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< Back May 6, 2021 BILL TO EXPAND BACKGROUND CHECKS, SAVE LIVES ADVANCES Judiciary Committee Advances gun violence prevention measure DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced Reps. Judy Amabile and Steven Woodrow’s bill to strengthen Colorado’s gun transfer background check system by preventing individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors from obtaining a firearm for a period of time and closing the ‘Charleston Loophole’. The bill passed by a vote of 7-4. “When my community was devastated by the senseless actions of a troubled individual with a history of violence, I was left reeling and grasping for answers on how to prevent this from happening again,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “As the investigation continues, it has become clear to me that the shooter’s conviction of a violent misdemeanor should have been the red flag that prevented him from buying a deadly weapon. I’m proud to honor my community with action today.” “Child abuse, hate crimes, possession of an illegal weapon — these are the types of recent convictions that would stop you from obtaining a firearm under this bill,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “While I’m certain we’ll continue to encounter opposition on this legislation moving forward, an overwhelming majority of Coloradans agree it really shouldn’t be controversial. This bill is about saving lives, and ensuring that individuals with a history of violence have a more difficult time getting their hands on the type of weapon that can take a dozen lives in mere seconds.” HB21-1298 prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for 5 years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault, and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole”, which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill avoids that by creating a state requirement for a firearms dealer to receive approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to transferring a firearm. Previous Next

< Back February 9, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON FERTILITY TREATMENTS, BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE ADVANCE DENVER, CO – Two health care bills, one to save Coloradans money on fertility treatments and one to boost the health care workforce, passed the House Health and Insurance Committee today. HB22-1008, Implementation Of Fertility Coverage passed by a vote of 9 to 2. HB22-1050, International Medical Graduate Integrate Healthcare Workforce passed by a vote of 7-4. “We’re working diligently to save Coloradans money on starting or growing their family by expanding health care coverage to include fertility treatments and diagnosis,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper D-Lakewood sponsor of HB22-1008. “We know the high cost of fertility treatments is a barrier for many Coloradans wanting to start a family. This bill will help thousands access more affordable fertility coverage.” HB22-1008 would update legislation passed in 2020 to ensure that insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the revised bill language would implement federal requirements for fertility coverage to take place under some Colorado health care plans. Fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their families. If passed, HB22-1008 would save Coloradans money by covering fertility treatments in large employer plans beginning January 1, 2023. It also applies to individual and small group policies within a 12-month decision from Colorado Health and Human Services (HHS). “Boosting our health care workforce is a top priority this legislative session,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1050 . “Colorado’s health care workforce shortage is very real, especially to those living in rural and underserved communities that often lack access to essential and preventative care. This bill aims to address the shortage of doctors, nurses and other critical health care workers by making it easier for qualified International Medical Graduates to enter the workforce and provide everything from routine check-ups to life saving care.” HB22-1050 would improve the integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into Colorado’s health care workforce. IMGs are qualified medical professionals who have completed medical training outside of the United States. However, they often face barriers to re-entering the health care workforce because of licensing requirements. HB22-1050 will create pathways to assist IMGs to navigate re-entry through readiness programs and equalizing licensing programs. Pandemic pressures combined with workforce shortages have caused a strain on Colorado’s health care workers. This bill would combat the shortages by assisting qualified medical professionals to enter Colorado’s healthcare workforce. Previous Next

SB25-005 would update the 80-year old Colorado Labor Peace Act < Back March 13, 2025 Worker Protection Act Passes House Committee DENVER, CO — The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to update Colorado’s labor law and support workers. SB25-005, sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, passed the committee by a vote of 7-5. “Updating Colorado's labor laws will yield stronger workplaces and make it easier for workers to negotiate for better pay, benefits and safety on the job,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “I’d like to thank everyone working on this policy for their willingness to continue conversations as this bill moves forward. The status quo is simply not working for Coloradans, as too many people are struggling to get by and make ends meet. By addressing the obstacles posed by the second election, we can establish some basic principles of fairness and