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On January 1, 2026, a slate of consumer protection legislation goes into effect to crack down on surprise junk fees and increase access to stable housing for renters. < Back December 15, 2025 Bills to Increase Price Transparency, Protect Colorado Renters and Consumers Go Into Effect On January 1, 2026, a slate of consumer protection legislation goes into effect to crack down on surprise junk fees and increase access to stable housing for renters. HB25-1090 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver and Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, and Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, cracks down on ‘junk fees’ and requires price transparency. “Unexpected, undisclosed fees cost consumers hundreds of dollars every month,” said Cutter. “These ‘junk fees’ can make informed budgeting decisions feel impossible for consumers. This law will increase transparency for consumers, helping them make informed purchase decisions and ultimately save more of their hard-earned money.” “Hidden ‘junk fees’ often add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses for Coloradans, and this new law cracks down on these surprise costs to save people money,” said Sirota. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. We’re putting an end to junk fees, so Coloradans know the upfront cost of products, goods and services.” “Opaque or dishonest fees cost Americans up to $90 billion per year, taking an average of $650 annually out of the pockets of working families that could be better spent on household essentials like health care and child care,” said Weissman. “Honest, upfront business owners deserve a fair playing field and consumers deserve price transparency in order to make informed financial decisions.” “Junk fees are often not disclosed until a consumer is ready to check out or after they’ve paid a non-refundable security deposit, which means Coloradans end up paying higher prices than they are expecting,” said Ricks. “Addressing junk fees in our state has been one of my biggest priorities, and this law champions honest pricing so Coloradans can make buying decisions that fit their budget.” HB25-1090 standardizes transparent prices upfront, in many cases prohibiting pricing information from being advertised unless the final total price is disclosed. The law prohibits the misrepresentation of pricing information, requires the purpose of a fee that is not part of the total price to be disclosed, and restricts the fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services. To prevent excessive fee hikes, the law caps fee increases at 2 percent annually. HB25-1236 is sponsored by Senators Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Weissman, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. It specifies that a prospective renter who receives a housing subsidy cannot be required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event in their tenant screening reports. “This law is just another step to making Colorado a more affordable, accessible, and equitable place to live and rent,” said Jodeh. “It’s part of our commitment to supporting women, people of color, and low-income Coloradans who have a weak or nonexistent credit history as they secure safe housing for themselves and their families.” “Our new law, going into effect in the new year, will make the process of home hunting more affordable for Colorado renters,” said Lindsay. “Colorado Democrats are committed to protecting renters and making Colorado a more affordable place to live. This law saves renters money on application fees and helps low-income renters find safe and stable housing.” “Renters who are already struggling should not be forced to reveal irrelevant information to potential landlords and blow their budgets on application fees before they’re even approved,” said Weissman. “This legislation would make safe and stable housing for low-income renters more accessible and affordable by protecting their personal information and limiting duplicative fees.” “This law supports Coloradans who have no credit score or a weakened credit history by helping them secure safe and affordable housing without paying duplicative fees,” said Zokaie. “Searching for housing shouldn't be expensive. With this new law, we’re allowing tenants to receive and share their screening reports and expanding protections for Coloradans on housing subsidies." The law also removes a requirement that screening reports be given directly to landlords from reporting agencies, since reporting agencies are often unable to do so. SB25-079 , sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, also goes into effect January 1, 2026. The law protects Coloradans from scams involving cryptocurrency kiosks which target the elderly and other vulnerable populations. The bill requires an owner or operator of a virtual currency kiosk to list certain disclosures, provide an electronic receipt, and fully refund a customer’s first transaction if it is international and determined by law enforcement to be fraudulent. The law also establishes a maximum transaction limit of $2,000 per day for new customers and $10,500 for existing customers. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. < Back March 11, 2024 House Passes Bipartisan Bill To Encourage Healthy Social Media Use Among Youth DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation that would encourage healthy social media usage among youth under 18. HB24-1136 would require social media platforms to display pop-up warnings and create a resource bank for schools, students and families related to the mental health impacts of excessive social media use. “Excessive social media usage among teens can increase their chances of anxiety, depression and emotional distress,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This bill works to give parents and teens the resources they need to make informed decisions about excessive social media usage, especially the dreaded ‘doom scroll’. We’re working to encourage healthier social media habits among our youth by giving them the tools they need to make smart decisions about their own social media usage and prompting our kids to take a break from their phones.” HB24-1136 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, passed the House by a vote of 54 to 7 and would create a resource bank of evidence-based, research-informed materials related to the mental health impacts of social media use. It also would require social media platforms display a pop-up warning to users under 18 who are on the platform for certain lengths of time. A 2023 Gallup survey found over half (51%) of U.S. teens (ages 13-19) spend a minimum of four hours daily on social media, at an average of 4.8 hours every day on social media. HB24-1136 aims to limit unhealthy social media use by youth and combat ‘doom scrolling’, a common practice of excessive engagement with negative content where users often lose track of time. Previous Next

