoken; they want marriage equality constitutionally protected in our state,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “In an era where the Trump administration continues to take aim at critical protections and rights for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality. With this bill, we’re fulfilling the will of the voters and taking steps to protect marriage equality now and into the future.” SB25-014 will implement the will of the voters by repealing the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution. Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election. Previous Next

< Back February 13, 2020 HOUSE COMMITTEE TACKLES YOUTH VAPING Bipartisan legislation would prohibit sales to those under age 21, license retailers, close the online sales loophole and prohibit electronic advertising in stores, which targets teens DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Health and Insurance today passed critical legislation to address the youth vaping epidemic in Colorado. HB20-1001, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Mullica and Colin Larson would raise the age of sale to 21, require cigarette, tobacco and nicotine product retailers to obtain a license and increase enforcement to prevent underage sales. “The youth vaping epidemic in Colorado is threatening lives and risks reversing the decades of progress we’ve made reducing teen smoking,” said Rep. Mullica (D-Northglen). “These electronic smoking products are dangerous and extremely appealing to minors. There’s a lot more we can do to keep them out of the hands of our youth, and this bill takes several bold steps forward to do just that.” The bill would significantly enhance underage sales enforcement by requiring retailers to obtain a state license. Under current law, fines are often too low to dissuade retailers from cracking down on underage sales, and no process exists to take away a retailer’s ability to sell nicotine products if they repeatedly sell products to minors. Under HB20-1001, the state could suspend a retailer’s license for repeatedly violating state law. The bill would also mandate more frequent compliance checks and moves that responsibility to the Department of Revenue (DOR). In addition to raising the age of sale, increasing compliance checks and creating a robust enforcement mechanism, the bill would close a loophole that allows for the sale of vaping products online. The online loophole makes it far easier for Colorado youth to purchase vaping products and then sell them in schools. During the committee hearing, a nine year old testified about how easy it is for a fourth grader to buy vaping devices online and have them delivered directly. In an effort to further combat youth nicotine use, the bill would prohibit flashy advertising in stores that appeals to youth. It would also prohibit new tobacco product retailers from opening within 500 feet of a school. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and many youth who begin using vaping products transition to combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Colorado has the highest rate of youth e-cigarette use in the nation, and 27 percent of Colorado high school students report that they use these products, a rate twice the national average. E-cigarettes contain cancer-causing chemicals and toxic heavy metal particles such as zinc, lead and nickel. Furthermore, nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development, including working memory, attention and learning. Previous Next

Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns < Back May 1, 2024 Joint Release: SIGNED! Bill to Establish Merchant Codes for Firearms, Combat Gun Violence Senate Bill 66 makes it easier to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed legislation to combat gun violence by establishing a new code to categorize gun sales and help law enforcement recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns. Sponsored by Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, SB24-066 requires payment card networks like Visa or Mastercard to provide a specific code, known as a merchant code, for businesses that sell firearms and ammunition. Merchant codes allow banks and credit card companies to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing patterns – like a domestic extremist building up an arsenal – and report them to law enforcement. “In the weeks before my son Alex was killed in the Aurora Theater shooting, his killer purchased multiple firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition - and nobody batted an eye,” Sullivan said. “Credit cards have been repeatedly used to finance mass shootings, and merchant codes would have allowed the credit card companies to recognize his alarming pattern of behavior and refer it to law enforcement. This law will give us more tools to protect people, and make it easier to stop illegal firearms-related activity like straw purchases before disaster strikes.” “Prior to the tragic Aurora movie theater shooting, the shooter had purchased over $11,000 worth of firearms, ammunition, and military gear in the weeks leading up to the shooting, ultimately killing 12 innocent Coloradans,” Froelich said. “Credit card merchant codes are an effective tool already used by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and money laundering crimes, and our law will expand this tool to help us stop gun violence before it impacts our communities. Our new law is crucial in giving law enforcement a head start in preventing gun violence so we can save Colorado lives." “Credit cards have been used to finance many of the major mass shootings in recent years, and identifying suspicious weapon and ammunition stockpiling before a tragedy can take place will save lives," Mabrey said. "Almost every other product has a merchant code and this law creates a specific one for firearms. This information could be provided to law enforcement, and it could have a life-saving impact in our communities.” A report found that this policy could have prevented many mass shootings, including the Aurora movie theater shooting and the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The Aurora movie theater shooter used a MasterCard to buy $11,000 worth of weapons and military gear at multiple stores in the six weeks before the shooting. Previous Next