workplace democracy that will make it easier for workers to form and sustain unions, and to grow the middle class in Colorado.” “The bar to form a union is unreasonably high, and making it easier will help more Coloradans thrive and create a more level playing field between workers and employers,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Statistics show that unionized workers earn more than non-unionized workers in the same industry. This bill is about empowering workers to negotiate for the wages, benefits and workplace safety they deserve. I want to acknowledge that business leaders and labor advocates have a common goal to create a thriving Colorado economy that responds to our modern workforce needs, and I extend my gratitude for their willingness to move our state forward.” The Worker Protection Act ( SB25-005 ) would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process. Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. Previous Next

Governor Polis today signed into law legislation that will reduce Colorado’s competency waitlist and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the competency system. < Back June 6, 2024 SIGNED! Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Competency Waitlist Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation that will reduce Colorado’s competency waitlist and improve efficiency and effectiveness in the competency system. Last year, Colorado had 448 people who were deemed to be incompetent to proceed by a court and were waiting to receive competency restoration services before proceeding to trial, with an average wait time of 66 days. HB24-1355 , sponsored by Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, aims to reduce this competency waitlist through the creation of the Bridges Wraparound Care Program, which will refer eligible individuals with mental health struggles from the criminal justice system into wraparound care services. “The waitlist for competency services is so long that people who have not yet been found guilty of a crime are in jail longer than people who have been convicted,” said Mabrey. “This legislation will help address Colorado’s broken competency system so we can provide mental health services to people who need them. Not only will this better serve our most vulnerable, but it will also make our communities safer.” “Colorado’s exorbitantly long competency waitlist is a long-standing issue, and I’m proud that this year we’re advancing policy to start addressing the problem,” said Michaelson Jenet. “When individuals languish on the competency waitlist, they’re not receiving the treatment they need and their likelihood to reenter the criminal justice system greatly increases. The Bridges Wraparound Care Program offers folks a path forward that ensures their needs are being met while helping break the cycle of reoffense and reentry in our criminal justice system.” “People with mental health struggles are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and they desperately need services,” said Amabile. “When a mental health disorder is left untreated, Coloradans are often sent to jail for a relatively low offense, limiting their ability to rehabilitate. Routing people to diversion programs instead of the competency system connects them to mental health services that can help prevent a crisis and reduce recidivism.” A defendant is deemed eligible for the Bridges Wraparound Care Program if a district attorney and defense counsel agree that there is reasonable cause to believe the defendant will be found incompetent and if the defendant does not pose a risk to public safety. Allowing eligible defendants to participate in the program will give them access to critical behavioral health services while helping reduce Colorado’s recidivism rates. Under HB24-1355, if a defendant in the Program complies with their individualized care plan for a specified amount of time, the court must dismiss the charges against the defendant. Previous Next

Safety Net Providers on The Frontlines of Serving Communities in Denver and Across Colorado Are Nearing Financial Crisis < Back February 4, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: State Lawmakers, Lt. Governor Primavera & Colorado Health Care Workers & Providers to Discuss Comprehensive Plans to Protect Safety-Net Providers, Save People Money on Health Care DENVER — Today, as community health centers and other vital providers struggle to stay open amid tightening budgets, jeopardizing care for many Coloradans, Lt. Governor Primavera partnered with Representative Kyle Brown, Colorado health care workers, and providers to discuss a forthcoming piece of legislation to address the growing cost challenges faced by safety net health care providers while reducing health care costs for state employees and small businesses. “We’ve made progress in lowering the cost of health care and insurance for hardworking families but the reality is Coloradans are still paying too much. More work is needed, especially to support our low-cost, high-quality community health clinics,” said Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera. “This new proposal is a common-sense solution that prioritizes affordability and access while ensuring our safety net providers can continue delivering care to those who need it most.” Coloradans with commercial insurance pay nearly three times what Medicare reimburses hospitals for the same care. Safety net providers include primary care and family clinics that provide critical health care to communities across Colorado – like seniors, hardworking families, and rural Coloradans. “We’ve made important progress to save Coloradans money on health care, and by tackling this issue, we can continue to drive down prices and reduce costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “New legislation I am sponsoring will support our local safety net providers, which often serve our more vulnerable community members, and save small businesses money on health care coverage. We’re making it easier for Coloradans to receive the high-quality health care they need, when they need it, while improving the financial health of our safety net and critical access providers.” “We’ve worked hard here in Colorado to bring down the cost of health care so that no matter how much you make or where you live, you can get affordable, quality care,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “With this legislation, we’re taking an innovative and proven approach to fund our safety net providers across the state, who are often the only medical providers in their regions. At the same time, our bill will cut insurance premiums paid by small businesses and their employees. By capping hospital payments at an amount below what private insurance can negotiate, but still above what those hospitals need to cover their costs, we can protect our budget while putting those savings directly into the pockets of Coloradans.” “While our multi-year efforts have saved Coloradans money on health care, cost continues to be a barrier to access care in Colorado” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “This legislation supports Colorado’s safety net providers, such as community clinics, that provide essential health care to our most vulnerable community members. This bill will drive down costs to the state, save small businesses money, and boost health care access for our neighbors.” “This bill is an innovative way to reduce health care costs for all Coloradans – from our cities to our rural communities,” said Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “The same medical test or procedure should cost roughly the same thing no matter where you get it or what type of insurance you have, but under current law, health care corporations and hospitals can charge different amounts to different people. This bill is a step toward prioritizing affordable, accessible care for all.” The new bill, which will be introduced in the coming days following additional stakeholder conversations, will support safety net providers and reduce costs for small businesses by: Establishing reimbursement maximums for in-network (165% of Medicare) and out-of-network (150% of Medicare) on prices paid to certain hospitals through the state employee health plan and the small group market. Establishing a floor for primary care and behavioral health services (135% of Medicare) through the state employee health plan and small group market. A feasibility study is required to explore the option for local governments and school districts to participate in a similar reimbursement limit. The new bill will be introduced in the House. It will support safety net providers by redirecting funds to critical community health centers and providers that serve Coloradans where and when they need care. State employees and small business owners will save money on health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs without compromising care quality. This bill will also protect the state budget as tens of millions of dollars are expected to be diverted to the health care safety net and to help state employees with minimal impact on hospital margins. Similar policies in states like Oregon and Montana have proven effective, saving state employees money while relieving budget pressures. Colorado is poised to join these states in leading the charge for equitable and sustainable health care reform. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2019 HOUSE DEMOCRATS DELIVER ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM Herod, Exum, Tipper bills signed into law (May 28) – Gov. Polis signed several bills led by House Democrats into law today to help reform Colorado’s criminal justice system. Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, has been a champion for criminal justice reform. Rep. Herod headed up a number of criminal justice reform bills this session, many of which are now law. Today, Gov. Polis signed a handful more. “I’m proud of the bipartisan work that went into getting these bills to reform our criminal justice system signed into law,” said Rep. Herod. First up were two bipartisan pieces of legislation which reflect changing attitudes about giving members of our society that have made mistakes in the pasta second chance. These new laws will help felons find stable employment and gain a higher education, by banning the ‘box’ that asks about previous criminal history on initial employment applications and college applications. 1.8 million Coloradans are currently listed in the state’s criminal record database and employment practices that filter out these applicants can make it hard for these individuals to bounce back from their past and find a job or get accepted to college. “Banning the box will give Coloradans a chance to tell their own story during an interview, rather than letting the ‘box’ do the talking. Employment is the most significant factor in reducing recidivism,” said Rep. Herod. “We are more than our worst mistakes.” HB19-1025 is sponsored by Rep. Herod and Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora. Colorado now joins 11 other states which ban the box for private employers, including Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Washington, California and Vermont. SB19-270 is sponsored by Rep. Herod and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta. The law will prohibit questions regarding criminal history on an initial college application. The law would not prohibit questions regarding criminal history on college housing applications. Educational programming reduces recidivism by 40 percent and provides