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The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. < Back March 27, 2025 Law Enforcement Whistleblower Protection Bill Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Chad Clifford on a preliminary vote to improve protections for law enforcement whistleblowers. “Whistleblower protections ensure that people can report a violation of law or policy without fear, and this is especially necessary within law enforcement agencies,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “After an Edgewater officer was assaulted by a fellow officer in 2019, it was clear that there were gaps in local law enforcement agencies’ policies regarding workplace issues and protections around retaliation. It is crucial that the people who are supposed to protect us can also protect each other, which is exactly what this bill does.” “This bill is about protecting the people who put their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “After nearly a year of weekly stakeholder meetings with law enforcement, impacted community members and whistleblower advocates, we’ve crafted this policy to better protect those who raise concerns about wrongdoings. This legislation will improve due process and pathways to justice to protect law enforcement officers from retaliation when they report injustices in their workplace.” HB25-1031 would protect whistleblowers in law enforcement by prohibiting retaliation, including requiring disclosures to be made to external oversight agencies and ensuring confidentiality for the reporting officer. The bill would expand retaliation to include discharging, disciplining, demoting, denying a promotion, transferring or reassigning, discriminating against, harassing, suspending, creating a hostile work environment for, subjecting to corrective action, reprimanding, issuing an employment rating that causes a loss of pay or makes ineligible for a promotion, laying off, reducing work hours, or knowingly providing false information regarding a peace officer to negatively impact future employment opportunities. Additionally, the bill would protect a peace officer who shares information to the relevant supervising authority in good faith regarding a danger to public health or safety or an alleged violation of law committed by a fellow peace officer. If the relevant supervising authority is the individual being accused, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to provide an alternative reporting procedure. The bill also creates a private right of action and establishes penalties for employers who engage in retaliation, allowing peace officers to seek reinstatement, back pay with interest, attorney fees, and other remedies. Lastly, the bill outlines the process and deadlines for filing claims and establishes a reporting system to monitor implementation and consistency with existing whistleblower protection laws. Beginning January 1, 2026, all law enforcement agencies that employ POST-certified peace officers must provide annual training and accessible workplace postings about peace officers’ rights and protections under this bill. Employees hired after this date must provide information regarding this bill during their employee orientation. In 2019, an Edgewater police officer was retaliated against and ultimately forced to resign after she reported multiple assaults by a colleague. The perpetrator ultimately pleaded guilty to the assault and the City of Edgewater settled after the officer sued for discrimination. Colorado Democrats have passed whistleblower protection laws in recent years, including protections for essential workers who raise concerns about workplace health and safety practices or hazards during a public health emergency and those who report child labor violations . Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2020 TIPPER’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS TRANSPARENCY BILL PASSES COMMITTEE The House Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Representative Kerry Tipper’s bill on telecommunications data in jails. The bill would require telecommunication providers who operate in jails to provide data related to the calls made by inmates in jail on a quarterly basis. “Affordable phone calls lower recidivism and massively improve the wellbeing of both incarcerated individuals and their families on the outside,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. “This bill would bring much-needed transparency to a murky system and give us a better idea of where profits are going. I’m proud that the committee approved the measure today and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” In-state long distance or local calls in Colorado’s correctional facilities can cost up to $0.99 per minute depending on the facility– and inmates’ loved ones shoulder the expenses. At 50 percent, Colorado’s recidivism rate is 10 percent higher than the national rate. A November 2011 study by the Minnesota Department of Corrections found that regular communication with a loved one can reduce the risk of felony reconviction by 13 percent and technical violations by 25 percent. Some government agencies, including counties and cities, receive a commission from telecommunication service providers. The commissions drive up the cost of jail phone calls, making it difficult for inmates to stay in touch with loved ones. In a 2013 contract between the city of Denver and Securus Technologies, the telecommunication corporation agreed to pay the city 80 percent commission on all debit calls within the system. HB20-1267 would require telecommunications providers to provide a copy of the existing contract between the provider and the jail that they service to the public utilities commission. Additionally, telecommunications providers must also provide the rates for in and out-of-state phone calls as well as the fees that are charged to the inmate making phone calls. The commission is required to publish all of this data and report on its website in a format accessible by the public. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 VETERINARIAN REP. MCCORMICK TAKES THE REINS OF HOUSE AG COMMITTEE DENVER, CO — House Speaker Alec Garnett today appointed Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to chair the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will be the Vice Chair for the 2021 legislative session. “My goal is to support the long-term success and strength of Colorado’s critical agriculture industry and essential water resources,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “It’s an honor to lead this committee, and I’m excited to work alongside Rep. Catlin to continue its bipartisan legacy and to help our agriculture industry and our state build back stronger.” “Representatives McCormick and Catlin bring invaluable experience to the House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee, and I’m excited to see them take the reins,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “As a veterinarian, Rep. McCormick has decades of experience in animal medicine and has focused her legislative work on issues that are critical to the industry, like soil health, supply chains, and renewable energy projects for agriculture producers and processors to reduce their energy costs.” The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee considers issues and legislation concerning water, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation. It is the committee of reference for and has oversight of the departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Representative McCormick, elected in 2020, is a veterinarian with over 33 years of experience treating animals. She has sponsored legislation to promote soil health and expand access to broadband for school districts in underserved areas. In the coming days, she will sponsor a state stimulus bill to establish a $30 million agricultural loan program to help build back Colorado’s agriculture industry even stronger than before. Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, was appointed as Vice Chair by the Speaker with the support of all members of the committee. “I’ve worked with Representative Catlin for many years on water and agriculture issues,” Speaker Garnett continued. “He’s proven himself to be an honest, bipartisan, and respectful member of the minority party who defends and upholds the dignity and decorum of the chamber. Representative Catlin has repeatedly shown that he respects the institution and embodies the values we need in the legislature. This is what Coloradans want to see– lawmakers coming together to help our state recover faster and build back stronger.” Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 22, 2024 Story, Parenti Bill to Strengthen Government Ethics Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to strengthen accountability for public officials and employees in Colorado school districts and special districts. HB24-1073 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Government ethics rules are critical in preventing corruption in our government and ensuring the public’s trust while holding elected government officials accountable when they violate Colorado’s ethical standards,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We have established ethical codes of conduct that local government officials and employees are expected to abide by. Our legislation would specify that school districts and special districts are also held to this code of conduct so the Independent Ethics Commission can investigate complaints made by Coloradans and hold bad actors accountable.” “The people of Colorado expect government officials at all levels to behave ethically and act in the best interest of the people of our state, but inconsistencies in Colorado law prevent investigation and enforcement of ethical standards,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. “School and special districts operate in every part of our state, employ thousands of people and control billions of dollars of taxpayer revenues. This bill is an important step in reminding all of us, at all levels of government, that we are first and foremost servant leaders and we must all be held to account when we betray the public trust or use our positions for personal gain." The Independent Ethics Commission was created in 2006 to investigate complaints and enforce rules of conduct for public officials and employees. HB24-1073 would expand the authority of the Independent Ethics Commission to include school district and special district officials and employees who report directly to them, such as school superintendents. This bill would allow the Independent Ethics Commission to investigate and enforce complaints of ethics violations by public officials and employees in these districts, improving accountability. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2019 GOV SIGNS DEM-LED BILLS ADDRESSING OPIOID CRISIS House Democrats have long been working on solutions to the opioid crisis (May 23) – Today, Gov. Polis signed a package of bills that are part of House Democrats’ efforts to combat the opioid crisis. First, Gov. Polis signed HB19-1009 sponsored by Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “This law is focused on people who are going through substance use recovery and are at the end of that spectrum,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Through this bill, we are trying to reintegrate these folks back into the community and break down the barriers they face, like access to housing.” “The majority of people with a substance use disorder are currently in recovery today. Supporting recovery is the right thing to do, costing the state far less in the long run,” said Rep. Singer, when the bill passed the House. “This will play a huge role in ending the opioid crisis.” The new law improves support for individuals recovering from substance use disorders by expanding housing assistance for people transitioning out of treatment, increasing oversight of recovery residences to ensure high quality care and investing in recovery services for people who have sought care and treatment. Gov. Polis then signed SB19-008, Rep. Kennedy and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s common sense bill that examines alternatives to incarceration for individuals who need treatment for addiction instead of sitting in jail for drug-related offenses. SB19-008 is a product of the opioid interim committee and also looks to provide medication-assistance treatment (MAT) to individuals who may already be incarcerated. “We need to think collaboratively and strategically in order to address this crisis” said Rep. Kennedy. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that people struggling with addiction released from incarceration will be able to rebuild their lives and start contributing to our community once again.” “Coloradans are literally dying in jail because they are not getting the appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder,” said Rep. Singer, D-Boulder. “This law will help those struggling with addiction become productive members of society, not return as burdens to themselves, their families and taxpayers. I’m thankful to the counselors, law enforcement, my colleagues and people across the state who came to support this bill.” Gov. Polis then signed SB19-227, sponsored by Rep. 