The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. < Back April 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Legislation to Overhaul Judicial Discipline and Improve Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. The legislative package, which includes a resolution to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot, is the result of recommendations by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. “The passage of this legislation and constitutional amendment are the direct result of the constructive, deliberative work conducted by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to increase transparency and restore trust in Colorado’s court system,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Aurora. “Our bipartisan measures work in tandem to modernize our state’s judicial discipline system, simplify the process for filing judicial complaints and prioritize those seeking justice. Independent oversight of the judicial branch strengthens our courts and gives Coloradans a direct avenue for reporting misconduct.” “I am glad to see that our hard work and bipartisan collaboration have come together for the people of Colorado on these bills. They aim to bring important reforms to Colorado's judicial system through a rare but necessary modification to the state constitution,” said Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington . “This is a result of carefully thought-out remedies to address issues apparent in our judiciary system. Our legislation will provide much needed transparency and hopefully restore confidence where needed.” “Transparency and trust go hand-in-hand, and this modernization of Colorado’s judicial discipline process will increase clarity for all involved,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Denver. “This bipartisan legislation creates a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for employees to report misconduct anonymously. The creation of an ombudsman office addresses staff issues in the department. While not all issues stem from judges, this bill expands state’s judicial discipline reporting system, which will help rebuild public trust in our courts.” In 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed SB22-201 , which created the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to review and modernize judicial oversight in Colorado. Today, the House passed three measures to overhaul the state’s judicial discipline process, which to date has been largely conducted out of the public eye, with less information available to the public about discipline proceedings than is available in other states, and without mechanisms to provide timely updates to complainants themselves. HCR23-1001 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. If passed by voters in the November 2024 general election, this constitutional amendment would restore balance to Colorado’s judicial system by limiting the Supreme Court’s current power over discipline proceedings. Under this bipartisan constitutional amendment, complaints against judges would be addressed by the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline and a newly created Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board. The commission would handle initial proceedings and later, formal proceedings would be handled by the board, which will be comprised evenly of a judge, attorney, and civilian members. HB23-1019 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. In an effort to increase judicial discipline transparency, this bill would require the Commission on Judicial Discipline to report and publicize aggregated information on the complaints it receives and investigations it conducts regarding judges and the type of discipline imposed or recommended. HB23-1019 allows Coloradans to submit a request for evaluation to the commission online and requires the commission to provide updates to complainants about the status of investigations into their complaints. HB23-1205 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch passed the House by vote of 53 to 10. This bill would create an external, independent Office of the Judicial Discipline Ombudsman so judicial department employees can seek guidance about workplace issues and possible situations of judicial or staff misconduct. Under this bill, the ombudsman office would create and maintain an anonymous reporting system for employees, investigate claims, and report grievance trends to the Commission on Judicial Discipline, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, law enforcement, and the judicial department. This legislation aims to create a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for judicial employees to report misconduct, without fear of retaliation or their claims not being taken seriously. Previous Next

< Back January 6, 2020 SPEAKER BECKER ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT CHANGES DENVER, CO — Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) today announced the following changes to House committee assignments for the 2020 legislative session: Finance Committee: Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) replaces Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) becomes the Vice-chair. Health & Insurance Committee: Rep. Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood) replaces Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). Public Health Care & Human Services Committee: The committee will expand to 13 members – 8 Majority members, 5 Minority members. Rep. Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder) will replace Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) and Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will join the committee. Rural Affairs and Agriculture Committee: Rep. Mary Young (D-Greeley) will replace Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) . Transportation and Local Government Committee: Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora) will join the committee, filling a vacancy. State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee: Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) will replace Rep. Jovan Melton (D-Aurora). The Judiciary Committee will become a 9 member committee – 6 Majority members, 3 Minority members. House committee leadership and majority caucus appointments are at the sole discretion of the speaker of the House. The 2020 session begins Wednesday. Appropriations Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Business Affairs and Labor Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Vice-Chair, Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Education Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice-Chair, Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. James Coleman, D-Denver Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Energy and Environment Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial Health and Insurance Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Vice-Chair, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Judiciary Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice-Chair, Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Adams County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood Public Health Care and Human Services Committee (8-5) Chair, Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont Vice-Chair, Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley Rural Affairs Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon Vice-Chair, Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Rep. Jeni Arndt, D-Fort Collins Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee (6-3) Chair, Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Vice-Chair, Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont Rep. Monica