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< Back Majority Leader Esgar & Rep. Frolich Opinion: Abortion access must be written into Colorado law because Roe vs. Wade is in jeopardy Jan 24, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Denver Post. By JULIE GONZALES, MEG FROELICH and DANEYA ESGAR This year could very well be the last anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court case that established the constitutional right to abortion. We are at a crisis point. The time to take action and protect our rights is now, so as Colorado lawmakers we have crafted a proactive abortion rights bill that will soon be introduced in the Colorado General Assembly. Protecting abortion access has to be a priority in the 2022 legislative session, and we are the lead sponsors on the Reproductive Health Equity Act, or RHEA. The Reproductive Health Equity Act will ensure every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception; every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion; and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent rights under the laws of Colorado. Barriers to abortion access always fall heaviest on those with the least access to health care already — communities of color, low-income people, young people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, rural Coloradans. RHEA would also address that equity gap. The worst restrictions to abortion access and reproductive health care have come from state legislatures across the nation, and as state lawmakers, we are obligated to take action in the opposite direction here in Colorado. Because Colorado is such a strongly pro-abortion rights state, people are surprised to learn there’s nothing expressly protective of abortion access or reproductive health care in Colorado law. Yes, we have defeated many attempts to ban or restrict abortion at the legislature and the ballot box, but there are no state laws explicitly protecting the constitutional right to access abortion and reproductive health care in Colorado. Why? Until now, we haven’t needed anything in state law; we had the constitutional protection of Roe and the federal courts. We might not anymore. The Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe with the case known as Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health, a case challenging Mississippi’s unconstitutional abortion ban. Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health was argued on Dec. 1, and a decision is expected in June 2022. It’s entirely likely abortion access could be struck down as a federal, constitutional right and returned to the states. If Roe is overturned, abortion will likely become illegal in roughly half the country, including many states around Colorado. In 2020, 64% of Coloradans surveyed agreed with the statement “abortion should be legal in all cases or most cases with some restrictions.” Support was even higher for: “politicians need to stop trying to force their beliefs on women when it comes to abortion.” (82% agreed) “when it comes to ending a pregnancy, a woman should have the power to make decisions about her own body.” (76% agreed) Across the country, about 6 in 10 Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases. And during the last election, Coloradans across party and county lines voted to defeat Proposition 115, a ban on abortion later in pregnancy, by nearly 20 points. In 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2014, Coloradans overwhelmingly rejected harmful and dehumanizing amendments to the state Constitution that would have created “fetal personhood” and outlawed abortion in the state. And since 2010, we have seen 41 pieces of legislation introduced — and defeated — that would restrict or eliminate abortion access for Coloradans. But that’s not enough. We need to meet this moment of crisis on abortion rights with action. Our job as legislators is to pass laws that respect the will of our constituents and Colorado citizens, who have made it clear over and over again that they support abortion rights. This legislation serves as a model for other states to expand and protect access to reproductive health care, including abortion. We already have very strong support in the legislature for the Reproductive Health Equity Act, and we would urge Coloradans to call or email their legislators and let them know they support it. Once again, it is time for Colorado to be a leader on abortion and reproductive rights. 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.