< Back March 29, 2021 AFTER GEORGIA’S JIM CROW 2.0, DEMS BEAT BACK “BIG LIE” INSPIRED ELECTION BILLS DENVER, CO — The House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs committee today defeated multiple GOP bills based on “the big lie,” which raised baseless conspiracies about the security and integrity of elections across the country, and here in Colorado. “Colorado’s elections system is a national model for facilitating record turnout and constantly improving voter access while ensuring safety, integrity and security,” said House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Chair Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “These bills are dangerous attempts to make it harder to vote and undermine faith in our elections based on conspiracies and the ‘big lie,’ which have been repeatedly debunked. In fact, there wasn’t a single piece of evidence presented that anyone voted who wasn’t supposed to or that anything went wrong with our voting systems. Our system has been lauded by both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state, county clerks and recorders, and officials in both parties for nearly a decade.” “From Georgia to Colorado, we are seeing an onslaught of GOP efforts across the country to restrict access to the ballot and make it harder for Americans to exercise their right to vote,” said committee vice chair Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “We won’t stand for these attacks on our democracy in Colorado. We should be looking for ways to increase participation and make it easier to vote, not casting doubt on the best elections system in America.” Dismantle Vote by Mail (HB21-1086 – Luck): This bill would severely limit voter access by requiring voters to submit proof of citizenship in-person at their county clerk and recorder’s office, dismantling our convenient and secure mail-in voting system. Instead of automatically receiving a ballot in the mail, each registered voter would have to go in person to submit additional documents. Voter fraud is extremely rare in the United States, and noncitizen voting is even more rare. This bill is not only a solution in search of a problem, it’s a reckless piece of legislation that would set back our progress and disenfranchise countless Coloradans. Among those directly affected would be military and overseas voters who cannot possibly get to their county clerk’s office in-person. The bill was postponed indefinitely at the request of the sponsor, although two Republicans voted against the motion and to move it forward instead. Redundant And Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1088 – Pico): This bill would require the state auditor to conduct a completely unnecessary and redundant annual audit of the voter registration system. The Secretary of State’s office and county clerks across the state conduct risk-limiting audits, regarded nationally as the gold standard, in every election and have not found any substantial evidence of fraud. Giving Political Party Chairs Influence Over Election Equipment Recommendations (HB21-1170 – Geitner): This bill creates an advisory committee made up of partisan appointees from the state’s two major political party chairs to make recommendations on how to change the state’s voting systems, which are the safest and most secure in the country. Colorado already has a bipartisan commission of experts made up of county clerks, election officials, lawmakers, and voting access and integrity advocates that shouldn’t be usurped by a commission made up only of political party appointments. After they spent months trying to undermine the security of our elections, it would be disastrous to allow partisan GOP political operatives a greater say in how we run them. Commission to Guide Redundant and Unnecessary Audits (HB21-1176 – Holtorf): This bill would create yet another commission to offer recommendations on how to audit Colorado’s elections, despite the fact that the state already has a Bipartisan Election Advisory Commission and already conducts the nationwide gold standard for election audits. By offering bills to fix problems that don’t exist, Republicans continue their efforts to undermine faith in Colorado’s elections. Endless and Meritless Recount Requests (HB21-1053 – Williams): This bill would allow any registered elector in the political subdivision where the election was held to request an electoral recount when one is not otherwise required. Under this bill, the voter requesting an recount could go so far as to specify that the recount be conducted manually, leaving the door open for all kinds of abuse of the recount mechanism. Under current law, recounts are automatically triggered when the margin falls within 0.5 percent of the vote and can be requested by any candidate or their affiliated party within 28 days of an election. Previous Next