Duran, D-Lakewood Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver Transportation and Local Government Committee (7-4) Chair, Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield Vice-Chair, Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2022 HOUSE VOICES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a resolution supporting Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself from Vladimir Putin and Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion. “Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked and violent attack on the Ukrainian people threatens peace and security throughout Europe and must stop immediately,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, who served in Afghanistan. “The Colorado General Assembly proudly stands with the people of Ukraine, who are giving it their all and bravely defending their country from this illegal Russian invasion. I am heartbroken by the casualties of this war and the destruction Putin has unleashed on the Ukrainian people, who are fighting to defend Europe and the fundamental values we hold dear – the right of self determination, freedom and independence.” “The Colorado House proudly stands with the people of Ukraine as they defend their country from Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, unjustified and violent attack on their nation,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “The entire World stands in awe of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people who are defying all the odds and bravely fighting back against Putin’s forces. I support the swift action from the Biden Administration to galvanize our allies to send humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine and impose some of the toughest sanctions ever developed to bolster Ukraine, hold Putin accountable, and restore peace and security to Europe.” The bipartisan SJR22-004, sponsored in the House by Representatives David Ortiz and Patrick Neville, condemns Vladimir Putin’s violent attack on the people of Ukraine and affirms the General Assembly’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine and its democratically elected leaders. The resolution reads in part: WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: (1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to (2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin's violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden's administration has imposed on Russia; and (3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. The full text of the resolution is below WHEREAS, The post-war international security order, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has relied upon diplomacy, peace, and open communication over armed conflict to ensure prosperity and stability for over one billion people for more than 70 years; and WHEREAS, Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted overwhelmingly to form a nation independent from Russia, building a democracy and a thriving country grounded in the rule of law; and WHEREAS, In 2014, the pro-Western Euromaidan protest movement in Ukraine led to the resignation of authoritarian president Viktor Yanukovych, a brutal ally of Vladimir Putin, ushering in democratically elected leaders who have sought closer ties to the European Union and the United States; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation, seeking to block the free will of the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of security, peace, and prosperity through closer ties to the European Union and the United States, annexed territory from Ukraine in 2014 and instigated, supported, and supplied a deadly separatist war in Eastern Ukraine that has destabilized the region and killed thousands of civilians; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation deployed military assets to support the separatist militias in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, resulting in the reckless missile attack that downed Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and killed 298 innocent civilians in 2014; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin intentionally lied to his own people and to the global community to create a false pretext to invade and occupy Ukraine based on lies that Ukraine posed a threat to Russians and that falsely connected Ukraine and its political leaders to Nazism; and WHEREAS, The Russian Federation violated international peace and security agreements that sought a peaceful solution in Eastern Ukraine and instead amassed hundreds of thousands of troops on Ukraine's border; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has now launched an unjust and unwarranted invasion upon the peaceful nation of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, Russian soldiers are currently sweeping through the country, inflicting violence and terror upon millions of civilians and destroying homes, businesses, and properties; and WHEREAS, Ukraine is a proud and honorable nation under siege, and the brutality of this unnecessary and violent war is an affront to both international law and common decency; and WHEREAS, Ukraine has been a bulwark against Russian military aggression in Europe, and Vladimir Putin has said that his goal is to recreate the Soviet Union and may have intentions to threaten NATO allies with military force; and WHEREAS, Vladimir Putin has sought to destabilize countries across Europe and interfere in other countries' elections and democracies, including the United States; and WHEREAS, The United States has galvanized the international community and our allies to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Russia and its financial institutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and WHEREAS, Colorado is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans and to millions who care deeply for and stand strongly in support of the Ukrainian people; and WHEREAS, Ukraine deserves the support of every American and the entire international community as it defends itself from this unprovoked Russian invasion, the largest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War II; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Seventy-third General Assembly of the State of Colorado, the House of Representatives concurring herein: That we, the members of the Colorado General Assembly: (1) Proudly stand alongside Ukraine, its people, and its leaders during this horrific and unnecessary war and vow to support Ukraine and hold Russia fully accountable for its catastrophic decision to invade; (2) Condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Vladimir Putin's violent attack on the people of Ukraine and strongly endorse the swift and severe economic sanctions and stringent export controls that President Biden's administration has imposed on Russia; and (3) Urge Russia to immediately cease its violent, illegal, and immoral assault upon Ukraine, end the needless bloodshed, and return to diplomacy and the rules-based international order that has ensured peace and prosperity for so many. Be It Further Resolved, That copies of this Joint Resolution be sent to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and all members of Colorado's Congressional delegation. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to make early childhood education In Colorado more language inclusive and accessible. < Back April 19, 2024 House Passes Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to make early childhood education In Colorado more language inclusive and accessible. HB24-1009, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Barbara McLachlan, would support Spanish-speaking providers seeking professional licensure. “Coloradans across our state are searching for high-quality, affordable bilingual early childhood programs and this bill will help more Spanish-speaking providers get licensed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill improves bilingual outreach within the Department of Early Childhood Education to better support Spanish-speaking providers seeking professional licensure. Bilingual early childhood programs make education more accessible, inclusive, and culturally-centered for some of our youngest learners.” “Early childhood education is the foundation to preparing our students for a lifetime of success,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “This important bill would make bilingual early childhood programs more accessible in Colorado by improving outreach and connection with Spanish-speaking providers. When children have access to education in their primary language, they can grow, learn and succeed, and this bill helps address some of the accessibility issues our state has when it comes to bilingual early childhood programs.” HB24-1009 passed by a vote of 47 to 13. This bill would make early childhood education more inclusive and accessible by expanding bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood. Specifically, the bill would expand licensed child care options across the state by supporting Spanish-speaking providers to become licensed and provide more linguistically relevant child care options for children and families. The bill would require the department to provide that education and information in plain language and prevalent languages to individuals completing paperwork to meet child care licensing requirements and to open a licensed early childhood program or facility. The demand for high-quality affordable child care is growing in Colorado. However, even when child care slots are available, there is often a lack of linguistically and culturally responsive care. According to the latest Census Bureau data, 16 percent of Colorado residents speak a language other than English at home, including 11 percent who speak Spanish. Providing access to Spanish language child care licensing services and resources and education on licensing in prevalent languages would help remove barriers for child care providers and open the door to new, accessible child care options in communities across the state. Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS AND RESTAURANTS MONEY Legislation will save restaurants $40 million this summer and save Coloradans money on health care and prescription drugs DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills that will save Coloradans and restaurants money. HB22-1406, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts, will save restaurants $40 million this summer by allowing retailers to retain some of the sales tax they collect. HB22-1370, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Emily Sirota, will save Coloradans on health care and prescription drugs. “Restaurants were some of the hardest hit businesses during the pandemic, and while public health restrictions have been lifted, they are now facing new challenges from rising costs to a tight labor market,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This legislation will save thousands of restaurants and retailers $40 million this summer to help them address rising costs and fill the open positions that they need to grow.” “Restaurants are the lifeblood of our communities and local economies across the state. Helping them save money helps all of Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts. D-Avon. “The legislation we passed today will save restaurants up to $70,000 per restaurant and $40 million statewide this summer, which they can use to cover expenses, expand their business, pay their workers more and reduce costs for consumers.” HB22-1406 passed by a vote of 58-7. The bill will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million this summer by allowing them to deduct up to $70,000 from their net taxable sales, saving businesses about $2,000 in sales tax collections in July, August and September of this year. “With too many Coloradans suffering from the high cost of prescription drugs, we’re making necessary reforms to ensure that savings from prescription drug rebates are passed on to consumers instead of pocketed by highly profitable insurance companies,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The legislation we passed today will make health insurance more dependable and protect consumers from out of pocket expenses that they weren’t expecting.” “No one should have to pay health care bills because their coverage changed in the middle of their plan year without notice or their consent,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This legislation will save Coloradans money on health care and prescription drugs and ensure that people have access to the care and medications their doctors recommend.” HB22-1370 passed by a vote of 42-23. The bill makes prescription drugs and health care more affordable and dependable. The bill ensures doctors are in charge of a patient’s treatment instead of insurance companies by limiting when a patient has to try and fail a treatment that their insurance company prefers before they can get what their doctor recommends. The bill ensures that patients know what they’ll be expected to pay for services by requiring that 25 percent of health plans have a set dollar amount for co-pays instead of unpredictable percentage-based coinsurance. The bill will save Coloradans money on prescription drugs by requiring insurance companies to pass along the savings from manufacturers’ rebates. The bill also restricts health insurance companies from raising the out-of-pocket costs of someone’s prescription medications on the individual market in the middle of their coverage and prohibits companies from dropping coverage of a medication a patient needs midway through the patients’ coverage. Two-thirds of Coloradans are not confident they can pay for their usual health care needs with their existing coverage and more than half of all Coloradans worry about affording the medication they need to stay healthy. Colorado Democrats have prioritized saving people money on health care and have passed landmark legislation, including creating the Colorado Option and Prescription Drug Advisory Board, that will save Coloradans money on health care. Previous Next