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New laws aim to crack down on tax avoidance, tax breaks for corporations and helps fill $1 billion revenue hole created by Congressional Republicans’ budget < Back August 28, 2025 Bills to Crack Down on Foreign Tax Havens, Close Tax Breaks for Corporations and Protect Critical Services Become Law New laws aim to crack down on tax avoidance, tax breaks for corporations and helps fill $1 billion revenue hole created by Congressional Republicans’ budget DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law. These new laws will protect core services and close corporate tax loopholes after Republicans in Congress created a $1 billion hole in Colorado’s budget with massive corporate tax cuts. HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens and offshore bank accounts, and HB25B-1001 limits tax breaks for higher-earning business owners by permanently decoupling from a federal tax giveaway. “This legislation prevents corporations from hiding money overseas so they can dodge paying their fair share of taxes, ” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “Congressional Republicans’ budget handed billions of dollars in tax breaks to the wealthiest people and corporations, and it’s only fair that we close these loopholes and protect funding for teachers, health care and transportation. Everyday people can’t stash their income overseas to avoid taxes, and neither should billionaires and corporations.” “In both terms, Donald Trump has given large corporations more leeway to dodge taxes by shifting profits overseas,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “Colorado shouldn’t reward that behavior, and this law makes sure those companies pay their fair share towards Colorado's schools, health care, and roads.” “The irresponsible Republican tax bill not only runs the largest deficit since World War II to give massive tax giveaways to large corporations, it also undermines the strength of our country and blasts a billion-dollar hole in Colorado's balanced budget,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB25B-1002. “I sponsored this law to close loopholes used by large multinational corporations to shield and hide their income in foreign tax havens, including those that Trump's own Secretary of Commerce has called ‘tax scams’. It is disappointing that some colleagues chose to vote to protect these tax scams used by large multinational companies and ultra-wealthy individuals with access to sophisticated tax planning to avoid paying taxes, which increases the burden upon small businesses and individuals to fund the state's essential services, from roads to schools.” HB25B-1002 cracks down on foreign tax havens, offshore bank accounts and other tax loopholes for US companies that dodge Colorado taxes with foreign assets. Unless they can prove legitimate operations in the foreign country, Colorado requires companies incorporated in common tax havens, like Cayman Islands and Panama, to pay Colorado taxes to prevent international tax avoidance. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, the law expands the list of countries to include Hong Kong, Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Singapore. In 2017, President Trump created a special tax break, now known as the Foreign-Derived Deduction Eligible Income (FDDEI) deduction, for multi-national businesses that kept their intangible assets in the US. The law decouples the state from the FDDEI to prevent companies from benefiting from larger Colorado tax breaks for investments and assets that are based outside of the state. President Trump’s 2017 tax cuts also allowed pass-through businesses, like S corporations and real estate investment trusts, to avoid paying taxes on up to 20-percent of qualified business income. In 2020, the Colorado legislature passed the “Tax Fairness Act” , decoupling from this federal tax cut by creating an add-back for this deduction for high-income business owners with an income over $500,000 per year for single filers or $1 million per year for joint filers. “These corporate tax breaks show loud and clear that Trump and Congressional Republicans care more about helping their wealthy friends hoard more wealth than providing essential government services to hardworking Americans,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “Legislation like HB25B-1001 will help us stop these corporate giveaways and continue life-saving food assistance and health care programs for Coloradans.” “Congressional Republicans passed a budget that adds even more tax breaks to high-earning business owners while kicking Coloradans off of their health insurance coverage and raising costs for all Coloradans,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “When Trump passed tax breaks in his first term that allowed high-earners to lop 20-percent off their taxable income, Colorado Democrats took action and decoupled from this federal giveaway for the wealthy. This law makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent and prioritizes hardworking Coloradans.” “In 2021, the Colorado legislature took major strides toward reversing Trump’s corporate tax breaks in order to protect essential services for Coloradans who depend on them,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB25B-1001. “This year, Trump and Congressional Republicans made those tax breaks permanent, so we're fighting to continue prioritizing the basic services that benefit hardworking Coloradans the most. With this new law, we’re permanently decoupling from these unfair tax breaks to ensure corporations pay their fair share to hardworking Coloradans.” The legislature previously extended the decoupling and add-back through 2025. HB25B-1001 makes Colorado’s decoupling permanent, responding to the action by Republicans in Congress to make the tax giveaway permanent at the federal level in HR 1. Previous Next

