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< Back March 22, 2019 HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE APPROVES BUENTELLO BILL TO TACKLE OPIOID ADDICTION Buentello’s bill to help increase child care options in the state also on the move (Mar. 22) – The House Public Health and Human Services committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, that would expand a Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program that is currently only offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties. This expansion would add another ten counties across the state to the program. “This is a bill that is about saving lives and helping Coloradans who are struggling in the midsts of the opioid epidemic to get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Buentello. “Two years ago, the legislature created the pilot MAT program. We saw how well that program worked, so it’s time to expand this program to help those in Southern Colorado.” SB17-074 created a two year MAT expansion program through the University of Colorado’s College of Nursing to expand access to medication-assisted treatment to opioid-dependent patients. It also provided behavioral therapies in conjunction with medication as part of the provision. SB19-001 would expand the program to make it available to counties in Southern Colorado, including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Huerfano, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Sagauche, and two additional counties who demonstrate a need. It also increases the appropriation for the pilot program to $5 million for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fiscal years. Finally, it extends the program for another two years. The bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee by a bipartisan vote of 10-1. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Rep. Buentello’s other bill passed out of the House Public Health and Human Services committee, with Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, as the co-prime. This bill requires consensus-based recommendations to the legislature and other boards and commissions to remedy the shortage of licensed, safe and affordable childcare options in the state. SB19-063 passed unanimously and now heads to House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Preserve Housing Coloradans Can Afford Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to give local governments the right of first refusal and right of first offer to preserve Colorado’s affordable housing opportunities. “Colorado Democrats are working to save Coloradans money on housing and address Colorado’s housing crisis not only by building more housing but also by maintaining affordable housing units that already exist and have benefitted from public investment,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Many Coloradans are struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, and losing affordable housing in the rental market only makes it more difficult for hardworking people to find a place to live. This bill is an important tool for local governments so they can preserve housing Coloradans can afford in our communities while ensuring sellers receive fair compensation for the sale of their property.” “With rental rates increasing much faster than income, the right of first refusal is crucial in protecting housing options that work for every Coloradan’s budget,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our bill gives local governments the opportunity to buy affordable housing properties before private companies and hedge funds grab them, so we can prevent corporate greed from pricing Coloradans out of their communities and displacing our neighbors.” HB24-1175 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would give local governments a right of first offer and a right of first refusal to preserve long-term affordable housing opportunities. The right of first offer gives local governments the right to make an offer to purchase a qualifying multi-family rental property before the property is listed for sale to other parties. In urban counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property with more than five and less than 100 units. In rural or rural resort counties, a property qualifies under this bill if it is an existing affordable housing property and has more than three and fewer than 100 units. Certain transactions of qualifying properties are exempt, and the right of first offer terminates on December 31, 2029. The right of first refusal gives local governments the right to purchase a multi-family residential or mixed-use rental property that is existing affordable housing if they match any offers that the seller receives and continue to use the property for long-term affordable housing. Previous Next

The House yesterday passed bipartisan legislation to allow Coloradans 72 years and older to opt out of jury duty. < Back May 1, 2025 ICYMI: Marshall’s Bill to Allow Older Coloradans to Opt Out of Jury Duty Passes House DENVER, CO – The House yesterday passed bipartisan legislation to allow Coloradans 72 years and older to opt out of jury duty. HB25-1065 passed the House by a vote of 50 to 14. “Under this bipartisan bill, older Coloradans can choose whether or not they want to serve on a jury,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “This bill aligns the opt-out age for jury duty with the retirement age for judges. The vast majority of states already allow older residents to opt out of jury duty temporarily or permanently, and this bill allows older Coloradans to choose what is right for them.” HB25-1065 would allow Coloradans aged 72 years and older to temporarily or permanently opt out of jury service. If signed into law, this bill would take effect on January 1, 2026. According to the Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP), 41 states offer an exemption from jury service based on age. The minimum age required to request an exemption from jury service ranges from 65 to 80 years old nationwide. Previous Next