The House today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. < Back February 6, 2025 House Passes Bill to Strengthen Local Fence Construction Laws DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. HB25-1023 passed by a vote of 45-19. “With this bill, we’re protecting our environment and the Colorado Way of Life in the San Luis Valley,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood, and now they’re barred from accessing the land. This bill, rooted in local control, will require individuals to submit an application before construction begins to prioritize local voices and environmental protections.” “Communities in the San Luis Valley have long had the legal right to access lands they held before Colorado became a state, but a massive, private fence now encircles this property, limiting access and damaging the environment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would prevent further ecological damage and ensure access for animal grazing caused by unauthorized fence construction. With this legislation, we’re making sure Coloradans, and their livestock, can access the land their families have called home for generations.” HB25-1023 would require individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. The bill would make local governments responsible for determining if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms. Additionally, local governments may pass an ordinance or resolution opting in to these requirements altogether. Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This bill takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE ADVANCES PROPOSALS TO SUPPORT FOSTER KIDS AND IMPROVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SOLUTIONS DENVER, CO– The Transportation and Local Government Committee today advanced two bills to give foster youth the opportunity to obtain drivers licenses and to update the Division of Housing’s responsibilities to better allow the state to tackle the issue of housing in Colorado. HB21-1084 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Transportation and Local Government Chair Tony Exum, takes several steps to help foster youth in Colorado learn to drive and obtain drivers licenses. It would ensure that counties are reimbursed for the cost of sending foster youth aged 15 to 21 to driver’s ed courses and would remove legal barriers preventing counties and foster youth advocates from teaching foster youth how to drive. Finally, it eases requirements on the types of documentation foster youth must provide when applying for a driver permit or license. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Creating a pathway for foster youth to obtain a driver’s license is about giving hope to kids who have so much more to deal with than the average teen,” said Rep Exum Sr. (D-Colorado Springs) . “We should strive to guarantee that every child in Colorado has equal opportunity to succeed, and ensuring that foster children are able to learn how to drive goes a long way towards leveling the playing field. From getting to and from work, or to and from school, driving can truly make a lasting and important impact on a teenager’s life.” HB21-1009 , sponsored by Representative Tracey Bernett is a bipartisan measure that makes several updates to the responsibilities of the Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing to better provide housing solutions for communities across Colorado. The bill, among other things, improves confidentiality for recipients of housing assistance, helps reduce energy costs, and incentivises housing development in areas where people work, go to school and have access to transportation. The bill passed committee by a vote of 10-1. “This straightforward bill will prepare the Division of Housing to continue working on affordable housing solutions for years to come,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett (D-Longmont) . “By making necessary updates and modifications, this bill will empower local communities across Colorado and allow them to continue thoughtfully increasing the quality and equity of our housing solutions while working towards our climate goals.” Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following joint statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter: < Back November 26, 2025 McCluskie and Duran Statement on Passing of Sen. Faith Winter DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, today released the following joint statement on the passing of Senator Faith Winter: “Words cannot express how deeply heartbroken we are tonight as Colorado mourns the loss of an exceptional legislator, a champion for working people, and a steadfast defender of our environment and abortion rights. In ways both small and remarkable, she changed Coloradans’ lives for the better with landmark policies like paid family leave, air quality protections and transit reform that have transformed our state. “To us, Faith was our friend and colleague. To many more, she was a trailblazer and a leader who always fought for Colorado’s most vulnerable. Her bravery brought necessary reforms to the Capitol, and her kindness filled the building. We will all miss her dearly. “Our hearts are with Senator Winter’s family and children, our Senate colleagues and former Representative Matt Gray and his children.” Previous Next