< Back January 11, 2023 SPEAKER MCCLUSKIE MAKES COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today made additional committee appointments for the 74th General Assembly. The appointments were necessitated in part by the resignation of Rep. Adrienne Benavidez. “I'm excited to make these new committee assignments and kick off our work to help more people in our state live their Colorado dream,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Each and every lawmaker in their respective committees will help us achieve our legislative priorities of building a Colorado everyone can afford, protecting our air and water, investing in education, improving public safety and protecting our freedoms. Now, let’s get to work!” Majority Committee Assignments for the 74th General Assembly. Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee Chair, Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Appropriations Committee Chair, Representative Emily Sirota, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Leslie Herod, D-Denver Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair, Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Vice Chair, Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Education Committee Chair, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango Vice Chair, Representative Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Energy and Environment Committee Chair, Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Vice Chair, Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Representative Alex Valdez, D-Denver Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Finance Committee Chair, Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Vice Chair Representative Junie Joseph, D-Boulder Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Health and Insurance Committee Chair, Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Vice Chair, Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Sheila Lieder, D-Lakewood Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Brianna Titone, D-Arvada Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Judiciary Committee Chair, Representative Mike Weissman, D-Aurora Vice Chair, Representative Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver Representative Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County Representative Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee Chair, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City Vice Chair, Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley Representative Judy Amabile, D-Boulder Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver Representative Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora Representative Tammy Story, D-Conifer State, Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Chair, Representative Steven Woodrow, D-Denver Vice Chair, Representative David Ortiz, D-Littleton Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver Representative Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora Representative Said Sharbini, D-Brighton Representative Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee Chair, Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood Vice Chair, Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins Representative Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial Representative Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Representative Javier Mabrey, D-Denver Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo Representative Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie Representative Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs Previous Next

< Back March 2, 2019 LEGISLATION INTRODUCED EMPOWERING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PRIORITIZING HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COLORADANS (March 1) – Majority Leader Steve Fenberg today introduced SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil And Gas Operations, a piece of oil and gas legislation that will empower local governments and prioritize the health and safety of Coloradans. Co-sponsored in the House by Speaker KC Becker, the legislation seeks to provide the most meaningful changes to oil and gas regulations Colorado has seen in over 60 years. “Colorado’s communities simply cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “We also must empower communities to take control over what’s happening in their backyards and equip them with the tools they need to stand up for their best interests. These common-sense reforms will ensure the industry operates in an accountable and cooperative manner.” “Coloradans deserve a government that works for them – not the special interests. It is past time for action on this critical issue,” said Speaker KC Becker. “Let’s work together to update our antiquated oil and gas laws to give local communities more of a say when it comes to development near their homes and schools and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink.” In the last decade, oil and gas development in Colorado has rapidly evolved, introducing new technologies and expanding heavy industrial operations to populated urban and suburban neighborhoods. Unfortunately, as the industry has changed, our laws and regulations have not kept pace, leaving our neighborhoods, communities and our environment to bear the impacts and increasing risks. Key elements of the bill include: Providing clear language that local governments have land use authority to protect their public health, safety and welfare, environment and wildlife as drilling occurs. Clarification that the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is to regulate oil and gas activities, not foster oil and gas development as statute currently reads. Enhancement of staff capacity and balanced representation on the COGCC, including adding a commissioner with public health expertise and ensuring COGCC can charge appropriate permit fees. Direction to the COGCC to increase disclosure of pipeline and flowline locations and enhance monitoring for pipelines. Ensuring proper financial assurances for operations in Colorado designed to prevent continued orphan wells. Allows the commission to conduct a rulemaking to establish a pipeline certification safety process for oil and gas field welders to ensure that workers are properly trained and as result enhances safe operations. Current law allows for permission from just one mineral right owner to make the determination to “force pool” other mineral interest owners and require development of those resources against the will of the owners. The bill establishes a threshold requiring more than 50 percent of the mineral rights owners to consent to developing before forced pooling occurs. Directs air quality commission to put forward common sense rules that reduce harmful emissions including methane, and ensure wells are being constructed to high standards. For more information about SB19-181, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181 . Previous Next

Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program < Back November 28, 2023 SIGNED! Bill to Reduce Child Hunger, Support Working Families DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Lorena Garcia’s, D-Unincorporated Adams County, legislation to take advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and provide students with nutrition assistance during summer break. Under SB23B-002 – which passed with bipartisan support – Colorado children will receive an estimated $35 million to help their families purchase groceries while school is out for summer – a time when child hunger typically spikes. The Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food from SNAP retailers. Families will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. “In Colorado, far too many children, through no fault of their own, face nutritional challenges—a problem that becomes exacerbated in the summer when they are not in school and they don’t have access to free and reduced meals,” said Zenzinger. “I’m proud of our bipartisan work to deliver these federal funds, making Colorado a national leader on this issue.” “Today, we’re taking an important step to combat childhood hunger,” said Bird. “This law utilizes federal funds to feed more children during the summer months when child hunger rises. We’re working to make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to make ends meet and feed their children.” “Ensuring kids have access to meals all year round is a great thing, full stop,” said Bridges. “Passing this legislation now means more than 300,000 Colorado kids will get meals for next summer, when they’re not receiving meals at school. Our bipartisan bill means Colorado will be a national leader in utilizing the federal funding available to us, and I’m proud to see it get signed into law.” “No child in Colorado should go hungry, and we’re taking significant steps to combat child hunger during the summer,” said Garcia. “This law will help feed more children and provide some much needed breathing room in the grocery budgets of thousands of families. Taking advantage of federal funding to feed our kids during the summer upholds the dignity of families and protects the health of the over 300,000 children in Colorado." The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 , with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. After California, Colorado is the next state to opt into the program for the 2024 year. Sixteen other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Colorado became one of the first states in the nation to implement new federal Summer EBT Program Previous Next

The House today passed two bills to increase student access to mental health services in schools and support youth who use prosthetics. < Back April 18, 2023 House Passes Bills to Improve Mental Health in Schools and Access to Prosthetics DENVER, CO - The House today passed two bills to increase student access to mental health services in schools and support youth who use prosthetics. “Schools are short on school mental health professionals, putting the responsibility of addressing student mental health struggles onto educators that are already overworked and underpaid,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB23-004. “ Teachers, students, and parents throughout Colorado are asking for our help to support our kids. This bill expands Colorado schools’ ability to hire qualified mental health professionals so students have easier access to life-saving mental health services.” “Schools and students are in great need of mental health services to address our youth mental health crisis,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, a school psychologist and sponsor of SB23-004. “Our current laws require licensing through the Colorado Department of Education before a licensed mental health professional is qualified for employment in Colorado schools, despite their expertise in childhood behavioral health and the shortage of mental health providers in schools. SB23-004 will help our schools and students have the mental health services they need to combat depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.” Current Colorado law requires a mental health professional to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Education in order to work in a school, making it more difficult for schools to hire enough professionally-licensed therapists to address students’ mental health needs. SB23-004 allows school districts to employ mental health professionals who hold a Colorado license and have experience working with children and adolescents, but don’t have a special service provider license through the Department of Education, to be school-based therapists. This bill streamlines the hiring process and increases access to mental health resources in schools for Colorado children and youth. SB23-004 unanimously passed by a vote of 62-0. The COVID-19 pandemic increased feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression among youth. About 40% of Colorado middle and high school students reported feeling depressed in 2020 per the Health Kids Colorado Survey . Additionally, a 2022 study found that Colorado Children’s Hospital saw a 103% increase of patients visiting emergency departments for behavioral health concerns compared to data from 2019. This bill is crucial in reducing and preventing mental health issues for Colorado youth before they reach crisis levels. “Colorado youth with limb loss can’t receive the prosthetics they need to enjoy biking, skiing, hiking, running and everything else Colorado’s great outdoors has to offer because they’re often not covered by their parent’s insurance,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1136. “This bipartisan legislation updates our prosthetic insurance coverage law so Coloradan’s can access the prosthetics they need to participate in their favorite sports and hobbies. This bill saves families money, improves accessibility and breaks down barriers to entering youth sports and countless other physical activities.” HB23-1136 , sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Anthony Hartsook, would save Coloradans money and support youth by modifying Colorado’s current prosthetic coverage law so health insurance plans will be required to cover an additional prosthetic device necessary for physical or recreational activity. Without health plan coverage, Colorado families can incur expensive out-of-pocket costs to cover additional prosthetics because the alternative prosthetic is considered not medically necessary. HB23-1136 aims to ensure Coloradans living with limb loss or limb difference are able to participate in recreational activities such as youth sports, biking, rock climbing, running, skiing, snowboarding and more. The bill passed by a vote of 62-1 . Previous Next