< Back January 26, 2023 Water Efficiency and Resiliency Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed legislation to help commercial property owners better finance water and energy efficiency improvements, and increase property resilience. “We’re working to improve an already successful energy efficiency program so more commercial properties in Colorado can save money, on energy, and water,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Our bill expands the C-PACE program to help commercial properties cut down on their energy and water usage, and invest in resilient infrastructure in the face of more frequent and severe weather events caused by climate change. By expanding this favorable financing mechanism we empower building owners to modernize their infrastructure, increase renewable energy deployment and help create good paying jobs.” “We’re committed to preserving and protecting Colorado’s environmental resources, especially water, and our bill makes improvements to the C-PACE program so commercial businesses can improve their resilience and water efficiency,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “We know many commercial properties want to make water and energy efficiency upgrades, and our bill makes the process easier so businesses can begin their energy efficiency improvements sooner.” HB23-1005 passed committee by a vote of 8-3 and is part of the Colorado House Democrats' first five bills. HB23-1005 would protect Colorado's environment and preserve water resources by expanding project eligibility and streamlining the approval process so more commercial properties in Colorado can take advantage of Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE’s) financing program for eco-friendly property upgrades and investments. The C-PACE program allows certain commercial and industrial buildings to finance energy improvement projects through a voluntary property tax assessment that is repaid over a 25-year term. Since 2016, the program has helped finance 116 different projects across the state, totaling almost $250 million in investments. Previous Next

< Back February 23, 2022 RURAL ED BILLS ADVANCE IN HOUSE DENVER, CO – Two bills that would address the rural educator shortage and improve access to early childhood education in rural areas today advanced on Second Reading in the House. “We’re serious about addressing the teacher workforce shortage in rural Colorado,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Our bipartisan legislation will boost the rural education workforce by simplifying the path for teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other retired staff to return to rural school districts. This will help prepare students for success by making sure they have enough talented, qualified teachers and educators in their schools.” HB22-1101 , sponsored by Representatives McLachlan and Catlin, would make it easier for rural school districts to address the rural educator shortage. It would make permanent a program that is currently scheduled to expire that allows retired public employees to return to full-time work in a rural school district without an impact on their retirement benefits. It also expands the program to include school nurses and paraprofessionals. “This session, we’re making every effort to improve access to early childhood education and prepare our students for success,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Between pandemic induced-learning loss and educator workforce shortages, this has been a challenging year for parents and students. This bill would make it easier to access quality, community-driven early learning and care solutions which saves parents money and sets our youngest learners up for success.” HB22-1070 , sponsored by Representative McCluskie, would make it easier to form an early childhood development service district. Under current law, a service district must include all of the territory of a political subdivision. For example, a service district established in a municipality or county, would need to include all of that county or municipality. The bill allows a service district to include only a portion of a special district, municipality, county or other existing taxing entity. This bill would also allow for early childhood districts to receive gifts, grants and donations to provide early learning opportunities to students. Previous Next

< Back May 8, 2021 COLORADO COMEBACK FOR ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS PASSES HOUSE Reps. Benavidez and Herod’s state stimulus bill to put funds towards supporting venues, artists, cultural organizations passed the House today DENVER, CO — The House today passed a bill to support Colorado’s creative arts industries, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 40-22. “The story of Colorado is told and maintained through the creative pursuits of our artists and the organizations that support them,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Today, in addition to creating jobs and giving this important economic sector a shot in the arm, we’re ensuring that our state’s cultural legacy lives on for generations to come.” “Music venues, cultural organizations, and other businesses in the creative arts industries were among the most severely impacted by COVID-19,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “As Coloradans start to safely attend gigs, gallery openings, and concerts again, we’re helping to build back stronger by investing in the jobs and livelihoods that are supported by this vibrant industry.” HB21-1285 provides $10M to support artists and cultural organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the state. This includes funding for the performance based film incentive, cultural facilities and the CO Creative Industries grant program set up during the 2020 special session. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS CELEBRATES WAR HEROES, FIGHTS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced two bills to grant free access to state parks to Purple Heart recipients and to remove a requirement to verify lawful presence in the United States for someone applying for state public housing assistance. HB21-1116 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Like me, so many of my brothers and sisters who served have found a permanent home in Colorado because of its stunning outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant veterans community,” said Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). “I’m proud that today we took the first step towards extending a small sign of gratitude for those who were wounded and received the Purple Heart, so that they may now enjoy our state parks free of charge. They have more than earned this small token, and we believe Purple Heart recipients could benefit enormously from the mental wellness effects that outdoor recreation provides. I consider all of Colorado’s veterans to be my extended family, and I intend to look after them and represent them with honor throughout my time in the legislature.” Current law requires that individuals show proof of lawful presence in the United States to receive state public housing assistance. HB21-1054 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, removes this requirement and allows more families to secure an affordable place to live. In 2016, undocumented immigrants comprised 5 percent of the Colorado workforce and paid an estimated $272.8 million in federal taxes and $156.5 million in state and local taxes in 2018. As housing costs continue to rise across the state, this bill will help stabilize our local economies by ensuring essential workers can afford to live in the communities where they work. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “With so many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, it’s more important than ever that we extend affordable housing benefits to as many people as possible,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora). “I refuse to allow immigration status to be what prevents a mother in Colorado from accessing the housing that will keep her family safe and stable. This bill removes a barrier that currently keeps taxpaying immigrant families from accessing housing, while also supporting our local economies, landlords, and employers by ensuring workers can find affordable places to live near their places of work.” The committee also passed HB21-1075 , Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to replace the term “illegal alien” with the term “worker without authorization” in Colorado’s statutes, and adds a definition of the term “worker without authorization.” Previous Next

< Back March 1, 2022 $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. “Skilled nursing facilities in Colorado and across the country are facing staffing challenges and funding shortfalls, which is why we are taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We are going to distribute $27 million in state and federal funds to nursing facilities to keep them from closing so thousands of Coloradans aren’t forced out of where they live.” “The pandemic has taken an enormous toll on Colorado’s nursing facilities, and some are now at risk of closing because Medicaid reimbursement rates are so low and their costs have increased,” said JBC Chair Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Nurses who care for Medicaid patients in skilled nursing facilities have been through so much the last two years and are vastly underpaid. We need to make sure we have the nursing workforce necessary to care for the patients with the greatest need, and this bill will help. We’re moving quickly to shore up our nursing facilities so that Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 , sponsored by Representatives Herod and McCluskie, passed by a vote of 12-1 and would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. State funding would be matched by federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next

Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado < Back May 12, 2023 Signed! Fenberg & McCluskie Bipartisan Bill to Invest in Essential Wildfire Fighting Aircraft Legislation approves funding for the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter to better support wildfire fighting efforts across Colorado CENTENNIAL, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie’s, D-Dillon, bipartisan bill to require the State Treasurer to finance the purchase of a Firehawk helicopter for wildfire fighting efforts. Cosponsored by House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, SB23-161 allows Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, ensuring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has at least one Firehawk available for rapid response at all times. “We no longer have wildfire seasons, we have wildfire years, which is why we are proactively investing in advanced wildfire fighting equipment like the Firehawk to keep our communities safe,” said Fenberg. “Firehawk helicopters are state-of-the-art and built for longevity, making this a smart investment for Colorado’s future. This will help ensure we are able to aggressively respond to and mitigate wildfires with greater speed and increased capacity, and will help us better protect homes, people, and property against increasingly dangerous wildfires.” “When combatting a wildfire, every minute counts for our first responders and our communities,” said McCluskie. “We’re continually working to improve the state’s wildfire response time by investing in the latest technology to protect our homes, businesses and neighborhoods. By providing the funding to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, we are helping ensure that our firefighters can combat and contain wildfires in difficult terrain and keep our communities safe.” In 2021, Fenberg and McCluskie championed legislation to purchase Colorado’s first Firehawk helicopter , which will join Colorado’s fleet of firefighting aircraft later this year. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 27) – The House gave final approval to Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “We have an obligation to be proactive – not reactive. This is a public health crisis. Waiting for a tragedy to happen is not an option. This is about the safety of our students and experts have been consulted in crafting this important legislation. Colorado ranks last in the country for kindergarten immunizations. We need to do better.” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. What HB19-1312 does: · Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. · Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. · Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. · Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. During House debate on the bill earlier this week, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the legislatures only doctor and the daughter of immigrant parents, refuted a statement from a House Republican alluding that the issue with low vaccination rates is not because parents are opting out of vaccinating their children, but rather that diseases are being spread by individuals who have immigrated to the United States. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified at a House hearing earlier this month in support of this common-sense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination rate . Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country, most recently in Washington and New York states. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level of reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a widespread, public outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential in protecting vulnerable people, including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee hearing by a vote of 7-4 on April 15. HB19-1312 was approved on a final vote of 39-20. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 SPEAKER BECKER, SENS. COURT & PRIOLA UNVEIL BIPARTISAN BILLS TO BETTER FUND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TRANSPORTATION & HIGHER-ED (Mar. 20) – Speaker KC Becker, Sen. Kevin Priola and Sen. Lois Court introduced a bipartisan bill today to better fund public schools, higher education, and roads, bridges, and transit. Colorado has one of the best economies in the country but revenue limits restrict the state’s ability to benefit from economic growth during upturns and protect against downturns. As a result, Colorado’s investment in public schools consistently ranks at the bottom of the nation, and transportation is severely underfunded. “This effort is supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition. This is about good governance,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “The TABOR cap is an antiquated fiscal policy that has severely limited Colorado’s ability to invest in basic functions of government－from public schools to transportation and health care. It’s made our economy easier to bust when recessions hit and harder to boom when they end. This measure is not an answer to all of our fiscal problems, but it’s a critical first step in making sure our fiscal policy actually supports our way of life in Colorado.” Colorado’s TABOR amendment restricts the amount of revenue all levels of government (state, local and schools) can spend, preventing the state from benefiting from economic growth and making critical investments. The vast majority of local governments and school districts have already “debruced,” meaning, they’ve received voter approval to retain all or a portion of the revenue over the TABOR cap. Of the state’s 272 municipalities, 230 municipalities have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all or a portion of excess revenue collected. Of the state’s 64 counties, 51 counties have obtained voter approval to retain and spend all excess revenue. All but four of the 178 school districts in Colorado have obtained voter approval to retain and spend excess revenue. The state has not yet followed suit, having only temporarily suspended the TABOR limit because of budget constraints through the voter-approved Referendum C in 2005. In the last 27 years since the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) was voted into Colorado’s Constitution, our state population has increased 50 percent – more than 2.3 million additional people live in our state in 2019 than in 1992. For decades, Colorado has not been able to keep up with the demands of growth because of the outdated fiscal restraints imposed on the state by TABOR. “I’ve talked to many Coloradans in my community and they are concerned about transportation and education. They want us to solve problems and fix things,” said Sen. Priola, R-Brighton. “I’m a native Coloradan and this proposal follows TABOR to a T because it goes to the voters.” There is a $9 billion project backlog at the Colorado Department of Transportation. Investing in our state’s infrastructure and transportation system is critical for economic development in rural Colorado and across the state. “I am proud to work with Speaker Becker and Senator Priola to ask the voters, without changing the constitution, if they’re willing to allow us to keep the funds we’ve collected to provide the services they expect,” said Sen. Court, D-Denver. HB19-1257 refers a measure to the Fall 2019 statewide ballot asking voters to authorize the state to annually retain and spend all state revenues in excess of the TABOR cap, the constitutional limitation on state fiscal year spending. HB19-1258, the companion bill, is contingent on voters approving the referred measure. It splits up the revenue retained due to the measure to be spent 1⁄3 each on public schools; higher education; and roads, bridges and transit. “These bipartisan measures will help ensure rural Colorado can thrive, generate more economic development and provide critical services in our communities,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion, a co-prime sponsor of the measures. At a news conference earlier in the day, Speaker Becker read a statement from Gov. Jared Polis about the measures. “Governor Polis supports allowing the state to keep the tax revenue it already collects. This common sense policy does not alter the right of citizens to vote on taxes but allows Colorado to keep pace with a growing economy. The governor is engaging bi-partisan civic leaders across the state because he believes broad bipartisan support is essential to win in November.” The text of the bills can be found here and here. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. < Back April 25, 2024 Bipartisan Lukens Bill to Improve Access to Safe Housing Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens to improve access to housing for survivors of domestic violence. HB24-1431 passed by a vote of 54-8. “Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness, especially for women and children, and it's critical that they have a safe place to call home when they leave their abuser,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “This important bipartisan legislation would connect victims of domestic and sexual violence to stable housing, helping some of our most vulnerable Coloradans when they are at risk for further violence.” HB24-1431 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would create the Stable Housing for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Program. The program would coordinate with community-based organizations to provide short-term assistance payments to survivors of abuse and interpersonal violence so they can secure safe housing. A 2023 study found that survivors who received housing support reported a decrease in physical, psychological, and economic abuse for themselves and their children. Previous Next