< Back June 6, 2020 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS DURING HEALTH EMERGENCIES PASS COMMITTEE Denver, CO– The House Committee on Finance today considered and passed legislation, sponsored by Reps. Tom Sullivan and Leslie Herod, to protect workers from retaliation when they expose safety-related issues. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “The bill we passed today would ensure that workers feel empowered to speak out when their employers are putting health and safety at risk,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “As this pandemic has shown us, this policy will not only benefit workers, it will benefit our communities and the broader public. Public health is a collective effort, and we need everyone to know that they won’t face workplace retaliation for doing the right thing.” “We’re working to get Colorado back to work and back on track as safely and responsibly as we can,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial . “That means making sure that all workplaces put health and safety first, and protecting employees who speak out when they see wrongdoing. This bill will hopefully give workers the confidence to make their voices heard without fear of losing their jobs.” Colorado has few state-level whistleblower protections, relying primarily on the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which take years to process retaliation claims. HB20-1415 protects Colorado workers from retaliation when they raise concerns about the health and safety of their workplace to their employer, fellow coworkers, the public, or government agencies. It grants workers the right to wear protective equipment to work, and it requires employers to inform employees of their rights to blow the whistle on unsafe conditions. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is charged with managing complaints. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill into law that will create a refundable state income tax credit and grant programs to boost registered apprenticeship opportunities. < Back May 10, 2024 Gov Signs Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado’s Workforce DENVER, CO - Governor Polis today signed a bipartisan bill into law that will create a refundable state income tax credit and grant programs to boost registered apprenticeship opportunities. “Colorado has made a lot of progress in our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities, and this new law will help employers offset the costs of creating high-quality registered apprenticeships to connect Coloradans with on-the-job experience and address workforce shortages,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “By supporting businesses in new and emerging industries to create apprenticeship opportunities, more Coloradans can earn money while they learn the ropes of their chosen industry. This law will allow us to help local businesses keep their doors open and create a stronger workforce with in-demand skills to keep our communities running.” “I’m committed to paving the way for equitable access to opportunity, so that all Coloradans have the chance to get ahead – and a key way we can do that is by investing in our workforce,” Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, said. “We’re bringing forward resources that will expand existing programs and increase the adoption of registered apprenticeships. These investments can create more than 8,000 new apprenticeships, and give Coloradans the opportunities they need to succeed.” HB24-1439 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, and Senator Mark Baisley, R-Sedalia, creates a refundable state income tax credit for eligible employers starting in tax year 2025. This income tax credit is available to businesses operating in a new and emerging industry with a registered apprenticeship program. HB24-1439 also creates the Scale-Up Grant Program to start new or expand existing registered apprenticeship programs and the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant Program to connect employers or apprenticeship program participants to registered apprenticeship programs. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to support Coloradans seeking homeowners insurance in wildfire prone areas and promote the development of clean, thermal energy technology. < Back April 19, 2023 House Advances Property Insurance of Last Resort, Pathways for Thermal Energy Technology DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to s upport Coloradans seeking homeowners insurance in wildfire prone areas and promote the development of clean, thermal energy technology. “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive in Colorado, and we need to ensure our neighbors and communities are protected,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1288. “Through this legislation, we’re creating a FAIR insurance plan especially for Coloradans living in wildfire prone areas to insure their homes, businesses and livelihood. Property owners are already struggling to find insurance, and we are hearing from constituents that some may not be able to purchase insurance at all. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help property owners insure their structures as climate change continues to drive increasingly destructive natural disasters.” “In Colorado, we’re taking big steps to not only mitigate wildfires, but make it possible for homeowners in disaster prone areas to purchase property insurance,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1288. “Unfortunately, many homeowners living in wildfire or flood prone areas are struggling to purchase insurance that will protect their home or business – this legislation fixes that by creating the FAIR insurance plan. We need to prepare for potential impacts to the insurance market from the next big fire, and our bill steps up to fill potential gaps in insurance coverage so Coloradans always have an option to insure their properties.” Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association: HB23-1288 would create a nonprofit, unincorporated legal entity, to ensure Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones can receive homeowners or commercial insurance. As destructive wildfires become more frequent in residential areas, many Coloradans struggle to find a private insurer that will cover their property at all. This bill would make sure Coloradans can find a carrier to insure their homes and commercial spaces as wildfires grow in frequency and destruction across Colorado. “ Thermal energy heating and cooling systems are already being used across Colorado, and this bill creates a pathway so more Coloradans and businesses can take advantage of this cost-saving technology,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1252. “This legislation would make it easier to develop, expand and deploy clean, reliable thermal energy technology, creating good paying jobs, saving money on energy bills and helping to improve our air quality.” “Thermal energy is the heat beneath our feet, and it can play an important role in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1252. “Our legislation works to expand avenues for thermal energy technologies in homes and businesses across the state, saving Coloradans’ money and creating new jobs in emerging fields. Attracting and adopting clean technologies like thermal energy is key to helping Colorado reach its climate goals.” Including Thermal Energy As A Clean Heat Resource: HB23-1252 would continue Colorado’s work to reduce emissions from gas utilities by providing a pathway for wider adoption of thermal energy as a clean heat resource. This bill aims to assist in the transition away from expensive fuel commodities like natural gas and lower utility costs for Coloradans. Thermal energy systems heat and cool buildings by circulating non-combustible fluids through a pipe network. Defining thermal energy as a clean heat resource allows the state to expand its usage, create new job opportunities, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: DEMS UNVEIL CORONAVIRUS RELIEF LEGISLATION, BILLS TO HELP COLORADO SAFELY RECOVER Bills will boost small businesses, protect workers from retaliation and prevent outrageous price gouging on essential goods DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democrats today announced a package of legislation to help Coloradans recover from the pandemic and safely get back to work. Several of the bills channel federal CARES Act funding directly to vulnerable Coloradans and small businesses. “We are working to pass legislation that directly supports families and small businesses, helps Coloradans get back to work safely and protects the health and safety of our communities,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Coloradans are looking to us for leadership and how we will help them rebuild their lives. These bills provide direct support to help hardworking Coloradans afford to stay in their homes, pay their bills and make ends meet.” “We are working hard to get this economy up and running, send small businesses the help they need, and put the hardworking people of Colorado back to work,” said President Leroy Garica, D-Pueblo. “This pandemic has hurt so many across our state, so it is critical that we come together and put party politics aside to pass legislation that prioritizes vulnerable communities and the economic wellbeing of all Coloradans.” “Helping our state safely recover from this pandemic is a top priority,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Today, we introduced legislation to help small businesses get back on their feet, protect workers who report safety violations, improve access to behavioral health care, and put an end to outrageous price gouging on essential goods.” “Coloradans need real solutions that prioritize their immediate health and economic wellbeing,” said Senate Majority Leader Fenberg, D-Boulder. “These bills work to provide direct relief to Coloradans who have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and help our state recover responsibly. From stronger unemployment insurance to health care access and paid sick leave, we are forging policies that will ease financial burdens and protect people’s health.” Legislation to Help Coloradans Get Back to Work and Protect Public Health · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Small Business Grants: This bill will be introduced in the Senate and will direct $20 million dollars to the Energize Colorado Fund that OEDIT has created to provide assistance to small businesses in Colorado who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID19. This fund will be providing grants to businesses with less than 25 employees, with a preference given to those that did not qualify for, or access, SBA PPP loans. Preference will also be given to businesses owned by veterans, women, and minorities. · Small Business Recovery Loans ( Reps. Shannon Bird and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Rachel Zenzinger and Kerry Donovan): Colorado’s small businesses are critical to our state economy and too many are struggling to pay their employees or their bills during this public health emergency. This bill establishes a small business recovery loan fund that consists of $250 million of state and private dollars for first loss capital on loans to small businesses over the next two fiscal years. This establishment of this fund will help stimulate loans to Colorado small businesses and support the state’s economic recovery and resiliency. · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment ( Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Sens. Brittany Pettersen and Rhonda Fields): The need for behavioral health services are compounded by the challenges associated with COVID-19 and the more than half a million individuals who have filed for unemployment in Colorado. Young people have been especially impacted–teachers are reporting an increased need for mental health support for students struggling with schooling at home. The bill allocates $15 million to critical mental health programs and substance abuse treatment within the Colorado Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health and Environment. · Whistleblower Protection for Public Health Emergencies ( Reps. Leslie Herod and Tom Sullivan, Senator Pettersen): The vast majority of businesses are being responsible to keep people safe during this pandemic, but there are workers who have been fired simply because they raised concerns about safety procedures in their workplace. This policy protects workers who raise health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic from retaliation and requires employers to allow their workers to wear personal protective equipment, such as masks. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment is charged with managing complaints. · Ensuring Paid Sick Leave ( SB20-205: Sens. Fenberg and Bridges, Reps. Becker and Caraveo): Currently, 40% of Colorado’s workforce are not afforded the opportunity to earn paid sick days–– creating a “work while sick” culture in Colorado that increases the deadly transmission of viruses such as COVID-19. This bill will allow those who are feeling ill to protect their coworkers, customers, and loved ones by staying home, without the fear of losing their income. · Reimbursement For Telehealth Services ( SB20-212: Sens. Faith Winter and Jack Tate, Reps. Susan Lontine and Matt Soper): This legislation protects patients’ ability to receive care via telehealth that was granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Telehealth has kept consumers and providers safe while allowing patients to continue their care plan with their providers. This access could be removed when the declared emergency ends unless the state legislature acts. · Coronavirus Relief Funds for 2-1-1 ( HB20-1197 : Reps. Marc Snyder and Janice Rich, Sen. Jeff Bridges) : 2-1-1, Colorado’s free information hotline, is a critical service for many Coloradans and during the COVID-19 pandemic the line has seen a sharp increase in calls. The Governor issued an executive order directing the 2-1-1 service to provide necessary human services referrals related to the pandemic, including information on COVID test sites, emergency assistance, housing support, and information related to worker protections and health care discrimination. The bill is being amended to allocate $500,000 to continue these expanded services through December. · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Domestic Violence Program (Budget amendment sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran) As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado domestic violence programs have reported as much as a 50% increase in requests for services. House Democrats passed a budget amendment to provide $500,000 in additional funding for the Department of Human Services Domestic Violence Program to support the increased number of domestic violence victims seeking services as a result of spending more time at home with their abusers while following public health orders and recommendations. Legislation to Help Hardworking Coloradans Make Ends Meet · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Housing Cash Assistance ( Reps. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Tony Exum, Sens. Julie Gonzales and Rachel Zenzinger): Housing security for both renters and homeowners during the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to preserving the health and economic security of Colorado families. The bill provides $20 million in direct rental and mortgage assistance to Coloradans experiencing a financial need during these turbulent times, including $350,000 for legal aid for renters at risk of eviction. · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Utilities ( Reps. Chris Kennedy and Lisa Cutter, Sens. Tammy Story and Rachel Zenzinger): While most utilities have implemented a moratorium on utility disconnections, the moratoriums do not address the difficulty that a household facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will have paying its utility bill once a utility’s disconnection moratorium is lifted. The bill allocates $10 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, which helps low-income Coloradans who are at risk of having their service shut off. · Protections Against Price Gouging ( Reps. Mike Weissman and Brianna Titone, Senators Brittany Pettersen and Mike Foote): Unfortunately, during times of emergency unscrupulous individuals sometimes try to take advantage of scarcity to raise prices on necessary goods to exorbitant levels. This bill establishes that a person engages in an unfair or unconscionable act or practice if they increase the cost of certain necessary goods or services an excessive amount, and empowers the Attorney General or local District Attorneys to enforce these consumer protections. · Coronavirus Relief Funds for Food Pantry Assistance ( Reps. Daneya Esgar and Lisa Cutter): Demand for food assistance is rising at an extraordinary rate, just as the nation’s food banks are being struck by shortages of food to meet the demand. The bill creates a food pantry assistance grant program and allocates $500,000 to support Colorado’s most vulnerable across the state and to create new market opportunities for Colorado agricultural products. · Expand Access to Unemployment Insurance ( SB20-207 ; Sens. Hansen, Winter): During times of unprecedented unemployment, this bill works to expand those who qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and increase the benefits workers can receive. Some of these increased benefits include the amount a worker can earn while remaining eligible for UI, as well as an expanded definition of “good cause” for a worker to quit and still receive the benefit. From a lack of childcare resulting in school closures to employers not protecting the health of their workers, Coloradans need additional protections if they are laid off or forced to leave their jobs. · Strengthening Debt Protections ( SB20-211; Sens. Winter, Gonzales): During a disaster emergency such as COVID-19 where so many people are experiencing economic hardship, this bill expands the ability of the Attorney General to provide oversight of extraordinary debt collection actions, like garnishment. The Attorney General also has the ability to freeze new extraordinary debt collection actions, establish a minimum grace period for payments to resume, and require that monthly payment amounts consider a consumer’s ability to repay. Previous Next