< Back April 28, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL INTRODUCED TO SAVE PARENTS MONEY AND INCREASE ACCESS TO CHILD CARE FOR COLORADO FAMILIES Legislation will invest $16 million of federal pandemic relief funds toward improving youth behavioral health outcomes and access to healthy food DENVER, CO – The House passed two bills today that will improve behavioral health access for Colorado youth and make healthier food more accessible to vulnerable communities. These bills will invest $16 million of federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “By making smart investments, we can increase access to food and critical services and save people and small businesses money,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380 . “This legislation will foster new markets for Colorado agriculture, support small food retailers, and reduce the cost of food for Coloradans. We’re also improving how we deliver food benefits and other critical services to low-income Coloradans who were hit the hardest by the pandemic to help save them money on critical necessities.” “We’re investing once-in-a-generation funding to improve behavioral health outcomes for our kids six-years-old and younger,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369 . “Research shows stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative effects on our youngest kids. This is why we’re investing $2 million toward the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton passed by a vote of 45 to 18 and would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, passed by a vote of 52 to 11. This bill would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. Previous Next

< Back April 13, 2022 HOUSE ADVANCES SCHOOL SAFETY AND STUDENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH BILLS DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills on a preliminary vote to boost school safety and improve student access to behavioral health services. “Improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services are important for preparing our students for success,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB22-1243. “Our bipartisan legislation provides public schools with the funding they need to protect school grounds and build safer school environments for students, teachers and staff. In addition, this bill extends the I Matter program, which provides free mental health counseling sessions to Colorado’s youth.” “In order to make our schools safer, we need to continue investing in our student’s behavioral health,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), former chair of the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. “By extending the highly successful I Matter program we started last year, we can reach more youth across Colorado and provide them with free, professional counseling sessions. Taking steps to improve your behavioral health is tough, and I’m extremely proud of the hundreds of young people across 48 different counties who have already taken advantage of the I Matter program.” HB22-1243 , sponsored by Representatives Tony Exum and Kevin Van Winkle, would invest $14 million toward improving the security and safety of public schools and is part of Colorado Democrats’ Public Safety Package. Based on recommendations of the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force, it puts $2 million in federal funding toward the behavioral health care professional matching grant program and $6 million towards extending the popular I Matter program beyond its scheduled repeal in June 2022. This investment will pave the way to serve youth with free counseling sessions for another two years. The bill also allocates $6 million to the School Security Disbursement Program over two years, which will be reauthorized by HB22-1120. HB22-1120 , sponsored by Representatives Kevin Van Winkle and Patrick Neville, would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for schools to install monitoring equipment and security systems at school entrances and exits. Grants can also be used for school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. The bill passed unanimously by 13 to 0. < Back May 3, 2023 Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie to identify steps the state can take to protect the Colorado River and all who rely on its water. The bill passed unanimously by 13 to 0. “The Colorado River is the soul and spirit of our Western Slope communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Millions of Coloradans rely on the Colorado River for drinking water, recreation, and agricultural needs. Our bill creates a formal process to bring every voice to the table and will help identify tools that we can use to ensure we have the water we need for our communities to thrive and secure our future in the face of increasing demand on the river.” SB23-295 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, creates the Colorado River Drought Task Force. The task force would include representatives from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, regional water conservation districts, local governmental officials, agricultural producers, environmental non-profit organizations, and others that have diverse experience with complex water issues. By December of 2023, after an extensive stakeholding process open to public comment, the task force would make policy recommendations to the General Assembly to: Proactively address the impact of droughts on the Colorado River and its tributaries, Avoid disproportionate economic and environmental impacts to any one region of the state, Ensure that any program related to the acquisition of agricultural water rights is voluntary, temporary, and compensated, Assure meaningful collaboration among the Colorado River District, Southwestern Water Conservation District, and the State of Colorado in the design and implementation of drought security programs, and Evaluate sources of revenue for the acquisition of program water. A sub-task force consisting of representatives from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and the Department of Natural Resources would also be established to provide policy recommendations to the General Assembly to address tribal needs. These recommendations would consider the unique nature of tribal water rights and tribal water use. The Colorado River provides water to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Nevada, and Mexico. Over 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for their water supply, and record-breaking heatwaves and droughts in the Southwestern US have only exacerbated water conservation issues. SB23-295 will rely on water experts and relevant stakeholders to provide effective solutions to the General Assembly so our state can protect the Colorado River through meaningful collaboration with local voices and without disproportionate impacts on certain regions of the state. Previous Next

