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Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. < Back June 2, 2025 Signed! Bill to Improve Law Enforcement Training Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to implement voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct significant new resources to public safety and law enforcement training, recruitment and retention. “Colorado voters made it clear with Proposition 130 they want real investments in public safety,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “This bill delivers on that promise by responsibly investing in law enforcement recruitment, retention, and training over the next several years. Even in a tough budget year, made worse by federal chaos and uncertainty, Colorado’s budget reflects our commitment to public education, public health, and public safety.” "This law honors voter intent when they passed Prop 130 and increases the state’s investment in public safety,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Our law will invest $350 million to recruit, retain and train local law enforcement officers and ensure that families of first responders receive death benefits in the event their family member’s life is taken while in the line of duty. Our law ensures that the state is a partner in protecting the safety of every Coloradan and makes certain that local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to do their jobs well." SB25-310 , also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, will implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 by creating a funding mechanism for the distribution of $350 million for local law enforcement officer recruitment, retention and training. It makes a one-time investment of $500 million of the general fund reserve in PERA and reduces future general fund payments to PERA by the amount of interest earned. It will then divert that amount to the new Peace Officer Training and Support Fund each year, which will be distributed to local police departments. It also implements the death benefit required in Proposition 130 of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee of any first responder who died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and creates the Death Benefit Fund. Previous Next

The House today advanced two bills to require continuity of health care coverage and expand presumptive eligibility to include long-term care. < Back March 18, 2024 Bills to Increase Health Care Accessibility Pass the House DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills to require continuity of health care coverage and expand presumptive eligibility to include long-term care. “When Coloradans are transitioning to a new health care plan, they can be at risk of losing continued access to their current provider,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-093. “This legislation improves access to health care by streamlining coverage for the treatment of serious medical conditions when a consumer is transitioning to a new health care plan. We’re ensuring that people can receive the care they need when they need it.” If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days. Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment. SB24-093 passed by a vote of 48-15. “The time it takes to determine a Coloradan’s eligibility for long-term care can delay people with health care needs, like those with disabilities, from receiving the care they need,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1229. “This bill is crucial in streamlining and simplifying the eligibility process, so Coloradans can receive necessary and immediate health care that keeps them healthy.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB24-1229 would remove the requirement for a level of care assessment before a person can access long-term services and supports by allowing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to collect any information required for federal authorization. HB24-1229 passed by a vote of 63-0. Previous Next

HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills < Back May 19, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills Becomes Law HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills DENVER, CO – Gov. Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to help local communities mitigate environmental damage caused by landfills. HB23-1194 invests $15 million toward a statewide grant program to support communities to reduce environmental and public health risks surrounding closed landfills. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation today to keep rural Coloradans safe from health hazards caused by closed landfills,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “No Coloradan should have to worry about health and safety issues stemming from landfills, and many local governments lack the financial resources to properly remediate them. This law, which responds to concerns from communities in Southwest Colorado, ensures our landfills will comply with state and federal laws to keep everyone safe from contaminants that damage our water, soil and ecosystems.” HB23-1194 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Rose Pugliese, helps local governments by supporting the environmental remediation and management of closed landfills. Specifically, this bill allocates $15 million to create the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program Fund to help communities mitigate hazardous environments caused by older landfills that are no longer accepting new waste. This bipartisan legislation will keep Colorado communities safe and healthy by mitigating the harmful environmental effects of closed landfills. Some environmental risk factors that can be caused by closed landfills include groundwater, soil and farmland contamination, hazardous gas accumulation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 HOUSE PASSES REP. MICHAELSON JENET’S MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMS BILL Bipartisan legislation would reinforce Colorado as a national leader in mental health parity DENVER, CO– The House of Representatives today passed HB20-1086, sponsored by Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Colin Larson, by a vote of 45-17. The bill would guarantee insurance coverage for annual mental health wellness exams. “This is one of the most important bills I have worked on in my time in the legislature, and I am so pleased that it has passed the House,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “Too many Coloradans don’t have access to the mental health care they need. This bill will go a long way towards breaking down the barriers, may they be stigma, financial or provider availability, that have made it far too difficult for Coloradans to access life-saving mental health care.” HB20-1086 would require health insurance plans to cover an annual mental health wellness examination as a part of their coverage for preventative health care services. The coverage must be comparable to the coverage for a physical examination, comply with federal mental health parity laws, and not require any deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. The legislation aims to further break down barriers to mental health care. Our current system often treats mental health on an expensive crisis-by-crisis basis. By enhancing access to preventative care, the bill would help provide treatment for mental health conditions before someone is faced with a crisis. It would also reduce the stigma around mental health by ensuring we value preventative mental health care in the same way we currently value physical health care. Colorado is experiencing a persistent and rising suicide rate while far too many residents report barriers to accessing the behavioral health care they need. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in Colorado. In 2019, 769,301 Coloradans were unable to get mental health services when needed, and 68 percent reported that cost and insurance coverage were barriers, according to the Colorado Health Access Survey. The legislation is supported by Mental Health Colorado, the Colorado AFL-CIO, the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, the Colorado Association for School Based Health Care, the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The legislation will now be considered in the Senate. Previous Next

SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes < Back May 24, 2023 SIGNED! Landmark Plan to Provide Urgent Property Tax Relief SB23-303 will refer a measure to the voters to save taxpayers more than $1 billion on their property taxes DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed landmark legislation that will refer a measure to the voters to provide historic property tax relief for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. SB23-303 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Reps. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes, and implements limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. "Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," Fenberg said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." “Rising home values are leading to dramatic increases in property taxes that many Coloradans simply can’t afford,” said deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Prop HH will reduce property taxes for all homeowners and increase funding for rental support programs while protecting funding for schools, libraries, child welfare offices, water and fire districts, and the services Coloradans rely on. Seniors will see a larger homestead exemption and be able to downsize or sell their home without facing a higher tax bill.” “The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Hansen. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state millions of dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive." “This property tax reduction package will lower housing costs, help seniors on fixed incomes, and put more money back into the pockets of middle and lower-income Coloradans,” said Weissman. “Prop HH is a sustainable, long-term solution to protect Coloradans from rising property taxes while ensuring funding for our public schools and local government services. It’s exciting for our state that voters will soon see a measure on the ballot to keep Colorado property taxes predictable while still funding public services that people expect from their communities.” Coloradans will vote on the package in November, and if approved the proposal will create a flat TABOR refund mechanism that will increase refunds for Coloradans making under $100,000 a year while providing major long-term reductions to property tax rates and delivering immediate savings on property taxes this year. Combined with property tax reductions the legislature previously enacted via SB22-238 , this proposal will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado. Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15 percent to 6.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences. Incrementally reducing the business property assessment rate from 29 percent to at least 26.9 percent by 2032. Reducing the taxable value of residences by $50,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years. Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners. Protecting funding for public education and backfilling revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance, and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill. Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move. Previous Next

On August 6, 2025, Rep. Amy Paschal’s bipartisan law to encourage more geothermal energy production and save Coloradans money on their energy bill will take effect. < Back August 1, 2025 Paschal’s Law to Save Coloradans Money On Their Energy Bill Takes Effect DENVER, CO – On August 6, 2025, Rep. Amy Paschal’s bipartisan law to encourage more geothermal energy production and save Coloradans money on their energy bill will take effect. “Colorado’s abundant geothermal energy–the heat beneath our feet–can reduce heating and energy costs and save Coloradans and businesses money,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “This law will boost geothermal energy production while establishing strong protections for geologic carbon storage facilities. Diversifying our energy sources is important, and this law helps streamline geothermal permitting for homes and businesses.” HB25-1165 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, streamlines the geothermal energy production permitting process to improve the commercialization of this renewable energy source. Geothermal energy can be produced 24/7 and is a stable, renewable source of energy for heating and cooling businesses and homes. This law also establishes a long-term funding mechanism to ensure the safety of geologic carbon storage operations. Geological storage, a form of carbon capture and sequestration, is a climate change mitigation strategy that stores greenhouse gases underground. Beginning in 2026, this bill establishes a stewardship fee to be paid by operators of geologic storage to maintain the geological storage facility for the long term and help prevent leaks or damage. Previous Next

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