opportunities for employment and positive support that decrease the likelihood of committing future crimes. Gov. Polis then signed a bill sponsored by Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, that creates the Colorado Second Chance Scholarship program to award scholarships to people who have previously been in the custody of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) and are pursuing their higher education. “If we can get our young people the help they need to get a higher education after they’ve gone through the rehabilitation process, then we can lower the recidivism rate and in return, they will be productive members of society,” said Rep. Tony Exum. “It will cost taxpayers more in the long term than it will to improve the lives of our young people with education and give them a more fulfilling life.” Rep. Exum has a Division of Youth Services facility in his district. SB19-231 will award scholarships of up to $10,000 each to youth offenders exiting the DYS system to pursue higher education. It will create a five-person advisory board consisting of four people appointed from various state agencies and one person who previously served in a DYS facility to award the scholarships based upon need. “This is an important investment in our vulnerable youth who are just now getting their lives back on track. This program could be the only opportunity many of these kids will have to get a fresh start,” said Rep. Tipper, D-Lakewood. Next, Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill eliminating felony charges for drug possession. HB19-1263, sponsored Rep. Herod and Rep. Shane Sandridge, R-Colorado Springs, would save the state up to $13.7 million over five years. The new bipartisan law lowers the penalty for drug possession from a level 4 drug felony to a level 1 misdemeanor. Level 4 drug felonies are punishable by 6 to 12 months in prison and level 1 misdemeanors, as defined in this bill, would be punishable by up to 180 days in jail and up to 2 years of probation. “The war on drugs has devastated communities across Colorado,” said Rep. Herod. “It has been especially destructive for communities of color, which are disproportionately impacted by harsh drug laws. Reducing the current felony penalty for possession is a critical step toward fair and sensible drug policy in Colorado. It reflects the position held by most Coloradans that the state should focus more on treatment and less on incarceration.” The law would not change the punishments for those charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute. The Gov. also signed a bipartisan bill that would reinstate the voting rights of individuals on parole. HB19-1266, sponsored by Rep. Herod, clarifies that people who are on parole have completed their “full term of imprisonment” upon release from prison, thereby restoring their right to vote. The bill would restore voting rights to approximately 10,000 Coloradans who are now disenfranchised. Parolees are denied the ability to vote because current law defines the “full term of imprisonment” to include the period of parole. The Colorado Supreme Court has stated that the state legislature has the authority to redefine the “full term of imprisonment.” Gov. Polis also signed another bill sponsored by Rep. Herod. SB19-143 allows the Department of Corrections to better manage their population when the vacancy rate falls below 3 percent. It will better align parole board decision-making with the parole release guidelines for people who have been assessed to be less than high risk. Under the bill, technical parole violations would not be used to send a parolee convicted of certain low level crimes back to prison. The Gov. then sign a Herod-led bipartisan bill to charge a peace officer with unlawful sexual conduct when they knowingly engage in sexual contact, sexual intrusion or sexual penetration anytime the victim is in custody, regardless of consent. The bill passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 59-5. Unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is a class 4 felony when the offense is committed by sexual contact and is a class 3 felony (a more serious offense) when the offense is committed by sexual intrusion or sexual penetration. A class 4 felony carries a possible sentence of two to six years in the Department of Corrections, and a class 3 felony carries a possible sentence of four to 12 years. An offender convicted of unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is required to register as a sex offender. An offender convicted of a class 3 felony due to unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is subject to lifetime supervision. The bills were signed at the Second Chance Center in Aurora. Previous Next

< Back Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Representative Jennifer Bacon is Assistant Majority Leader and represents House District 7, which includes the Denver International Airport and Denver’s far northeast neighborhoods. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Education Committee. Lifelong advocate for youth, educational access and criminal justice reform, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon’s policy spanwide and prioritize making our state more equitable for all. During the 2023 legislative session, Assistant Majority Leader Bacon championed a law to extend Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) in Colorado to reduce gun violence. Other legislative highlights include extensive legislation to reduce air pollution, equal pay for equal work, improving workplace conditions, judicial reform, combating youth recidivism, and extended education programs to help all students succeed. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon is the Chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado.