< Back April 22, 2021 SIGNED! BILLS TO CREATE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMIN. AND PREVENT SUICIDE DEATHS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will expand access to behavioral and mental health services for Coloradans and reduce suicide deaths. “The tragedy and devastation of a suicide death or attempt is something that far too many Coloradans have endured,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today, we’re taking a great step forward with a comprehensive approach to reduce youth suicide deaths and ensure our communities have the resources they need in the aftermath of a suicide attempt to prevent future tragedies.” “Far too many of us have seen firsthand just how devastating and widespread the impact of a suicide can be on a community,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill empowers the Suicide Prevention Commission to proactively prevent, intervene, and react to suicide in Colorado by recognizing and addressing the full scope of the problem. We are meeting the moment with the urgency it requires and I’m proud to see the bill signed into law.” HB21-1119 , which is sponsored by Representatives Daugherty and Rich and Senators Donovan and Coram, expands the Crisis and Suicide Training Grant Program to include “‘train-the-trainer” programs at public schools and funds peer-to-peer specialist programs that help students support their classmates. The bill incorporates postvention and follow-up care into the state’s comprehensive suicide prevention approach to support individuals and communities in the aftermath of a suicide attempt. Importantly, CDPHE will update the department’s suicide prevention resources to include region-specific information for primary care providers on how to recognize and respond to suicidal patients, including information that can be shared with patients and information for health facilities to share upon a patient’s release. Research shows that people who have known someone who died by suicide were 1.6 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, 2.9 times more likely to have a plan for suicide themselves, and 3.7 times more likely to have attempted suicide. Suicide has become a far more common cause of death among peace officers, medical professionals, and school-aged children. Children or adolescents who know about a friend’s suicide attempt are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide themselves. “Too many Coloradans have suffered because our state has not addressed gaps in our behavioral health system that prevent people from accessing the care they need,” said Rep. Young, D-Greeley. “Today, Governor Polis signed legislation to create the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, bringing about critical reforms to address gaps and access challenges in our health system to ensure that Coloradans can get the mental health care services they need. This new administration will oversee and administer behavioral health programs in Colorado, creating a more comprehensive approach to connect services with those who need them.” “Mental and behavioral health is critical to Coloradans’ wellbeing, but too often it is treated as a luxury rather than a necessity – with prohibitive costs restricting access to those who need care the most,” said Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora. “HB-1097 sets the groundwork for a more connected, convenient mental health system in our state so that people can receive high-quality, professional help no matter their income level. I am incredibly proud to see this bill signed today and look forward to the difference it will make for our state.” HB21-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Young and Pelton and Senators Fields and Gardner, would create the Behavioral Health Administration to ensure that every Coloradan experiencing behavioral health needs has access to timely, high-quality services in their communities that they can afford. It tasks the Department of Human Services with creating a plan for a single state entity that would be responsible for administering and overseeing behavioral health programs in Colorado. Previous Next

The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. < Back May 30, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! New Law Will Lower the Cost of Prescription Drugs GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, to lower the cost of prescription drugs. “Colorado families are counting on us to put their health and safety first,” Michaelson Jenet said. “This new law will ensure that all Coloradans, especially those who rely on rural hospitals, pharmacies, and providers, don’t lose access to the services they depend on to stay safe and healthy.” “We must ensure that Coloradans in rural and underserved communities receive the prescription drugs they need to lead healthy lives,” said Martinez. “This bipartisan law ensures that pharmaceutical companies do not impose restrictions on the local pharmacies, clinics and safety net providers that are dependent on the federal 340B program and serve our rural communities.” “The federal 340B program has needed additional transparency and accountability for some time, and pharmaceutical companies have continued to rake in profits,” said Chair of the House Health & Human Services Committee Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “At the legislature, we've taken steps to lower health care costs for Coloradans. By improving transparency and accountability, we are continuing to take steps to expand access so that more Coloradans can receive high-quality health care." SB25-071 , cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representative Rick Taggart, D-Grand Junction, will ensure prescription drug manufacturers do not impose restrictions on facilities – such as pharmacies and clinics – that utilize the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, and will require hospitals to include certain information in their annual reports. The new reporting requirements, including the hospitals' reported 340b savings and how they utilized those savings, aim to improve transparency. SB25-071 aims to preserve access to affordable prescription drugs across Colorado, especially in Colorado’s rural and underserved communities. 89 percent of rural hospitals in Colorado are running on low or negative margins. In addition to lowering the cost of prescription drugs, this law will help preserve no-cost clinics and vaccines that help keep Coloradans healthy. To improve accountability and ensure 340b savings are passed down to the consumer, this law prohibits hospitals from spending the 340b savings on executive salaries, gifts, lobbying, and advertising. The 340B Drug Pricing Program is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers participating in Medicaid to provide outpatient drugs to covered hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies at a discount. To qualify for these reduced drug prices, health care facilities must serve a high percentage of low-income patients. In Colorado, an estimated 68 hospitals and 20 federally qualified health centers participate in the 340B program. There are currently no requirements on how covered entities must use savings or revenues generated by the purchase of discounted 340B drugs, beyond the federal guidelines of using savings to expand and lower the cost of health care for low-income individuals. Previous Next