< Back February 4, 2022 BILL FROM REP. YOUNG TO SUPPORT OLDER COLORADANS ADVANCES DENVER, CO – The Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services committee today passed HB22-1035, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Mary Bradfield to bolster supports for older Coloradans. The legislation passed 10-1. “As the number of older Coloradans rises, we have to rethink how we provide the support and services they need to be productive and live the way they want,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our legislation updates Colorado law to set clear goals that will guide our state to bolster services for older Coloradans. Our goal is to provide the social services, jobs and skills training programs, health care services and so much more that prepares all Coloradans to live productive lives as they grow older.” HB22-1035 updates the Older Coloradans Act to bolster supports and services to older Coloradans, such as social services, health services, workforce development, digital literacy and the state’s infrastructure for the growing older population in the state. The legislation operationalizes many of the recommendations set forth by the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and sets clear goals to guide the state as it works to ensure “that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old.” The bill makes it the policy of the state of Colorado to prevent abuse, exploitation and neglect of older Coloradans and recognize “that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state’s responsibility.” To accomplish these goals, the legislation creates a commission to coordinate and guide state aging programs. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. < Back November 17, 2023 Higher Tax Credits Coming Soon for Hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO - The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans by increasing the state Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “Our bill will put hard-earned money back into the pockets of 400,000 hardworking Colorado families,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit provides a significant boost to working-class families struggling to buy their children clothing, afford groceries, and otherwise support their families. We’re saving Colorado families money, lifting more families out of poverty, and boosting our local economies.” “Hundreds of dollars in savings can be the difference between missing meals and being able to put food on the table for your family,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Our kids perform best in school when they have stable housing and reliable meals. The Earned Income Tax Credit is proven to improve family health and education outcomes, improve child nutrition, and boost parents’ take-home earnings so they can build a better future for themselves and their families.” HB23B-1002 would expand the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023 to one of the highest state matches in the country. With the current state EITC at 25 percent, the average state-level EITC is $521 . By increasing the EITC, families could see hundreds of additional dollars back in their wallets next year. The bill builds on legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to make Colorado more affordable for working-class families. The General Assembly passed HB20-1420 and HB21-1311 , which more than doubled the state's EITC and funded the Child Tax Credit for the first time in Colorado, saving hundreds of thousands of Colorado families money. Additionally, Colorado Democrats passed HB23-1112 last session to increase the Colorado EITC from 25 percent to 38 percent of the federal EITC for tax year 2024. The bill’s demographic note showed that EITC recipients were more likely to be women, people of color, and people living with disabilities. Previous Next

The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. < Back February 2, 2024 Lieder Legislation to Recognize 911 Operators as First Responders Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. “We’re one step closer to securing first responder recognition for our deserving 911 operators,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This important bipartisan legislation would reclassify 911 operators as first responders because of the critical role they play in keeping our communities safe. 911 operators are the first ones to connect with a person in crisis, and this bill recognizes them as skilled first responders who streamline public safety in every community across Colorado.” HB24-1016 , sponsored by Representative Sheila Lieder and Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would define emergency communications specialists as first responders. Specifically, this would include emergency communications specialists who receive, triage, process, transmit or dispatch emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for public safety services. This also includes those emergency communications specialists who provide resources to field responders or emergency medical dispatch. Previous Next

New medical school will strengthen Colorado’s health care workforce, increase access to care for Coloradans < Back September 30, 2024 Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Medical School at University of Northern Colorado GREELEY - Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera celebrated the groundbreaking for the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). This new Medical school, the third medical school in the state, will help support Colorado’s healthcare workforce, ensuring that Coloradans have access to high-quality care. The Lt. Governor joined UNC President Andy Feinstein, Greeley Mayor John Gates, UNC Board of Trustees Chairman Dick Monfort, and other community leaders for the groundbreaking. “I am thrilled to be here at my Alma Mater to celebrate this monumental opportunity for our students, our economy, and our future healthcare workers. The new College of Osteopathic Medicine at UNC will train 150 new doctors each year, ensuring our healthcare workforce is able to provide Coloradans with the high-quality care they deserve. As our state continues to grow, it is critical for communities in every corner of the state to have highly skilled providers to care for us and our family members,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. This new medical school will attract students from across the country to Colorado, strengthening the healthcare workforce and supporting Colorado’s economy. On May 1, 2024, Governor Polis signed HB24-1231 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Lindsey Daugherty and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Kyle Mullica providing funding for Colorado’s third medical school, new veterinarian training