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. “Addiction is a public health issue and harm reduction is an important and vital step to combating this epidemic in our communities. This new law will save lives and expand treatment and recovery options across Colorado,” said Rep. Herod. Finally, Gov. Polis signed SB19-228, Rep. Bri Buentello’s bill requiring certain health care providers who have prescriptive authority to complete substance use disorder training as part of their continuing education and prohibiting a physician or physician assistant from accepting any direct or indirect benefits for prescribing a specific medication. “This new law will give Southern Colorado more of the tools we need to address the opioid crisis, prevent addiction and give people more access to treatment and recovery” said Rep. Buentello, D-Pueblo. SB19-228 also requires a prescription for an opioid for outpatient use to bear a warning label; creates several grant programs to improve public awareness of the dangers of substance use disorders; improves youth treatment and pre-and-postnatal care for women. In addition, the bill introduces several other measures aimed at substance use disorders prevention. The Governor also signed HB19-1193 sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod to provide behavioral health support for high-risk families. “We can’t incarcerate our way out of this crisis,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “By providing treatment, we can increase the likelihood that moms struggling with addiction will be able to rebuild their lives and take care of their children in a healthy and loving way.” HB19-1193 expands existing programs that provide access to substance use disorder treatment to pregnant and parenting women. This bill creates a child care pilot program for parenting women engaged in substance use disorder treatment. All of these bills were signed at the Sobriety House in Denver. Previous Next

< Back July 16, 2020 BECKER, GARNETT: MASK UP, COLORADO! House Dem leadership supports Governor Polis’s executive order on masks Denver, CO — House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder, and House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver, today released the following statements encouraging Coloradans to wear a mask following Governor Jared Polis’s announcement of a statewide order on face coverings and recent trends in hospitalization and infection rates. “Getting through this pandemic is a team effort,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Wearing a mask is a tool to help us return to a more normal life, keep businesses open and avoid the devastating impacts that would come from having to close down again. Our economy, our health, and so much of what we love and enjoy about our state depends on us coming together and taking this step. I support the governor for his actions today to save lives.” “Whenever we’re around other people, we need to wear a mask–it’s just that simple,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “To stay on the right track and recover from this pandemic, we need to be smart and put on our masks. It helps our small businesses stay open, protects riders on public transit, and reduces your risk of contracting COVID-19 by 65 percent. This order is the right decision for Colorado, and I’m grateful for the leadership of so many counties, local officials and Governor Polis to encourage Coloradans to do their part. Mask up, Colorado!” Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to combat destructive wildfires through strategic prescribed burns. < Back May 6, 2025 Bill to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to combat destructive wildfires through strategic prescribed burns. SB25-007 would encourage wildfire mitigation efforts. “Wildfire season is year-round in Colorado, and our communities need all the wildfire mitigation tools available,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs . “This bill would make it easier for communities to conduct prescribed burns, which are a cost-effective way to reduce the amount of fuel available for a wildfire. Fire is a natural part of our ecosystem, and with the guidance of a certified burn manager, Colorado communities can take steps today to reduce the size and intensity of destructive wildfires in the future.” SB25-007 is also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. Low-intensity fire, applied through prescribed burns overseen by burn managers, can reduce fuel loads and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. SB25-007 would strengthen Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts by encouraging controlled, prescribed burns. To keep communities safe, plans for prescribed burns must be reviewed by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control. As recommended by the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, this bill would compensate Coloradans if their property is damaged during prescribed burns. It would also address workforce shortages that are a barrier to expanding the use of prescribed fires by allowing interstate reciprocity in the certified burner program, which certifies individuals to conduct prescribed burns. This legislation better allows utility companies to perform wildfire mitigation, broadening access to a financing mechanism that will reduce mitigation costs for utility ratepayers. To ensure state oversight, plans must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 RX DRUG SAVINGS COMING TO CONSUMERS, EMPLOYERS, AND STATE GOV DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “This bill is a win win–it will save consumers money on their prescription drug costs and save Colorado money, too,” said Health and Insurance Committee Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “Using innovative technology, we can create a marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers that gets them to compete against each other to offer their services at a lower cost. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and insurance a top priority, and this bill will help our state reduce costs while saving people money on their drugs.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE RESCINDS REQUESTS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS DENVER, CO– Through a resolution sponsored by Judiciary Chair Mike Weissman, the House today rescinded all previous requests by either chamber of the General Assembly to call for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. “Colorado has not made a request for a constitutional convention in over 25 years,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “In that time, our population has nearly doubled, and our state has changed drastically. Passing this resolution today gives Colorado a clean slate and ensures our state has no part in prompting a massive, wide-open revamp of the US Constitution. This is about ensuring that we maintain a high standard for amending our country’s foundational document and protecting the rights and liberties we hold dear.” “Amending our Constitution should be no easy feat,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “While the Constitution is certainly a living document, we cannot allow it to be put on the operating table and left to be tinkered with. There’s a reason we haven’t had a constitutional convention since 1787; it could threaten the core rights and freedoms that are foundational to our democracy. If changes need to be made, the framers gave us another, more targeted mechanism through Congress and the state legislatures that has been used successfully many times to ensure our Constitution meets the needs of the times.” HJR 21-1006 establishes “that all resolutions, memorials, or other enactments previously passed by the Colorado General Assembly or either house thereof petitioning Congress for a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution shall be rescinded, cancelled, voided, nullified, and superseded upon passage of this resolution.” Previous Next

Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. < Back May 22, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Develop Innovative Clean Energy and Create Jobs DENVER, CO - Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. “The need to address the climate crisis is only becoming more urgent, which is why I am so pleased to see these bills be signed into law,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of SB23-285, HB23-1210, and HB23-1281. “This package of bills will help Colorado remain on the right path to net-zero emissions by helping us create jobs while encouraging better carbon management and clean energy initiatives. I am proud of our work to help build a healthier more sustainable future for us all.” “Climate change is a very real threat to Colorado. We need these laws to manage carbon emissions, push toward cleaner energy, and meet our climate goals,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-285 and HB23-1210 . “These laws will help us reach net zero carbon emissions by encouraging innovative methods for energy generation and carbon management. I’m happy to champion these efforts to create good-paying jobs, meet our climate goals, and make Colorado a leader in clean tech.” SB23-285 , sponsored by Senators Hansen and Priola and Representatives Dickson and McCormick, renames the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission and directs the Commission to regulate energy and carbon management areas beyond oil and gas. The Commission will now include new energy generation and storage technologies like deep geothermal and underground natural gas storage. The law also directs the Commission to undertake studies to ensure the safe development and regulation of these new technologies and others, including transportation and storage of hydrogen. “Climate change impacts our communities each and every day, and we must expand our reach to take advantage of innovative ways to improve our air quality and protect our way of life,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-285 . “This law will expand opportunities for new carbon management and geothermal technologies to reduce our air pollution, protect public health and help meet our climate goals.” HB23-1210 , sponsored by Representative Dickson and Senators Hansen and Priola, directs the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The law will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. “Achieving Colorado’s bold climate goals requires innovation,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Carbon removal is emerging as an innovative, successful technology to be used in the pursuit of a net-zero economy. I’m proud to help Colorado become a leader in carbon management and I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law.” HB23-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Stephanie Vigil and Senator Lisa Cutter, sets first in the nation standards for the production of hydrogen energy that will help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel driven sources of energy and create good paying jobs. This law encourages the development of hydrogen projects by building on federal investments and incentives and creating an income tax credit for the use of hydrogen fuel. It also establishes several safeguards to ensure that hydrogen fuel production doesn’t create new emissions by requiring that it be powered by dedicated renewable energy resources, located in close proximity to power hydrogen plants. “With this bill being signed into law today, we’re unlocking an innovative and affordable source of green energy in Colorado to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1281. “Hydrogen will provide affordable and reliable electricity as Colorado works toward our net zero carbon emission goal. This law protects consumers and our environment while spurring innovation in hard-to-decarbonize industries.” “With this legislation, we will be able to leverage federal funds to support the transition to hydrogen for specific industrial uses,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1281. “We worked hard to create a balance; incentivizing innovative energy options while creating a framework to provide the critical environmental protections necessary. I'm proud that Colorado is leading the way and providing a model for other states as we work towards a carbon neutral future." “This innovative approach to clean energy production creates a framework for a clean hydrogen economy in Colorado,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1281. “This law helps us compete for federal funds and incentivizes clean hydrogen in sectors that can’t rely on other forms of renewable energy so we can move away from the use of fossil fuels and reach our carbon and climate goals. I’m proud Colorado is leading the way to promote and reduce the cost of new technologies and more affordable clean energy while creating good paying jobs.” The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap states that we need innovative methods to bring down costs to reach Colorado’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2050. Cement and steel production, heavy duty trucking, and aviation fuel are difficult to decarbonize, which is why investing in clean hydrogen energy is promising in efforts to meet Colorado’s climate goals. In February 2022, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming developed the Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub to secure federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to fight against climate change. Previous Next

< Back May 29, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING MOVES FORWARD Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. The measure now heads to the 2019 ballot for voter approval. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets or the Broncos. This new funding will go toward protecting our precious water and we believe this is something everyone can support,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I also hope this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.” HB19-1327 provides a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to support Colorado Water Plan projects that will keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. The measure, Proposition DD, will be on the November 2019 ballot. The portion of the bill that Gov. Polis signed authorizes casinos to open in-person sports books and creates the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. The bill was sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. Previous Next

A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next