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The House today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Jennifer Parenti that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. It passed by a final vote of 64-0. < Back April 13, 2023 House Passes Parenti Bill to Improve Access to Veteran Services DENVER, CO - The House today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Jennifer Parenti that will improve access to veteran services and benefits. It passed by a final vote of 64-0. “Making critical services easy to access for our veteran community members and their families is crucial and the Western Regional One Source center provides all of the resources they need under one roof,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . “By extending these services, we can help ensure quick, easy, and affordable access to housing assistance, mental health care services, and many more critical resources for veterans across the Western Slope.” SB23-154 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, is a bipartisan bill that continues the Western Region One Source, a one-stop center based in Grand Junction for veteran services. The center opened in 2019 to host various veterans services under one roof, making it easier for veterans in rural areas to be connected to resources like health benefits, employment opportunities, housing, transportation, and more. This bill extends the program to keep the center running until 2030. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 9-3. < Back January 29, 2025 Committee Passes Bill to Boost Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Rebekah Stewart to improve accessibility in new and renovated buildings and facilities for Coloradans with disabilities. HB25-1030 passed by a vote of 9-3. “The Americans with Disabilities Act has helped make our world more accessible to people with disabilities, but unfortunately patchwork building codes have allowed some new and renovated buildings to forgo accessibility features that Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “As Colorado’s skyline continues to change and expand to accommodate our growing population, it’s important that we pass this bill to make it clear that buildings must meet accessibility requirements so people with disabilities are afforded equal access and mobility opportunities in buildings and facilities.” “Features like ramps and audio announcements are necessary tools that allow Coloradans with disabilities to be independent and able to engage with their communities, and our bill would ensure that more buildings incorporate these tools,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “We’re making it easier for Coloradans with disabilities to benefit from the laws we’ve passed that make housing, schools, and other buildings more inclusive for all.” Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments that adopt or amend a building code and public schools and health facilities that substantially amend a building code to ensure that they meet or exceed the accessibility standards set by the International Building Code and existing laws. The State Housing Board would also be required to meet or exceed these standards when it comes to substantial updates to uniform construction and maintenance standards for hotels, motels, and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code. Colorado Democrats have championed many laws in recent years to break down accessibility barriers for Coloradans with disabilities, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to implement a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration. Previous Next

< Back April 30, 2019 HOUSE GIVES FINAL APPROVAL TO BILLS TO ADDRESS OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid the opioid crisis (Apr. 30) – The House gave final approval to a package of bills that are part of the House Democrats’ effort to combat the epidemic of opioid addiction. The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s commonsense bill to examine alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of jail for drug-related offenses. The bill, a product of the opioid interim committee, also looks to provide behavioral & substance use treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “When we incarcerate people without providing treatment for their substance use disorders, we’re not actually addressing the real problem,” said Rep. Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “By providing treatment, we increase the likelihood that people released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to society again.” “My sincere thanks to counselors, law enforcement and people across the state who came to support this bill. People are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This bill provides a pathway that will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers.” SB19-008 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 47-17. It heads back to the Senate for approval of amendments. The House also passed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy and Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. This bill authorizes schools to obtain a supply of opiate antagonists, specifies that a licensed or certified hospital may be used as a clean syringe exchange site, creates the opiate antagonist purchase fund and expands the household medication take-back program in the Department of Public Health and Environment. “While we work to reduce overprescription and increase access to treatment, we can also do more to prevent the spread of diseases and save the lives of those who have not yet sought treatment,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy. “Addiction is a public health crisis and we are stepping up and finding ways to save lives,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This bill will expand treatment and recovery options across the state.” SB19-227 was approved