Lawmakers heard expert testimony from Public Utilities Commission, consumer advocates to better understand root causes of rising rates < Back March 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates Holds First Meeting to Investigate High Energy Prices DENVER, CO – Members of the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates held their first meeting today to explore the underlying causes of recent spikes in energy prices and to begin identifying strategies that can save Coloradans money on their utility bills. Committee members heard testimony and asked questions of panels of experts representing the Public Utilities Commission, the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate, the Colorado Energy Office, and Energy Outreach Colorado to better understand the factors that influence how rates are set and how those mechanisms lead to higher costs for Coloradans. “Recent spikes in energy prices have hit Colorado families hard, and today’s hearing highlighted just how fraught certain aspects of our current regulatory structure are,” Joint Select Committee Chair Sen. Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “We’ve heard loud and clear that Coloradans are looking for relief, which is why we convened this committee so we can better understand the underlying forces behind rising utility rates and begin identifying solutions. I’m excited by the progress we made today, and I look forward to continuing our work so we can better protect consumers, improve our energy stability, and eventually save Coloradans money on their energy bills.” "Expensive utility bills have left many Coloradans struggling to heat their homes, and today's hearing offered insight into some main drivers of pricing instability that are often invisible to customers who are left to foot the bill," said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. "This hearing was a great first step toward building an in-depth understanding of what's causing high utility prices. High energy prices hit families and low-and middle-income folks the hardest, and it's our responsibility to shed light on how we got here, and to work together towards potential cost-saving solutions." “Skyrocketing utility bills are adding to the stress Coloradans are already feeling as we recover from the economic challenges brought by the pandemic,” Joint Select Committee member Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County said. “Today, the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates heard from a number of experts that helped us better understand the energy landscape and factors at play in rate setting. I look forward to continuing our work to shed light on the process and get answers for the people of Colorado." "We heard from Coloradans across the state and the message is clear — high, unpredictable energy costs are taking their toll," said Joint Select Committee member Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Communities in Southwest Colorado are often left out of the conversation when it comes to rising energy costs, I’m proud to share and voice their concerns on this committee. The Joint Select Committee is committed to uncovering the root causes for high energy costs and hearing from experts helped us gather a stronger understanding of what is driving costs that are passed down to consumers.” The Committee heard testimony from the following experts: Erin O'Neill, Chief Economist for the Public Utilities Commission The Public Utilities Commission regulates utilities, which involves reviewing and approving generation and transmission plans, and the rates charged to pay for them. O’Neill explained how the utility rate setting process works, and addressed the false narrative that the transition to clean energy is what’s driving high utility rates. Joseph Pereira, Deputy Director for the Office of the Utility Consumer Advocate The Office of Utility Consumer Advocate represents consumers when utility companies want to raise rates. Pereira spoke about the Office’s work to support pro-consumer policies in utility regulation, highlighting the difficulties of doing this work in an environment of asymmetric information Keith Hay, Senior Director of Policy for the Colorado Energy Office The Colorado Energy Office works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumer energy costs by advancing energy efficiency. Hay discussed his office’s ongoing efforts to mitigate rate increases while advancing Colorado’s use of clean energy. Jennifer Gremmert, CEO and Executive Director of Energy Outreach Colorado Energy Outreach Colorado is a non-profit that provides utility bill payment assistance for low-income Coloradans. During today’s meeting, Gremmert shared how Energy Outreach Colorado has seen a significant increase in requests in recent months from Coloradans who need help paying their utility bills. Convened by President Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon in response to recent spikes in energy prices , the Joint Select Committee on Rising Utility Rates is working to better understand issues such as the impact of volatility in natural gas markets, the frequency and justification for rate increases sought by utilities, and other relevant factors. The Committee’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 14 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more about the Committee’s work HERE . Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 SCORE! COLLEGE ATHLETES A STEP CLOSER TO EARNING COMPENSATION FOR THEIR LIKENESS The House Committee on Education today passed landmark legislation to allow collegiate athletes to be compensated for the use of their likeness. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and James Coleman, passed by 11-2. “College sports are a cash cow for institutions and corporations alike, but the athletes who diligently train, work and perform every week aren’t sharing in the prosperity,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will support those college athletes by allowing them to profit off of their image and likeness and to monetize the brand they have worked so hard to cultivate.” “College athletes work their whole life to earn the right to play at this level,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “America loves to cheer on their favorite athletes, and more and more Americans are turning to college sports for entertainment. This is a substantive way to support the hard work of the young athletes who so many of us follow and admire.” Last October, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Board of Governors announced their intention to permit student athletes to profit from the use of their likeness. Prior to the NCAA announcement, California passed a bill that banned in-state schools from preventing athletes from accepting compensation from advertisers. It also allows them to hire agents. Illinois , New York , Florida and now Colorado have introduced bills to allow for athletes to profit from their likeness. SB20-123 would prevent higher education institutions in Colorado from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of the institution from earning compensation from the use of the athlete’s name, image or likeness. The bill would also prevent collegiate institutions from providing prospective athletes with compensation prior to their signing. Additionally, athletes will be able to secure athletic and legal representation, and any compensation the athlete receives cannot affect their eligibility to participate in collegiate sports. Athletes who decide to enter into an endorsement deal would have to let the athletic directors of their institutions know 72 hours after the contract is signed. Previous Next

< Back June 25, 2021 NEW LAW PROTECTS THE RIGHTS OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed Representatives Karen McCormick and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to advance the basic rights of Colorado’s agricultural workers and modernize the agriculture industry. “Farmworkers contribute immensely to our agricultural economy and help put Colorado food on tables across the country and the world. It’s due time we support them,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “The fight to win better working conditions for farmworkers in America has always been an uphill struggle, but in the words of bill supporter and labor icon Dolores Huerta, si se puede!, yes we can.” “Every worker in Colorado, regardless of the industry they labor in, should expect humane treatment and a fair wage,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Improving conditions for farmworkers will modernize our state’s agriculture industry and ensure a sustainable future for it in Colorado. As an employer, I know first hand that treating employees fairly and paying well are some of the best investments a business owner can make. Colorado’s agriculture industry has never been afraid to lead the way, and with these new measures Colorado will be a leader in the agricultural labor market.” SB21-087 takes several steps to bring Colorado’s agricultural workers under the same labor standards that other workers in the state have and takes other steps to keep Colorado’s agriculture workforce competitive. Among other provisions, the law would: allow workers to form and join unions to bargain for better pay and increased benefits, remove the exemption that allows certain workers to make less than the minimum wage, provide protections from retaliation and set more humane standards around break times and working in extreme weather conditions. Importantly the new law limits the continuous operation of physically demanding tools that lead to chronic health problems–tools that have been banned in other states for decades. The law also ensures workers are provided transportation to critical services and access to healthcare providers while creating a pathway for aggrieved workers to seek remedies available to workers in other industries. Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2021 HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL TO PREVENT EXTORTION, PROTECT IMMIGRANTS, WORKERS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS DENVER, CO– The House today passed a bipartisan bill to prevent the extortion of undocumented immigrants by closing a gap in current statute. The bill was passed by a vote of 64-0. “This simple bill will ensure that everyone in our communities, regardless of citizenship status, is protected from extortion by our laws,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood. “The current gap in statutes has left immigrants, especially workers and victims of domestic and sexual violence, vulnerable. By expanding the definition of extortion in our laws, we’re giving prosecutors a crucial tool to make our communities safer.” “While this bill specifically protects immigrants from extortion, advancing the cause of justice and public safety is a goal we should all work towards together,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “The bill we passed today will give prosecutors like me the tools we need to protect vulnerable members of our communities from extortion and hopefully prevent some of these crimes from happening in the first place. I’m proud of the step we took to make our communities safer.” The current definition of criminal extortion already includes the practice of threatening to disclose a person’s immigration status to law enforcement in order to force them to give up something of value. HB21-1057 expands this definition to include coercing another person to either engage in or refrain from engaging in what would otherwise be a legal act. This expanded definition would address instances of wage theft, domestic violence and other instances where a person’s immigration status is used to deny them what is lawfully theirs. Previous Next