< Back September 15, 2021 HEROD STATEMENT ON AURORA POLICE AND FIRE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES INVESTIGATION DENVER, CO– Representative Leslie Herod today released the following statement on the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue patterns and practices investigation. “The findings from the attorney general’s investigation of racism in policing in Aurora are incredibly disturbing. However, for those of us who have been working on anti-racism in public policy and accountability for law enforcement, they are sadly not surprising. “The activists and family members of those who have been hurt and killed have worked tirelessly for years, raising their voices to explain that Aurora has a pattern and history of racist policing, specifically targeting Black people. This independent investigation has finally vindicated them. “Colorado has led the way on bold legislative action on police accountability after last summer’s racial justice protests. These findings demonstrate the need for those policy changes, but there is still so much work left to do to keep our communities safe in Colorado.” Previous Next

Bipartisan legislation will safeguard independent pharmacies that rural communities rely on < Back May 27, 2025 New Bipartisan Law Will Preserve Rural Access to Health Care Bipartisan legislation will safeguard independent pharmacies that rural communities rely on ALAMOSA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law to preserve access to pharmacies and health care in rural communities. “Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, pharmacies are a lifeline in our communities. This bipartisan law aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in our part of the state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for rural pharmacies. It also permits telehealth for rural pharmacies to make it easier and less expensive for Coloradans to get the health care they need.” “Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco . “This bipartisan law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.” HB25-1222 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, helps preserve access to rural health care by: Ensuring a fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies, Allowing the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities, Clarifying fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close, and Allowing remote prescription evaluations for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans. For Coloradans living in rural communities, these modifications will maintain access to vital prescriptions and health care services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. < Back March 26, 2025 House Passes Bill to Combat Predatory Vehicle Booting, Increase Consumer Protections DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to crack down on predatory vehicle booting, improve industry transparency, and ramp up consumer protections. HB25-1117 passed the House by a vote o f 41-24. “Vehicle booting must be conducted fairly and transparently – not to take advantage of hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “An unexpected and unwarranted boot can cause financial and logistical headaches. Our bill would protect consumers by regulating vehicle immobilization companies, ensuring they operate under strict guidelines that prevent predatory practices. We’re taking steps to empower the Public Utilities Commission to hold companies accountable and protect Coloradans from unjust vehicle immobilization.” “Lack of industry regulation and consumer protections has given free rein to vehicle booting companies to immobilize Coloradans’ vehicles without good cause,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins . “Colorado’s made important progress to protect you from predatory towing practices, and now we’re tackling unfair booting practices, which can be just as disruptive to getting to work, doctors’ appointments, or school. This bill cracks down on booting companies that patrol parking lots indiscriminately and improves transparency to give consumers a fair warning of at least 24 hours before immobilizing them.” HB25-1117 aims to improve oversight, transparency and fairness surrounding vehicle immobilization, including booting. Specifically, this bill would give the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) additional oversight to deny, suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a permit to a vehicle booting company if the company is violating specific guidelines. The goal of HB25-1117 is to protect consumers from predatory booting practices by establishing new requirements for vehicle booting companies, including clear signage, and preventing companies from patrolling parking lots. Under the bill, vehicle booting companies would be required to: Document a vehicle’s condition and the reason for immobilization before they immobilize it, Display the name of the company, the permit number and a phone number of the company on each company vehicle used for immobilization, Not charge more than once for the removal of more than one immobilization device Remove an immobilization device if at least $60 of the total amount owed is paid. Additionally, vehicle booting companies must refrain from immobilizing a vehicle if: It has already been immobilized by another company It is on private property, unless given appropriate permission It is in a parking space or common parking area until it places a written notice on the vehicle at least 24 hours before immobilizing There is inadequate signage posted by the property owner In recent years, Colorado Democrats have passed landmark legislation to protect consumers against predatory towing practices, including HB21-1283 , HB22-1314 , and HB24-1051. Previous Next