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< Back April 27, 2021 JOBS! CLEAN ENERGY CAREER PATHWAYS PASSES THE HOUSE Colorado Comeback bill invests millions into renewable energy job training DENVER, CO– The House today passed Representative Dominique Jackson and Brianna Titone’s bill to invest $5 million into job training and workforce development for the energy sector on third reading and final passage. The 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 40-23. “Renewable energy is a booming sector that is good for the planet and good for Colorado’s economy,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill makes a sizable investment to ensure that Coloradans, especially workers displaced by COVID 19 and communities of color, have the tools they need to make a career out of clean energy. The Colorado comeback is on its way, and green jobs are coming with it.” “The energy jobs of the future are renewable, and today we voted to prepare Colorado’s workers to take them on and thrive,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “By investing in job training and workforce development in the renewable energy sector, we’re building back stronger and ensuring our economy reflects both our values and the market trends of the future.” HB21-1149 calls on the Colorado Workforce Development Council to work with local workforce boards, school districts across the state, the Colorado Department of Education, community colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher learning to create and implement a career pathway for students in the renewable energy sector. The bill invests $5 million into the career pathway so institutions of higher learning and workforce development authorities can implement what is known as the Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers, or SPARC, program. The bill establishes that the career pathway developed by the Workforce Development Council should give priority to individuals with job losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and that communities of color should also be prioritized. Previous Next

< Back February 5, 2020 BILL TO PROTECT RURAL AND SMALL COMMUNITY PHARMACIES AND LOWER DRUG COSTS ADVANCES DENVER, CO — Reps. Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kyle Mullica’s bill, Concerning Prescription Drug Claims Submitted by a Pharmacy, today was approved by House of Representatives on second reading. The bipartisan bill seeks to lower prescription drug costs and support rural and small community pharmacies by establishing requirements for the rates paid by pharmacy benefit management (PBM) firms to pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know this bill is critical for saving rural and smaller community pharmacies that are being hit with exorbitant fees,” said Rep Jaquez Lewis (D-Boulder). “We will save these vital health care centers from closing and reduce the cost of prescription drugs for pharmacies and patients with this bill. As a former pharmacist, I understand this system well and I know we need to bring as much transparency to it as possible. ” “As an ER nurse, I know first hand how crucial it is to get a patient the best possible medication when they need it,” said Rep. Mullica (D-Northglenn). “But even the best prescription drug is completely ineffective when it’s not affordable or not accessible in your community. This bill would save people money on prescription drugs and help keep pharmacies in smaller communities in business. I’m very pleased to see it move forward today.” HB20-1078 specifies the amount that a PBM is required to reimburse a pharmacy for ‘clean claims’ and reasonable dispensing fees. Specifically, the bill would prohibit pharmaceutical middle management companies, known as PBMs, from collecting retroactive fees, which increase the cost of prescription drugs to pharmacies and patients in Colorado. Retroactive billing hits pharmacies in rural communities the hardest because they have less financial capacity to absorb retroactive losses on prescriptions that are needed by rural Coloradans.The bill was approved by the House Health and Insurance Committee unanimously before being referred to the Committee of the Whole. Previous Next

< Back October 30, 2022 Speaker Garnett and Majority Leader Esgar Statements on Passing of Minority Leader McKean DENVER, CO – House Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today released the following statements on the passing of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. Statement from Speaker Garnett: Emily and I are shocked and heartbroken by the passing of Minority Leader Hugh McKean. We will miss his kindness, the joy that he brought to the capitol every day, and the care that he showed every person he ever met. Hugh was the very definition of a statesman– a genuinely nice guy who always wanted the best for our state and his constituents. His integrity and the deep respect with which he treated every member of the House were a model for every lawmaker he worked with. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Democratic Caucus are with Leader McKean’s family and loved ones. Statement from Majority Leader Esgar: Heather and I join our entire caucus and every Coloradan in mourning the sudden passing of my friend and colleague Leader McKean. Hugh worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents and cared deeply about our state and our future. In our roles as Majority and Minority Leader, we worked closely together every day, with a shared commitment to doing the people’s work. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his loved ones and the House Republican Caucus. ### Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 REP. MCLACHLAN’S COLLEGE CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE BILL ADVANCES Bipartisan legislation would allow college students to obtain academic credit for work experience DENVER, CO — Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Mark Baisley that would make it easier to obtain academic credit for work-related experiences across all state institutions today advanced from the House Education Committee. The legislation passed unanimously. “As a former teacher, I know that some of the most important education a student can get happens outside of the classroom,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango). “This bill would allow students who have had formative educational experiences in the workplace to get the academic credits they need to complete their degrees in a more affordable and expedited way. As Colorado employers continue to struggle to fill jobs that require a post-secondary credential, it is critical that we do everything we can to help students get the skills they need to compete in a 21st century economy. This bill would have a lasting and important impact on non-traditional students in my district and across the state, and I’ll keep working to make it a reality.” HB20-1002, which advanced from the Making Higher Education Attainable Interim Committee, would require the Commission on Higher Education to create a model to award academic credit for work-related experiences. The credits would be acceptable and transferable across all state institutions, improving access and affordability for non-traditional students. The bill also includes a provision that will require state institutions to develop a mechanism through which students can test out of any undergraduate class through an individual assessment or other testing means. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would strengthen protections for survivors of sexual misconduct by expanding the Civil Rape Shield Law. HB25-1138 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. < Back February 4, 2025 Bipartisan Lukens Bill to Strengthen Civil Rape Shield Law Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Meghan Lukens that would strengthen protections for survivors of sexual misconduct by expanding the Civil Rape Shield Law . HB25-1138 unanimously passed by a vote of 13-0. “Far too often, victims have been unfairly blamed for an assault based on what they wear or how they live their lives, making Coloradans vulnerable to sensitive and irrelevant details being used against them,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The unfortunate reality is that survivors of sexual misconduct have been hesitant to pursue legal action because irrelevant details about their past sexual history, lifestyle, and clothing could be used against them. In Colorado, we stand by victims of sexual assault. Our bipartisan legislation would prevent the use of unrelated details in a civil case, protecting survivors so they can hold their stalker, harasser, or assaulter accountable.” HB25-1138 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, would protect victims of sexual assault in civil court by making hairstyle, manner of speech, lifestyle, and clothing related to an alleged sexual offense inadmissible as evidence of consent, credibility, or harm. With few exceptions, the past sexual history of a victim cannot be discussed, and a judge must first review any such evidence in private. Currently, Colorado law says sexual activity is irrelevant and inadmissible in a civil proceeding unless that sexual activity was between a victim and a defendant. This bill would eliminate that exception. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law that expanded the Criminal Rape Shield Law to prohibit the admission of evidence of a victim’s clothing or the victim’s past sexual history with a defendant to prove consent. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 passed by a vote of 53-10. < Back April 17, 2025 Feret Bill to Reduce Workplace Violence Against Health Care Workers Passes DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Lisa Feret to reduce workplace violence for health care workers. SB25-166 passed by a vote of 53-10. “Health care workers are far more likely to experience workplace violence than any other profession, necessitating this legislation to keep Colorado health care workers safe,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada. “Health care workers should never have to worry about their physical and emotional safety on the job, and this bill gets us one step closer to providing the safety and security they deserve.” SB25-166 would add a workplace violence performance metric to the state’s quality incentive program and empower the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to consult with stakeholders to address workplace violence. In consultation with stakeholders, HCPF would develop workplace violence performance metrics, explore funding opportunities, and provide legislative recommendations. The group would include Medicaid providers, hospital associations, rural hospital representatives, nurse representatives, and relevant state agencies. HCPF would be required to consult with the Department of Public Health and Environment and other stakeholders by September 1, 2025. The bill would also empower HCPF to assess hospitals’ adoption of a formal workplace violence policy. Health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of workplace violence-related injuries and are five times more likely to be injured on the job compared to other industries. 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