on vote of 40-24. It now goes to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back July 11, 2020 BILL TO IMPROVE AND PROTECT SERVICES FOR AT-RISK YOUTH SIGNED INTO LAW Greeley, CO — Today, at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Governor Jared Polis signed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lori Saine to ensure services continue, uninterrupted for at-risk youth in out of home placements. “As a former school psychologist, I know how important it is that youth experiencing trauma continue to receive services without interruptions that could derail their progress or worsen the situation,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “This bipartisan law ensures that critical medical care will continue for youth in out of home placements so they can receive the services they need to recover and succeed.” When dependency and neglect actions or juvenile delinquency actions result in out-of-home placements, HB20-1237 requires that youth continue to receive medical care through a managed care entity (MCE) in the county where the action was initiated. This will limit disruptions in care that can happen when youth are transferred to new MCEs unnecessarily and ensure that services are delivered in the most appropriate setting. The new policy ensures that federal Medicaid resources follow youth as they receive services in out-of-home placements and make progress towards rebuilding their lives. Previous Next

< Back March 31, 2023 Legislation to Protect Reproductive Health Care Providers and Patients Moves Forward SB23-188 establishes shield laws to protect those seeking or performing reproductive health and gender-affirming care DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to establish that the state of Colorado will not recognize any out of state prosecutions for those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected health care, including abortion and gender-affirming care.SB23-188, part of the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package, works to protect health care providers and patients from overreaching interstate criminal and civil threats. “Colorado Democrats will always defend reproductive freedom, and I’m proud of the important progress we’ve made to protect those seeking or performing legal, reproductive health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood . “Our bill codifies important protections for legally protected health care service to make sure our patients, providers, and assistors are shielded from interstate prosecution, retaliation, and imprisonments. In Colorado, we trust you to make your own medical decisions and will protect you from other states’ baseless attempts to enforce their restrictive abortion laws.” “Anti-trans bills, bans and laws have been sweeping the country, yet in Colorado we’re focused on protecting the fundamental right to gender-affirming and reproductive health care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our legislation not only affirms the right to protected health care, but prevents other states from enforcing their regressive anti-abortion and anti-trans laws in Colorado. For many, having access to gender-affirming care is both life-saving and validating. This important legislation protects our privacy, prioritizes patients and providers over politics and upholds our fundamental rights to health care.” Protections For Accessing Reproductive Health Care: SB23-188 prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. For 1.2 million people, Colorado is the closest state to receive legal abortion and reproductive health care. In order to protect patients, providers and assistors from anti-abortion lawsuits or legal action, this bill establishes a shield law to protect those receiving, providing, or assisting with legally-protected abortion and gender-affirming health care. This includes protections for out-of-state patients and providers. Across the nation, many states are enacting strict laws to limit access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. In both Texas and Oklahoma , anyone providing, assisting, or paying for an abortion that occurs within the state are subject to criminal and civil penalties. Under these laws, residents and non residents of these two states are subject to penalties. During the 2023 legislative session, 431 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the country. Mississippi, Utah, South Dakota, Iowa , Florida and Tennessee have joined, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, in passing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care. The bills included in the Safe Access to Protected Health Care legislative package are part of an effort to make Colorado one of the safest states in the nation to receive reproductive health care and gender-affirming care. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 MULLICA’S BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE WINS COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation invests $61 million toward education training, recruitment and retention of nurses and health care workers DENVER, CO – The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed Representative Kyle Mullica’s bill to bolster Colorado’s health care workforce. SB22-226 allocates $61 million in federal economic relief funds toward education, training, recruitment and retention of nurses and other health care workers. “I cannot stress this enough, Colorado needs more nurses and health care workers,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton . “Pandemic pressures and staffing shortages have taken their toll on our health care workers, and my bill invests more than $60 million to train and recruit more nurses. To build a healthier Colorado, we are directing funds toward getting more dedicated nurses and health care professionals into hospitals and clinics. I am proud to champion this legislation, not only for my