< Back March 12, 2022 HOUSE DEMS ADVANCE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EQUITY ACT Legislation will protect and uphold the right to an abortion in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Reproductive Health Equity Act on a preliminary vote. “We’re protecting abortion rights in Colorado, and we’re not backing down,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Extreme GOP ideologies, some of which were previewed in the debate tonight, would put the government in control of personal medical decisions. This bill protects our right to safe reproductive care for generations to come. While there is more work to be done, I am extremely proud of my colleagues who spoke in favor of this bill with personal, powerful stories.” "Reproductive health care is vital health care," said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo . "Politicians, neighbors or complete strangers have no business controlling personal medical decisions – that should be between patients and their doctors. While our rights are under attack across the country, with the advancement of the Reproductive Health Equity Act, we’re closer to solidifying access to abortion and fundamental reproductive health care rights into Colorado law.” HB22-1279 , sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich and Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights. The bill establishes a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. The proposed law comes as states across the country propose and enact new bans and restrictions on abortion access. The legislation is supported by: Cobalt, COLOR, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, the Anti-Defamation League of the Mountain States, the ACLU of Colorado, ONE Colorado, New Era Colorado, Catholics for Choice and dozens of other organizations. In Texas, Republicans passed legislation banning abortion after six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court today made it virtually impossible for abortion advocates to fight the bill by halting their use of federal courts. Republican lawmakers in Missouri have proposed legislation that would allow private lawsuits against individuals who help women obtain an abortion out of state. Another bill introduced in the Missouri House would make it illegal for pregnant people to abort ectopic pregnancies, pregnancies that happen outside of the uterus and which can be deadly for the pregnant person if left untreated. Democrats have already defeated three GOP anti-choice bills so far this session. HB22-1079 , sponsored by Representative Williams, was an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal courts and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. It would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , sponsored by Representative Neville, would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have imprisoned providers who perform an abortion. HB22-1075 , sponsored by Representative Luck, would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back April 29, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO HELP COLORADANS SAVE FOR RETIREMENT & GET COLORADANS INTO GOOD PAYING JOBS Bills headed to Gov. Polis for signature (Apr. 29) – The House sent two bills to the Governor today to improve the lives of hardworking Coloradans. The House approved the Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board, a bill by Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp and Rep. Chris Hansen, to allow the state of Colorado to study different options to increase the ability of Colorado workers to save more for their retirement. Almost half of private-sector workers do not have access to a workplace retirement plan. “America is in a retirement crisis—people are not saving enough. In our fast-growing economy, we need a plan to make sure workers can save for the long term and retire securely,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada. “This bill allows the state to study four models including a no-action plan to see what is the best way to help Coloradans who don’t have access to a workplace retirement savings plan save a little at a time throughout their life for a secure retirement.” In our fast-growing economy, we need a plan to make sure workers can save for the long term and retire securely. Rep. Kraft-Tharp is chair of the House Business Affairs & Labor committee. The “Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board,” SB19-173, creates a board of trustees that would study various options for a public-private partnership that would offer a low-fee plan, similar to Individual Retirement Accounts, to employees without access to workplace plans. Upon conclusion of the study, the board would then send the legislature its recommendations for final approval “Retirement looks bleak for many adults in Colorado. Imagine what it looks like for our children. Unless we act, we don’t know how long our kids, nieces and nephews are going to have to work before they can finally retire,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “This bill is practical, it’s straightforward, and it’s a commonsense approach to examine the different ways we can increase the number of Coloradans who have access to workplace retirement accounts.” The bill passed on a vote of 41-24. It now heads to the Governor’s desk. The House also approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan and Rep. Rochelle Galindo that would establish a directory with apprenticeship programs within the Department of Labor and it would include salary ranges, critical labor force data, licensure requirements, and other information potential enrollees should know before embarking onto a career pathway. “I firmly believe every hard working American should get a good-paying job no matter their education. There are currently nearly 200 sponsored apprenticeship programs, and that number is constantly evolving and growing,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This directory can serve as a beneficial tool to help students and young adults grow in their technical training and enter into career fields that offer salaries without the debt of traditional college.” The bill also requires the department to distribute the directory to coordinate with local workforce centers, businesses, and education institutions to raise awareness of the apprenticeship programs so more Coloradans can access them. “This will help expand opportunity for students and accessibility for apprenticeship programs. When I visited various locations that offered these programs, the directors often said the only way they get the word out about these programs is through word-of–mouth,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley. “We need to get these opportunities out there for more students to join the workforce.” In 2018, it was estimated that building trades had a shortage of 60,000 workers in Colorado. The state’s construction industry alone will need at least 30,000 new workers to meet demand in the years ahead. SB19-171 passed on a bipartisan vote of 43-22 and is headed to Governor Polis for signature. Previous Next