< Back May 28, 2020 DEMOCRATS VOTE TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR ENERGY CONSUMERS DENVER, CO — The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed Representative Daneya Esgar’s bill to increase and improve protections for energy consumers, with specific protections for Coloradans who have an increased electricity use due to a medical condition. The bill was approved by a vote of 7-3. “As so many Coloradans struggle to deal with the economic devastation of COVID19, it’s more important than ever to ensure we have strong and efficient consumer protections,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “This bill stands up for low-income Coloradans who may face being disconnected due to lack of payment and provides protections for those who are eligible for energy assistance due to medical conditions. As we take steps to responsibly get our state back to work and back on track, I’ll continue to make sure consumer protections and health and safety are among my top priorities.” SB20-030 imposes various requirements on public utilities and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) related to information reporting, billing, and customer interactions. Specifically, the bill would require utilities under the PUC’s authority to report data related to customers who receive the medical exemption from tiered electricity rates, including information related to efforts the utilities have undertaken to enroll qualified individuals into the medical exemption program. SB20-030 also nearly doubles the level of income that the PUC may use to means test the medical exemption, allowing more Coloradans with medical needs to take advantage of the program. Among several other protections, SB20-030 includes a provision that directs the PUC to standardize practices for electric and gas utilities to use when disconnecting service due to nonpayment. This process must include providing the consumer with information regarding energy-assistance programs, prohibiting disconnection during extreme weather periods, allowing customers the opportunity to have their service reconnected on the same day, among other protections. Finally, SB20-030 puts in place guardrails to ensure that the PUC does not approve rate change mechanisms that disproportionately impact low-income residential communities, deeming these changes to be contrary to the public interest. Previous Next

New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services < Back April 21, 2024 Bill to Bolster Crime Victim Support, Behavioral Health Programs Passes House New funds would go to crime victims grant programs, public safety grants, and behavioral health services DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Meg Froelich to refer a measure to the ballot that would fund the Colorado Crime Victims Services, School Security Disbursement Program, and behavioral health crisis response system services by creating an excise tax on the firearm industry. HB24-1349 passed by a vote of 44-18. “When I was a young single mother, victim support services played a significant role in helping me navigate the judicial system so I could safely escape my abuser,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “With funding for victim services significantly reducing in the coming years, Colorado victims will lose access to essential resources that will help keep them safe and healthy. Our legislation would allow Colorado voters to decide if we should create an excise tax on firearms so we can continue to fund victim services. I would not be where I am today without these services, and by creating this excise tax, we can ensure that other survivors will have the resources they need to put their lives back together.” “Survivors of domestic abuse face the challenges of navigating the legal system to seek justice, beginning the healing process, and obtaining safe housing and financial security,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Unfortunately the safety net services for survivors are desperately underfunded and facing drastic cuts in federal funding. Firearms play a significant role in these crimes. So we’re giving Colorado voters to create a small tax on firearm purchases that will boost funding for life-saving victim services.” If approved by voters in the November 2024 election, HB24-1349 would create a new excise tax on gun dealers, gun manufacturers, and ammunition vendors beginning April 1, 2025. As amended, this bill would generate approximately $54 million annually. If approved by Colorado voters, the funds would be allocated in the following manner: $35 million to the Colorado Crime Victims Services fund for crime victim services grants, $10 million to the School Security Disbursement Program cash fund for grant programs like School Access for Emergency Response Grant Program, School Security Disbursement Grant Program and Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program, $5 million to the Behavioral Health Administration to provide crisis resolution services to youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, $5 million for mental health services for veterans, and Any remaining funds to the Crime Victim Services fund for additional grants to support crime victims and survivors. Small businesses with less than $20,000 in annual retail sales and retail sales to peace officers, law enforcement agencies, and active duty military members are exempt from this bill. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications.  < Back February 12, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Support Children, Modernize Health Care Communications DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications. “There is a need to update Colorado’s child support guidelines to better align them with the economic realities of raising a child in 2025,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB25-1159. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission, our bill modernizes some of the requirements for child support, including monthly income eligibility. Our goal is to ensure Colorado’s child support formulas are equitable, fair and meet the needs of children in our state.” “No child should go hungry or lack the support they need just because their family situation has changed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1159 . “I’ve met parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids, but the outdated child support guidelines make it harder for them to make ends meet. This bill updates income eligibility and simplifies the process, ensuring that children have the stability and resources they need to grow and succeed—no matter what challenges their families face. We’re making sure Colorado’s child support system is fairer, more effective, and truly centered on the well-being of our kids.” HB25-1159 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill ai ms to update and clarify Colorado's child support guidelines. HB25-1159 implements recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission , specifically to the monthly income eligibility and medical needs of children. Under the bill, new guidelines would be set to adjust the amount of child support divorced or separated parents are required to pay based on their income. The bill would also define certain medical determinations and guidelines for children with ongoing medical needs. Some examples include physical therapy, behavioral health treatment or orthodontics. The goal of the bill is to update the child support guidelines to reflect today’s economic realities and ensure children receive the financial support they need. “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks and utility companies, why not make it more widespread for health insurance communications,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-010. “This bill provides Coloradans with real-time health insurance information online while keeping their sensitive data safe and protected. This bill would cut down on health care administrative costs, reduce waste and improve access for consumers.” SB25-010 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 PERA REPAYMENT PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bipartisan bill to fulfill the state’s obligation to the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA). HB22-1029, sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Shane Sandridge, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 7 and would make up for the suspended 2020 $225 million payment toward PERA. “When the pandemic hit, significant budget cuts forced the state to skip a PERA payment and we owe it to our public employees to repay the debt,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster . “Colorado teachers, state troopers and public workers pay their fair share into PERA and our bipartisan bill ensures the state makes good on its obligation to continue paying down PERA’s unfunded liability. This bill safeguards the future of PERA, protects retirement benefits for thousands of dedicated public employees and preserves our state credit rating.” PERA Repayment : HB22-1029 , would ensure the State of Colorado fulfills its obligation to annually contribute to PERA until the unfunded liability is eliminated. The legislature suspended its annual payment of $225 million to PERA following the significant drop in projected state revenue as a result of the pandemic induced recession. The economy has since rebounded and this bill would make up for the suspended payment. Under this amended bill, the State of Colorado will contribute $380 million, $225 million will go towards the 2020 payment obligation and $155 million will go towards future payments. As part of comprehensive pension reforms from SB18-200, the State of Colorado made an one time payment of $225 to PERA in July 2021 and is on track to make another one time payment in just a few months. This bill would restore the skipped payment to PERA in 2020 and maintain the state’s investment obligations. PERA provides retirement and additional benefits to more 600,000 public employees including state government employees, state troopers, and public school teachers, in Colorado. Colorado’s continued investment toward paying down PERA’s unfunded liability is critical to maintaining a healthy credit rating which determines the cost of borrowing across all state agencies. Previous Next

Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. < Back July 16, 2024 Rep. Story Highlights Capital Development Committee Meeting DENVER, CO - Representative Tammy Story today highlighted the success of the Capital Development Committee (CDC) as it begins charting state investments for the new fiscal year. This joint legislative committee reviews funding requests for capital projects from all state agencies. Vice Chair Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer: “From higher education and youth services within the Department of Corrections to behavioral health facilities and state parks, the Capital Development Committee works to effectively support the capital construction needs of the state so services are delivered more effectively to communities. As a member of this committee since 2019, I know that when we support our neighbors, invest in education and prioritize accessible health care and behavioral health — Coloradans thrive. “On the higher education front, this committee has championed support for Colorado's public universities and colleges in all areas of the state: in the Four Corners area, the San Luis Valley, the Front Range, the western slope and the eastern plains, and everywhere in between. In recent years , the CDC has also invested in various improvements to better serve our at-risk, highest-need youth at the Mount View and Lookout Mountain youth services centers. “Our meeting today allowed us to tour current projects underway in the Capitol complex. Next month, we will tour the southwest quadrant to dive deeper and work towards an effective plan that will form the basis of our recommendations to the Joint Budget Committee.” Previous Next