nursing colleagues in the ER but for the millions of Coloradans who depend on our health care workers each and every day.” Boosting Health Care Workforce : SB22-226 sponsored by Representative Kyle Mulica passed the House Health & Insurance Committee by a vote of XX to XX. This bill would address the shortage of health care workers by assisting with tuition and fees to help people get into high-demand health care fields. These programs require clinical hours at health facilities, currently, a major limiting factor in how many students schools can accept. To address this, the bill would also provide funding for health care facilities to increase training slots to build long-term capacity to train new and existing employees. Additionally, the bill would create the Health Care Workforce Resilience and Retention Program in the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to develop employee well-being programs and support the retention of health care workers. The bill also extends funding for the School Nurse Grant Program and invests in measures to recruit and re-re-engage health care workers who may have left the profession during the pandemic. Previous Next

Bill would increase financial penalties for businesses that violate the law, incentivize reporting and improve transparency < Back April 24, 2024 House Advances Legislation to Increase Penalties for Child Labor Violations DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to ramp up financial penalties for businesses that violate child labor laws. “Over the years, Colorado has made important progress to improve child labor laws - but we must ensure violators are held accountable for their actions,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Under current law, businesses face small or non-existent fines for child labor violations that could be putting our youth at risk. Our bill would significantly increase financial penalties to hold bad actors accountable, and importantly, keep our youth safe. We’re also committed to protecting those who speak out about child labor violations from retaliation, and this bill sets up guidelines to ensure those whistleblowers are protected.” “We need to ensure our state’s child labor laws are working as intended – the health and safety of our youth depends on it,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill encourages violation reporting, improves transparency around enforcement measures, and increases penalties for violations of these common sense protections. Outlined in the bill are additional whistleblower protections to keep those who report child labor violations safe from retaliation. At the end of the day, we need to ensure our businesses are operating lawfully and our youth is protected, and this bill brings us closer to that important goal.” HB24-1095 would update the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act of 1971 and strengthen the penalty structure. Under current law, first-time child labor law violators face no fines or fines of only a few hundred dollars. This bill would raise total employer liability to $750 for first-time offenses and $10,000 for willful or repeated offenses. HB24-1095 would also remove legal disincentives that keep victims of child labor violations from reporting and protect child workers from employer retaliation. Additionally, this bill would strengthen employer transparency by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to publish child labor violations or determinations. CDLE must issue a written notice to an employer with a description of penalties and damages owed if the act is violated. Under this bill, all fine revenue will be deposited into the Wage Theft Enforcement Fund, which distributes payments owed to Colorado employees who have filed claims of wage theft. Representative Lieder has championed important bills to strengthen worker protections and labor laws in Colorado. This includes HB23-1196 , which amended 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 the law. Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2022 MCCLUSKIE BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS AND SAVE FAMILIES MONEY ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed two bills sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie that will prepare students for success and save families and students money on their higher education degrees. “The legislation we passed today will save students and families money on higher education tuition and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Workforce needs in the high country and across Colorado are significant, and this bill opens the door for all Colorado high school graduates to gain the education they need to secure better paying jobs and address workforce shortages. With these bills, we’re working to create new pathways for students to earn postsecondary degrees in less time with fewer costs and increase the resources we dedicate to K-12 education.” HB22-1155 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Perry Will, would expand in-state tuition to more Colorado students and families. Under current law, students must reside in Colorado for at least three years before they are eligible for in-state tuition. This bill changes the requirement to allow any student who graduates from a Colorado high school and has resided in the state for one year to receive in-state tuition. The bill passed 5-3. HB22-1146 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Colin Larson, creates a working group to determine how the state can improve earnings on funds invested in the State Public School Fund. The fund invests money from the State School Land Trust to support K-12 education. The bill passed 9-0. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English into law to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting. < Back April 20, 2023 Signed! English Bill to Improve Safety and Well-Being of Colorado Kids DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Regina English into law to prevent physical violence in a child care or public school setting. “It’s a surprise to many that Colorado law does not already protect children from being physically disciplined by educators or school personnel,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs . “Corporal punishment can negatively impact physical and mental health, lead to poor educational outcomes, and cause an increase in violence and trauma in our children. Governor Polis signed my bill into law, so parents can have peace of mind that the safety and mental health of their children in schools are at the forefront of our mission in Colorado and that children will not be subjected to corporal punishment, but a high-quality education they deserve.” HB23-1191 would prohibit an employee or volunteer in a public school, state-licensed child care center, family child care home, or a specialized group facility from using corporal punishment on a child under their care. With this bill, corporal punishment would include willfully causing the infliction of physical pain on a child. The bill passed the House by a vote of 48-16. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2019 GOV SIGNS CUTTER’S MEDIA LITERACY AND SLAPP BILLS Media Literacy bill will help invest in the next generation of Coloradans (Jun 3) – Today, two of Representative Lisa Cutter’s bills were signed in Conifer by Governor Polis. The bills create a media literacy advisory committee within the Department of Education to help Colorado students become more educated about the media and the role it plays in our society, and protect Coloradans against lawsuits intended to impede their free speech. “As a country, our decisions are only as good as the information we take in to form our opinions,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “The media landscape has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Colorado’s students are facing the largest and most complex information landscape in human history and it’s crucial that we provide educators with the tools necessary to help our youth better understand the world around them.” HB19-1110 creates a media literacy advisory committee within the state Department of Education that will work with a consultant to study media literacy, including best practices and available resources, and then report back with recommendations for the House and Senate Education Committees. Cutter hopes to sponsor legislation in the future using these recommendations to implement media literacy studies in elementary and secondary education. At a March hearing on the bill, the Associated Press and Colorado Press Association testified in support of this bill, among others. A recent academic study shows that 82 percent of middle school students could not distinguish the difference between real news stories and advertisements. Later, Gov. Polis signed HB19-1324, sponsored by Rep. Cutter and Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster related to Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP). “These lawsuits are an abuse of our judicial system–to threaten people and instill fear in them,” said Rep. Cutter. “We should not be using the court systems against people, especially low-income people, who are simply exercising their right to speak up and this new law ensures that.” The bill establishes an expedited process for a court to follow in a lawsuit in which a person claims they were exercising their constitutional right to free speech or to petition the government. The bill also authorizes an award of attorney’s fees to defendants on this special motion to dismiss the lawsuit.. This new process will not only speed up the process but will also make sure that people exercising their free speech do not have to lose money defending their constitutional rights against these lawsuits. “Our legal system should not be used to frighten people away from the free exercise of their right to speak. This law protects free speech and makes sure that our legal system is not abused,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, an attorney by trade. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. < Back June 3, 2025 Bill to Continue Healthy School Meals for All Program Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. “Colorado children should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has improved the health and educational success of Colorado students. Now, Colorado voters will be able to decide if we continue this program to reduce childhood hunger or will have to scale it back. At a time when Congressional Republicans are considering deep cuts to nutrition assistance, we should be doing all we can to make sure our students have food to eat in school.” “Kids in school should be thinking about their next math test – not worrying about going hungry,” said Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “In 2022, voters approved the Healthy School Meals for All program, which made a significant positive impact on Colorado students and their families. This law will allow the voters to reaffirm their support for our state’s children and their educational success.” “Every single Colorado kid, regardless of their income, should be able to eat a healthy, filling breakfast and lunch without worrying about the cost,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has been extremely successful in Colorado – it has reduced the stigma associated with free and reduced lunch, helped Colorado kids succeed, and allowed families breathe a little easier with less strain on their budgets. This law empowers Colorado voters to decide on the future of this beneficial program.” HB25-1274 will refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election to determine whether or not to continue funding the program as is, increase funding for the program or scale it back. One ballot measure asks voters if