Search Results

Special session legislation puts Colorado’s finances in a better position, while impacts of H.R.1 and tariffs continue to put pressure on state budget and economy < Back September 22, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Steady Economy with Strong Headwinds and Difficult Choices Ahead Due to Federal Economic Policies, Tariffs and H.R.1 DENVER, CO – Today, Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee released statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts. ”We’re no strangers to difficult budget decisions here in Colorado,” said JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Years of thoughtful, bipartisan budgeting puts us on solid financial footing, but with the devastating impacts of H.R.1 along with tariffs continuing to create uncertainty and raise prices for Colorado families, more tough budget decisions are most certainly ahead.” “While we face strong economic headwinds and uncertainty driven by the chaos in Washington, Colorado is now in a better position, in a large part due to our special session efforts to fill a $1 billion gap caused by Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Trump’s tariff taxes are driving up costs for families and businesses, slowing the job market and increasing the risk of a recession. As we look ahead to next year’s budget, I remain steadfast in my commitment to prioritize the programs and services Colorado families, seniors and veterans count on.” “Today’s forecast confirms what we already know: the chaotic economic policies of the Trump administration are harming Colorado’s economy and the entire country,” said JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Tariffs are driving up costs in critical industries like housing and increasing costs for consumers, while H.R.1 increased administrative costs and slashed federal assistance for programs like health care and food assistance. Our commitment to serve Colorado families remains steadfast. Presentations like today’s help us be ready for the tough budget conversations that we’ll need to have in the coming months.” “Today’s forecast indicates that closing corporate tax loopholes helped address some of the $1 billion budget shortfall caused by the Congressional Republicans,” said JBC Member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats took a responsible approach to minimize the harm of the Congressional GOP budget to protect our schools, roads, health care and food assistance programs. Health care costs are rising faster than forecasted, which combined with federal cuts to Medicaid, means difficult decisions are ahead. But by closing corporate tax loopholes and putting people over profit, we spared some of the more severe cuts to life-saving community programs.” The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.17 billion in FY 2025-2026 – a $400 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-2026 – a $756 million decrease for FY 2025-2026 as compared with the June revenue forecast. In July, Congressional Republicans’ H.R.1 created a $1 billion state budget deficit by allowing corporations to dodge taxes owed to Colorado. Following four consecutive years of corporate income tax revenue growth, corporate tax revenue is projected to decline by 30.1 percent, primarily due to H.R.1, which was partially offset by last month’s special session. This forecast shows that laws passed by Democrats during special session to close corporate tax loopholes closed one-third of the deficit, while additional bipartisan legislation closed another one-third of the deficit by using some of the state’s rainy day fund. Medicaid costs, driven by increasing caseload, health care costs and Colorado’s aging population, are rising at a faster rate than previously forecasted. Medicaid is the fastest-growing part of the state budget, and the forecast indicates an increase of $350 million in the next year. As Medicaid caseloads continue to increase, H.R.1 will increase administrative costs for state and local governments. H.R.1 drastically cuts Medicaid, including limiting provider fee revenue and state-directed payments, which according to LCS , will result in a reduction of $575 million in provider fee revenue and between $900 million and $2.5 billion in federal funds over a five year period. Additionally, the various provisions of H.R.1 will jeopardize Medicaid coverage for about 377,000 Coloradans. The Trump Administration’s economic policies continue to raise prices for consumers. Tariffs are expected to slow economic activity by weakening consumer demand and limiting business development, which will result in lower spending, falling business profits, and slower wage growth. According to LCS, tariffs paid soared to a near-century high of 8.2 percent in Q2. Additionally, inflation continues to rise, with the U.S. experiencing inflation of 2.9 percent and Denver experiencing 2.1 percent. Slowing price increases in the Denver housing market and lower housing costs are the leading contributors to lower inflation in Denver compared to nationally. During the special session in August, Colorado Republicans sponsored legislation to balance the budget on the backs of working families by reducing a vital tax credit that puts money directly into the pockets of middle and low income families (Family Affordability Tax Credit). Due to the corporate tax cuts in H.R.1, LCS anticipates the credit will be fully turned off for Tax Year 2026, but will partially return in Tax Year 2027. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. < Back March 12, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Youth on Social Media Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to better regulate social media and protect youth. “Right now, it’s far too easy for youth to purchase illicit substances and illegal firearms on social media sites – we need to do more to protect our kids online,” said Rep. Andy Boesnecker, D-Fort Collins. “This bipartisan bill would require social media companies to ramp up their reporting methods and swiftly remove buyers and sellers who violate the companies’ illegal sales policy and state law. As a state, it’s important we step in when our children are being lured toward illegal drugs, firearms, or sex trafficking on unregulated marketplaces – this bill works to keep our kids and communities safe.” SB25-086 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, passed committee by vote of 11-2. This bill aims to protect youth by requiring social media companies to provide an annual report to the Attorney General’s Office with detailed data about their policies and enforcement, with specific reporting related to illegal activity occurring through their platforms including: Firearms sales in violation of state and federal law Sales of illicit substances Sex trafficking of minors Possession, display, sale, exchange, or creation of sexually exploitative material involving minors Social media companies also must report on how youth are using the platform and interacting with content related to these illegal activities. This bill also intends to speed up the timeline for social media companies to determine if a violation has occurred to 72 hours and 24 hours to remove a proven violator. This bill also aims to improve public safety by creating a hotline for Colorado law enforcement to follow up on warrants submitted to social media companies. This aims to speed up the legal process for Colorado law enforcement, so they can move forward with their cases faster. For example, Facebook has an explicit policy not allowing the sale of firearms or ammunition between private individuals, but buyers and sellers can violate that policy up to ten times before they’re removed from the site. Additionally, social media companies collectively generate nearly $11 billion in advertising revenue from users under 18 yet are often exposed to drugs, firearms, sex trafficking and sextortion of minors on these sites. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Alex Valdez into law that will strengthen consumer protections for ticket sales for activities like concerts and sporting events. < Back June 5, 2024 Stronger Consumer Protections for Event Tickets Becomes Law RED ROCKS, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representatives William Lindstedt and Alex Valdez into law that will strengthen consumer protections for ticket sales for activities like concerts and sporting events. “Colorado is home to great live music venues and multiple professional sports teams, and this consumer protection law will help prevent Coloradans from being taken advantage of by bad actors,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This law guarantees refunds for canceled events, ensures actual all-in prices are advertised and bans deceptive website sales to clarify consumer rights and protections in the ticket industry. We’re creating a Colorado that better serves our event goers so they can fully enjoy their favorite events, from Nuggets games to Taylor Swift concerts.” “Unfortunately, most Coloradans have had negative experiences with the ticket industry that make it more difficult for them to attend concerts and professional sports games,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “As a resident of downtown Denver, I know how important our local sports teams and big concert events are to local businesses. Our legislation will bolster protections for consumers, making ticket-buying a more secure process so Coloradans can feel better about their purchases.” HB24-1378 requires ticket sellers and resellers to guarantee refunds to ticket buyers and prohibits an operator from denying a ticket buyer access to an event because they purchased the ticket through a reseller. This new law expands what constitutes a deceptive trade, including: Displaying trademarked, copyrighted, or substantially similar web designs, URLs, or other images and symbols with the intent to mislead a purchaser, Selling a ticket to an event without disclosing the total cost of the ticket, or Increasing the price of a ticket after the ticket has been selected for purchase, except for adding delivery fees. The U.S. Government Accountability Office found that additional fees on event tickets average 27 to 31 percent of the ticket’s price. Previous Next

Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder < Back February 21, 2024 Removing Bail Eligibility for First-Degree Murder Cases Passes Committee Legislation would refer a constitutional amendment to voters on the November 2024 ballot to remove bail eligibility for people accused of first-degree murder DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to make first-degree murder defendants ineligible for bail. “This constitutional amendment makes it clear that for certain heinous crimes, bail should not be an option,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of HCR24-1002 and HB24-1225. “When there is strong evidence that ties someone to a murder, it’s in the best interest of the safety of Coloradans to keep them in custody until their case is adjudicated. If voters support this constitutional amendment, this bill would clarify in statute that people accused of first-degree murder aren’t eligible to be released on bail.” In 2023, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled in People v. Smith that defendants of capital offenses are eligible to be released on bail per language in Colorado statute. HCR24-1002 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would refer a constitutional amendment to Colorado voters on the November 2024 ballot to exempt the right to bail for first-degree murder cases when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Voters would have to approve the constitutional amendment by at least 55 percent for it to be adopted into the Colorado Constitution. HCR24-1002 passed by a vote of 8-2. HB24-1225 , also sponsored by Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, would make the conforming changes in Colorado statute if the voters adopt the constitutional amendment, exempting defendants who are charged with first-degree murder from bail eligibility when the proof is evident or presumption is great. HB24-1225 also aligns jury procedures for first-degree murder cases with other capital cases to allow 10 peremptory challenges during jury selection for the first defendant and an additional three for every defendant after. The bill, which also passed by a vote of 8-2, is contingent on the adoption of a state constitutional amendment created by HCR24-1002. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. < Back April 16, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Protect Coloradans from Gender-Related, Bias-Motivated Crimes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman to better protect Coloradans from gender-related, bias-motivated crimes. SB24-189 would add transgender identity to Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. “The numbers do not lie; the LGBTQ+ community is encountering increased violence and hate crimes,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This bill modifies Colorado law to include transgender identity as a protected class and works to ensure perpetrators of bias-motivated crimes are held accountable by our criminal justice system. We know trans, nonbinary and gender-expansive people across the country are combating increased threats and violence, and I’m proud to live in a state that steps up to protect our LGBTQ+ neighbors.” SB24-189 , also sponsored by Matt Soper, R-Delta, passed by a vote of 9-1. The bill would improve protections for Coloradans by adding the definition of transgender identity to the protected classes included in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment laws. The bill also redefines "sexual orientation" as used in Colorado’s bias-motivated crimes and harassment statutes. This important legislation comes on the heels of recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which revealed the highest number of anti-LGBTQ+, anti-trans and gender non-conforming hate crimes ever reported. Additionally, the number of hate crimes based on gender identity increased by over 32 percent from 2021 to 2022. Previous Next

< Back February 21, 2023 House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Encourage Incarcerated Coloradans to Pursue College Credits DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez to allow incarcerated Coloradans to earn time off their sentence by pursuing higher education. HB23-1037 passed the House with nearly unanimous support by a vote of 61-1. “This bill is about preparing incarcerated Coloradans for success when they’re released from prison by giving them the tools they need to thrive,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez D-Monte Vista. “I’m beyond proud to champion this bipartisan bill that received nearly unanimous support from Republicans and Democrats. This bill will reduce recidivism in Colorado by creating pathways for incarcerated people to earn credits toward degrees and certificates that create opportunities for good paying careers after they have served their time.” HB23-1037 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Martinez and Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would allow inmates sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while the inmate is incarcerated in the Department of Corrections (DOC). Specifically, inmates could receive one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 6 months for an earned credential or certificate of 30 credit hours worth, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree. Right now, offenders in the DOC can reduce their sentence through earned time by participating in group living, counseling sessions and through specific work and training. Generally, inmates cannot reduce their sentence by more than 30 percent. This bill would add higher education to the list of ways inmates can reduce their sentence through earned time. HB23-1037 aims to encourage incarcerated Coloradans to pursue higher education and better prepare them for a high-earning career post-sentence. Access to education opportunities while in prison is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tools to reduce recidivism. Colorado’s recidivism rate is 50 percent , one of the highest in the nation. A comprehensive, nationwide study showed that the recidivism rate among incarcerated individuals who earn associate's degrees is around 14 percent and just 5.6 percent for those who earn bachelor's degrees. These recidivism rates are significantly lower than interacted individuals who receive no education while in prison. Previous Next

The House today passed a bipartisan bill to support higher education and address Colorado’s veterinary shortage. < Back February 13, 2025 House Passes Bill to Support Higher Education, Increase Access to Veterinary Care DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bipartisan bill to support higher education and address Colorado’s veterinary shortage. HB25-1131 , sponsored by Representative Andrew Boesenecker, passed the House by a vote of 65-0. “We’re working to address Colorado’s veterinary shortage by expanding access to CSU’s top-tier College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “This bill eliminates the student enrollment cap at CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, allowing more students to jumpstart their future careers in veterinary medicine. Rural and underserved communities are feeling the shortage of local veterinary care first hand, this bipartisan bill helps to expand access in our state.” HB25-1131 , also sponsored by Representative Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, would increase access to veterinary care, especially in rural and underserved communities. Specifically, this bill would eliminate the cap on the number of veterinary students admitted at Colorado State University (CSU). CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is ranked as the #2 veterinary school in the nation and works in partnership with CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. This bill would make it easier for students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and help tackle Colorado’s rising veterinary care shortage. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 LEGISLATION TO BOOST COLORADO’S WORKFORCE AND INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL ED STUDENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO – The House Education today passed three bills sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie that will boost Colorado’s workforce and prepare students for success. “The legislation we advanced today will invest $90 million in federal funds to create new pathways into good jobs in growing industries and will boost funding for K-12 public schools by $80 million a year to better serve special education students,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-DIllon. “Through SB22-127, we are significantly increasing resources for public schools that serve special education students to set up all our learners to thrive. HB22-1350 will create new regional partnerships to help address workforce shortages and develop the talent employers need to grow their businesses, and HB22-1215 will expand secondary, postsecondary and work-based learning experiences to save students money as they pursue their education and prepare for good jobs in high-demand industries.” HB22-1350 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Janice Rich, would establish a grant program with $90 million in federal funds to foster regional talent development initiatives to fill good jobs in growing industries. The competitive grant program will leverage local, federal and private dollars to better align postsecondary credential programs to today’s jobs. The program will take a regional approach to build and scale successful partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. These partnerships will build new pathways into high-skilled and high-demand industries, especially in industries with staffing shortages. Grants will prioritize projects that enhance collaboration between industry, communities, and higher education institutions. They will also focus on evidence-based best practices and pathways that focus on applying work experience and earned credentials toward postsecondary degrees. HB22-1350 passed 9-0. SB22-127 , sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie and Colin Larson, will dramatically increase funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to $300 million per year moving forward. This increase will bring down student-teacher ratios, decrease class sizes, and help schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. SB22-127 passed by vote of 9-0. “Secondary, postsecondary and workplace experience programs help students launch their careers in growing industries, and this bill will expand these opportunities to more students in our state,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This legislation will help the state better prepare students for success and create new options for students to earn degrees and thrive in the workforce.” HB22-1215 , sponsored by Representatives McCluskie and Jennifer Bacon, aims to better prepare students for success by creating a task force to recommend policies that will support secondary, postsecondary and workplace learning, which prepare students for careers in high-need industries. The bill will direct education leaders to examine opportunities to expand these opportunities in Colorado and provide postsecondary learning opportunities for students still enrolled in high school. HB22-1215 passed by a vote of 8-1. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO SUPPORT PEACE OFFICERS’ MENTAL HEALTH DENVER, CO – The House today passed Representative Dylan Roberts’ bill to direct additional resources to expand access to behavioral health care for peace officers. “SB5 is such an important bill to support our law officers because it will provide them with the resources they may need after experiencing difficult situations while serving their communities,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill will help law enforcement departments recruit and retain qualified peace officers, and it ensures that we have their backs when they need help.” SB22-005 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Dan Woog, passed by a vote of 55-5. It would direct $3 million to a program that helps law enforcement agencies retain and recruit qualified and trained POST-certified officers. The funding would expand access to behavioral health and counseling support for law enforcement officers to prevent peace officer suicide deaths. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 HOUSE ED PUTS $10M INTO SCHOOL FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS DENVER, CO– The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Colin Larson that would put $10 million into the BEST grant program to fund air quality improvement projects in public and charter schools. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus package that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. “Every Colorado student should have a safe and constructive learning environment, but too many schools lack air conditioning or proper ventilation systems,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “As we rebuild from the pandemic, we have to invest in our classrooms to ensure that our students have clean, healthy air in their classrooms and can focus on learning. We have a lot of work to do to address learning disruptions from COVID-19, and we can’t let outdated school buildings with poor air circulation stand in the way.” SB21-202 would allocate $10 million for Building Excellent Schools Today grants to fund much-needed public school air quality improvement projects to improve air quality in as many public and charter school facilities as possible. Kids learn better in environments that are safe, clean, and healthy. Unfortunately, over the years, Colorado’s deferred maintenance of school facilities has grown, particularly in rural areas. These construction and capital projects will create good jobs, make long-term improvements to Colorado schools’ infrastructures, and provide safer, more constructive learning environments for students. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2019 HOUSE SUPPORTS EXPANDING ACCESS TO VOTING (Apr. 22) – The House gave preliminary approval to the Colorado Votes Act (COVA), a bill to expand access to voting and minimize long lines on Election Day. Colorado is a national role model for secure, accessible and fair elections, and this bill will expand upon the state’s successful model. “Colorado’s election systems are some of the best in the country, but we still have work to do to ensure we are giving every Colorado the access they deserve to participate in our democracy,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “We must continue to break down barriers that prevent all Coloradans from voting and this bill is a step in that direction. I’m proud of the stakeholder work we conducted with the county clerks.” Of the voters who used VSPCs to cast their vote in 2018, 18 percent were first time registrants and additional 20 percent needed to update their registration. In other words, these voters didn’t receive a mail ballot or have the option to vote by mail or drop-off and had to rely on in-person service. In-person voters are more likely to be from underserved or marginalized communities. In 2018, an estimated 18 percent of in-person voters were people of color and nearly half were under 35 years old. In 2013, Colorado passed election reform that created formulas for the number of voter service and polling centers (VSPCs) by active voters, and gave voters in-person services for voting, ballot replacement, same day registration and updating their voter information, such as their addresses. COVA adjusts the formulas based on actual voter behavior since 2013, updating the VSCPS and voter drop box formulas to increase access to the ballot closer to Election Day, decrease VSPC requirements during the under-utilized early voting period, and increase resources for Election Day voting. Colorado’s smaller counties are largely unaffected by these changes. On Election Day, which are common in the larger Colorado counties, long lines have proven to be a deterrent to voting. In 2018, self-reported wait times by counties for Election Day was more than 30 minutes in the state’s biggest counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa and Weld. This bill would increase the amount of drop boxes which are more popular in larger counties according to voter data. Here’s what the Colorado Votes Act does: COVA creates a new tier for the largest Colorado counties (Tier 0) to deal with longer lines in urban populations and college/university VSPCs, where there are traditionally long lines on Election Day. Creates three phases of VSPCs to be open: early voting (first week through Thursday of the second week) when services are least utilized, final weekend (final Friday and Saturday in the largest counties and Friday, Saturday and Monday everywhere else) when we see a measurable increase in voters using in-person services, and Election Day (includes final Monday for largest counties) when utilization is at its peak. Encourages public buildings, particularly on college and university campuses to make space available to the counties for VSPCs. Counties have increasing challenges in getting adequate space for VSPCs, particularly in higher education buildings. Larger campuses would also have to have a drop box for ballots. Increases voting hours on Election Day from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Allows district court to extend voting hours if there are issues at particular polling places that have interrupted access such as weather, technological problems, equipment failure, supply shortages, voter suppression activity, or other circumstance. Previous Next

Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC < Back April 19, 2023 Joint Select Committee Democrats Introduce Bill to Improve Accountability & Transparency for Utilities, Save People Money on Energy Bills Legislation will implement savings for ratepayers, level playing field at the PUC DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates yesterday introduced legislation that would improve transparency and accountability for utilities and save people money on their energy bills. SB23-291 presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances what kinds of expenses are paid by utility shareholders vs. ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel cost control, and levels the playing field at PUC proceedings, where infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a mechanism to incentivize utilities to save money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks. “Colorado families were hit hard this winter by unexpected and severe price shocks, which is why we convened the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates to investigate the causes and find solutions,” Joint Select Committee Chair Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce this legislation that will improve transparency and hold utilities more accountable to the ratepayers they serve. Senate Bill 291 will help to align utility companies’ and Coloradans’ interests and expectations about their energy service, while helping save Coloradans money on their energy bills ” "Coloradans are counting on us to address skyrocketing utility costs, and as a Joint Select Committee, we’ve taken their concerns seriously as we worked to uncover the root causes of rising rates,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “After months of information gathering, we’re introducing legislation to change the incentive structure for utilities that will better protect ratepayers from sudden price hikes and ensure a more transparent PUC process for consumer interests.” “Our committee has been hard at work the past few months searching for answers and working to save people money on their energy bills,” Joint Select Committee member Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “One thing quickly became clear, Coloradans are bearing the brunt of volatile rate increases while utility companies are empowered to set their own rules. This important legislation will help level the playing field at the PUC and create fairer processes in utility rate setting that will impact Coloradans today and for generations to come.” "As a Joint Select Committee, we’ve been working diligently with policy experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to uncover what is leading to rising utility rates that are impacting our neighbors,” said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our new legislation will create a pathway toward long-term, cost-saving solutions that will increase rate transparency and provide additional tools and tactics to limit price hikes that stick Coloradans with high, unpredictable utility bills.” Further, the bill would level the playing field at the PUC by requiring utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ use of expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. SB23-291 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee. You can track the bill’s progress HERE . Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates worked to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. Previous Next