< Back January 31, 2020 REP. A. VALDEZ & HEROD’S BILL TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION MEDICATION ADVANCES DENVER, CO — Reps. Alex Valdez and Leslie Herod’s bill on HIV Infection Prevention Medications today was approved by the Public Health Care and Human Services Committee. The bill would allow for pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. The bill passed 12-1. “This bill will save lives by preventing new HIV infections in Colorado,” said Rep. Alex Valdez (D-Denver). “With the lifetime healthcare cost for an individual with HIV over $350,000, you can imagine the impact this will have on families and on our healthcare systems. It’s our obligation to do everything we can to prevent any more Coloradans from being affected by HIV. I’m proud to be a sponsor and excited to see the bill move forward.” “I am fighting for the communities that have been devastated by this virus,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “This is for the black, latinx, and transgender folks who have seen so many of their peers experience the stigma, cost burden, and health effects of HIV. This bill will bring much-needed relief to these communities. Our work continues as we move to the House for a full floor vote.” If enacted, HB20-1061 would allow Coloradans to go directly to a pharmacy to receive either an initial treatment regimen of PrEP or a full treatment regimen of PEP after a brief consultation with a pharmacist. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to obtain authorization prior to using their benefits to obtain the medications and also prohibits insurers from requiring that a patient undergo step therapy. More than 14,000 people were reported to be living with HIV in the state of Colorado, according to a 2018 report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Previous Next

Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 < Back August 3, 2023 New Bipartisan Laws Save Coloradans Money on Prescription Drugs Five new laws to improve access and reduce the cost of prescription drugs go into effect August 7 DENVER, CO - On August 7, five laws to save Coloradans money on prescription drugs go into effect. The new laws create pharmacy dispensing machines, allow psychologists to prescribe certain mental health medications, expand access to contraception, improve oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers to reduce prescription drug costs, and expand the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower out-of-pocket costs. “Transportation, work hours, and other barriers often make it difficult to access prescription medication due to typical pharmacy hours,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1195. “With the implementation of our new law, Coloradans will be able to access their essential medication through pharmacist-monitored dispensing machines on a timeline that works for their busy schedule.” “Coloradans who depend on prescription medications can’t always make it to a pharmacy to pick up their drugs during business hours,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB23-1195 . “This new law will make it easier for Coloradans to get medications they need by removing unnecessary roadblocks and will help more people access their prescriptions without compromising important pharmaceutical safeguards.” HB23-1195 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Matt Soper and Republican Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, allows pharmacies to operate automated prescription dispensing machines so patients can access their medication outside of regular pharmacy business hours. The machines would only be placed in pharmacy-licensed locations and would be live monitored to prevent theft. The medication would be stocked in the machine and patients would be able to discuss the prescription with a live remote pharmacist. “When someone is in a mental health crisis, they need to be able to quickly access remedies that protect themselves from harm, but getting a doctor’s appointment can often take weeks,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “By allowing psychologists to undergo additional training to be able to prescribe certain mental health medications, we’re reducing costs for patients and helping them get the care they need when they need it.” “Across the state, we are seeing a prolonged mental health crisis, particularly among our youth," said President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1071. “Every day, Coloradans battling mental health struggles face prohibitively long wait times to receive help and a lack of providers who can prescribe them with medication they need, only worsening our crisis. Expanding prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists will help Coloradans access the life-saving medications that they need on a timeline that makes sense.” HB23-1071 , also sponsored by Republican Representative Mary Bradfield and Republican Senator Cleave Simpson, establishes rigorous standards and education requirements that a psychologist must undertake before being able to prescribe medication to treat mental health illnesses. Starting August 7, psychologists can begin the process to obtain their required education, training, and certificates in order to begin prescribing certain mental health medications. Currently, if medication is part of the patient’s care plan, the patient must meet with a doctor or psychiatrist to have the prescription issued. Patients often struggle to find an available psychiatrist within their insurance network and few of only 800 psychiatrists across Colorado accept Medicaid, forcing patients to choose between large out-of-pocket costs or waiting months for the medication they need. Allowing psychologists limited prescribing authority to provide immediate access to medication can save the patient time and money. Psychologists work closely with their patients to determine how to best address their mental health needs. When patients meet with a doctor or psychiatrist, it’s often their first time discussing their mental health issues and telehealth appointments can make it difficult to accurately assess the patient’s condition. Allowing licensed psychologists who meet monthly or even more frequently with patients will streamline access to effective health care and lead to more