they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All Program above the original estimate, which will otherwise need to be refunded to taxpayers who earn over $300,000 a year. The second ballot measure asks voters if they want to expand the program by further limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. If at least one of the two measures is approved by Colorado voters, the law will extend the local school purchasing program, which is set to repeal after FY 2025-2026. In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, creating the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide all Colorado students free breakfast and lunch. The program was funded by limiting income tax reductions for taxpayers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more. The 2025-2026 budget, approved by the Colorado General Assembly in April 2025, fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year. As Colorado works to expand access to healthy school meals for children, Congress is considering the GOP budget proposal that would significantly pare back SNAP benefits for children and families. Under this proposal, state and county costs across Colorado are expected to increase by approximately $260 million annually. The GOP budget proposal also heightens eligibility requirements for food assistance programs, making it more difficult for Coloradans over 55 and families with children between 8 and 18 years old to receive the support they need. Previous Next

Today, Representatives Matt Soper (R-Delta) and Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins), along with Senators Lisa Frizell (R-Castle Rock) and Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), highlighted a bipartisan bill to establish clear procedures for reporting misconduct in Colorado crime laboratories. < Back February 20, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Lawmakers Highlight New Bill to Address CBI Employee Misconduct DENVER, CO – Today, Representatives Matt Soper (R-Delta) and Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins), along with Senators Lisa Frizell (R-Castle Rock) and Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), highlighted a bipartisan bill to establish clear procedures for reporting misconduct in Colorado crime laboratories. “Transparency is essential to public trust, and the people expect their government to be fully transparent—especially in times of malfeasance," said Rep. Matt Soper . “With the recent reports of tampering by a Colorado crime laboratory scientist, the onus is on us to present smart, remedial legislation. HB25-1275 will ensure prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and defendants are notified. If an individual was convicted based on evidence tainted by a state actor, their defense attorney must be informed so they can determine whether it impacted the case. This bill ensures accountability and safeguards to protect the integrity of our justice system," added Soper. "Extreme misconduct by a former CBI employee is causing significant delays in our criminal justice system, preventing family members and survivors from receiving appropriate closure,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie. “I’m sponsoring this bipartisan legislation to establish a clear process for addressing intentional misconduct by CBI crime laboratory workers. By establishing reporting requirements and victim notification procedures, Colorado will have clear guidelines for dealing with CBI employee misconduct while ensuring survivors can receive the justice they rightfully deserve.” “To restore public trust, it is imperative that we establish a transparent and accountable process when reporting on misconduct in our state’s laboratories,” said Senator Frizell. “This legislation establishes a clear, transparent process to address breaches of forensic integrity, ensuring that all affected parties- prosecutors, defense attorneys, victims, and defendants- are properly informed. Justice can only be upheld when we hold bad actors accountable and implement safeguards to prevent future misconduct, and this bill is a crucial step in that effort.” “Crime survivors want investigatory processes related to their seeking justice to complete quickly and accurately,” said Sen. Weissman. “But recent misconduct in crime laboratory settings delays justice, prolongs uncertainty, and further traumatizes survivors who have already suffered unspeakable victimization. Colorado needs to have better procedures in place to effectively address cases of intentional misconduct if and when they arise, repair trust in CBI, and support survivors in their pursuit of justice – this bipartisan bill does all three.” Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. HB25-1275 is a direct response to misconduct by CBI crime laboratory workers and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system. This legislation would establish a clear process within the CBI and the court system to address intentional and wrongful misconduct by crime laboratory workers. Specifically, the bill requires crime laboratory employees who witness or discover misconduct or a wrongful action to notify their supervisor or the crime laboratory director within 14 days. This bill would require both defendants and victims to be notified if there was lab misconduct in their case. Additionally, this bill would give the defendant the right to return to court to challenge their conviction if the CBI misconduct interfered with substantial evidence in obtaining their conviction. Lastly, this bill mandates all crime laboratory directors to review all records to identify wrongful actions committed by current or former employees before July 1, 2025. By instituting clear reporting responsibilities and safeguards, HB25-1275 will help ensure fairness in the justice system and establish policies and procedures for addressing future CBI employee misconduct. Previous Next