appropriate care. “No one should have to ask for permission every month from their insurance company to not get pregnant,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, sponsor of SB23-284. “I spoke with a woman during the election who spends more than an hour on the phone every month just getting her birth control prescription refilled. That's absurd. Our new law protects the freedom of Coloradans to make health care choices on their own timeline.” “Whether folks live in rural areas or work odd hours, trips to the pharmacy can be inconvenient and difficult to make,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, sponsor of SB23-284. “With SB23-284, we’re tightening up restrictions so insurance companies and PBMs can’t skirt our laws, ensuring patients can access 12 months of birth control. This new law will expand and improve access to reproductive health care across Colorado.” Starting on August 7, SB23-284 requires both insurance plans and Pharmacy Benefit Management firms (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and ensures that Coloradans can easily access a twelve-month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and can make it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “Barriers to receiving medication, like contraceptives and prescription drugs, make it harder for Coloradans to receive the remedies they need to meet their health care needs,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284 and HB23-1227. “With our new laws going into effect soon, we can save Coloradans money on prescription costs and require insurance coverage for 12 months of contraception, expanding access to effective reproductive health care.” “Our new law cracks down on players in the health care industry that are not acting in accordance with the cost-saving measures that Colorado Democrats have fought for to save you money on your medication,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, HB23-1227 . “Affordable access to medication keeps our communities healthy and thriving. We now have the tools to hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, which will improve prescription accessibility and cut down on medication costs.” Starting on August 7, HB23-1227 ensures that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) follow through on critical cost savings reforms that the legislature has passed in recent years to save consumers money. This law provides the Division of Insurance (DOI) with more direct oversight over PBMs by requiring them to register and specifying that the DOI has the ability to enforce those reforms. “As a pharmacist I know firsthand how critical it is for Coloradans to be able to afford their prescription drugs, but too many of our families are still getting squeezed by high costs of medication,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB23-1227 and HB23-1225 . “The new laws taking effect are part of a multi-year effort to save people money on prescription drugs. I’m proud to see how these essential tools will continue to keep Colorado prescription drug prices affordable and save families even more money on their life-saving medications.” “Every Coloradan deserves access to essential medication at a price they can afford,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB23-1225 . "Too many people ration their medication or skip refills because they can’t cover the cost. The implementation of HB23-1225 will help more Coloradans afford the prescriptions they rely on and put more money back into the pockets of hardworking families.” “House Bill 1225 makes important changes that will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1225. “Too many Colorado families are forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying for life-saving medication, and that has to change. I’m proud to be a part of the effort to continue saving Coloradans money on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.” “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board will now be able to implement more cost-saving measures that drive down prescription drug prices to save Colorado patients money,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1225 . “I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished this session to save Coloradans money on health care, and this law is one of many steps we’ve taken to ensure that more Coloradans can access affordable, quality health care.” HB23-1225 increases the effectiveness of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to help lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Coloradans. In 2021, lawmakers passed the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to evaluate and place upper payment limits on the highest cost prescription drugs. The legislation implemented today will increase the impact of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on out of pocket prescription drug costs. It increases the limit on setting no more than 12 Upper Payment Limits (UPLs) per year in the first three years of the PDAB to 18 UPLs, and improves the criteria for selecting drugs for an affordability review. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 ROBERTS BILLS TO PREVENT CRIME SIGNED INTO LAW New laws aim to reduce retail theft and crack down on witness intimidation DENVER, CO – Two bills sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts were signed into law today that will prevent crime by making it harder to resell stolen goods and by providing law enforcement with additional tools to prosecute the crime of witness intimidation. “These new laws focus on giving law enforcement effective tools to prevent crime, and I’m proud Governor Polis has signed them into law,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With these laws, law enforcement will have new abilities to hold people accountable for intimidating a witness or pressuring someone to withhold critical information from law enforcement. And with HB1099, we are cracking down on retail theft and protecting business and consumers by making it harder for thieves to resell stolen goods online.” SB22-024 , sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Matt Soper, will prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the ways that witness intimidation may be committed. Under the law, witness intimidation would include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. It also allows prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to persuade a witness to withhold information. HB22-1099 , sponsored by Representatives Roberts and Terri Carver, requires online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. This law also requires sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online. Previous Next