facilities at CSU, and program expansions at MSU and Trinidad State. “I’m thrilled to be here as we begin construction on the new college of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Northern Colorado,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “This new medical college will serve as a strong economic driver for Greeley, as well as the surrounding communities, and help meet the medical workforce needs of our rural and underserved neighborhoods. At the legislature, we’ve taken historic steps to increase access to affordable health care and address our workforce shortages in the industry. Today is a historic day as we invest in the future of higher education health care projects and programs that will serve generations to come.” “Across the state, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of critical health care providers, which is why we are standing up a new medical college in Greeley to train the next generation of professionals in these fields,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the osteopathic medical college means we’re one step closer to training more critical health care providers in our state. I’m proud of our work to lower barriers for Coloradans who want to enter these professions and better serve our communities.” “This new medical school will be a hub that helps Coloradans get the training needed to provide care and serve their communities, filling critical health care jobs around the state. This groundbreaking is another important step and I can’t wait to see the doors open on this facility,” said Senator Barb Kirkmeyer. "Colorado is facing a critical shortage of healthcare providers, leading to gaps in care, longer wait times, and limited access to essential services in both rural and urban areas," said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. "As the only practicing nurse at the Colorado State Capitol, I’ve seen firsthand how urgent it is to strengthen our healthcare workforce. The establishment of the College of Osteopathic Medicine will be a game-changer in this effort. It will play a pivotal role in addressing our state’s healthcare challenges and ensuring that every Coloradan has access to the quality care they deserve to lead healthy, thriving lives." Previous Next

< Back May 2, 2019 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE Bill goes to Gov for signature (May 1) – The House sent a bill sponsored by Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, and Rep. Dominique Jackson, D-Aurora, to the Governor. The bill will take action to address climate change. Acting on climate will help protect clean air and water, and spur clean energy jobs, innovation, business development, and economic growth for Colorado. “We can address climate change, create clean energy jobs, reduce carbon pollution and help our economy all at once,” s aid Speaker Becker. “I thank my colleagues for taking action to address this challenge and we look forward to the Governor signing it into law. Air pollution doesn’t respect county or governmental boundaries and in Colorado we take pride in the fact that we are doing our part to address the impacts of climate change. This bill sets goals to reduce carbon pollution and some utilities have already set carbon-free goals.” “We too frequently see the smog, and the hazy, bad air quality impacting the air we all breathe. Pollution is changing how we live our lives and threatening the things we love about Colorado,” said Rep. Jackson when the bill passed the House in April. “We’ve all heard the stories about elderly individuals who have been physically harmed because they couldn’t cool their home. Our seniors, low income people and especially communities of color are more likely to bear the impacts of climate change. Let’s preserve our Colorado way of life today.” Rep. Jackson is Chair of the House Energy and Environment committee. Establishing science-based goals & taking action to meet them are critical to Colorado’s future. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. Coloradans are already seeing the negative impacts of climate change on a daily basis: Coloradans are experiencing poor air quality affecting our health; mountain residents are seeing more frequent and destructive wildfires; increased drought is harming our farms; smaller snow packs are resulting in shorter ski seasons; and shallower rivers for fishing and rafting are threatening our thriving outdoor economy and the Colorado way of life. The overwhelming majority of Coloradans support climate action. This reasonable, science-based legislation directs the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) to develop rules limiting carbon pollution, ensuring Colorado lead on climate action. HB19-1261 puts pollution reduction goals into statute to reduce Colorado’s greenhouse gas pollution by 26 percent by 2025, 50 percent by 2030, and 90 percent by 2050 of 2005 levels. The AQCC will hold an extensive stakeholder process throughout the rulemaking period. The House re-passed the bill after the Senate added amendments on a vote 39-24. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act. < Back February 2, 2024 First-in-the-Nation Neural Data Protections Bill Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation in a preliminary vote to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act. “Companies like Apple and Meta are making amazing progress with technology that uses biological and neural data, but without proper privacy protections in our state law, Coloradans’ personal data can be used without consent,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “While neurotechnology has made significant advancements, especially for people with disabilities, bad actors can also use this data to learn how to change people’s thoughts and behavior. Our bill will protect Coloradans’ privacy of thought while continuing to encourage technological advancements.” HB24-1058 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, would expand the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data. Neurotechnology has become increasingly popular in recent years. Scientists and tech companies like Apple, Meta and Neuralink have used neurotechnology to recreate songs from users’ brain waves and translate thoughts using artificial intelligence. It also has the potential to alter someone’s thoughts and behaviors. In 2021, Chile was the first country in the world to pass a law to protect brain rights so their personal neural data could not be sold, trafficked or manipulated. If HB24-1058 becomes law, Colorado will be the first state in the US to protect their residents’ biological and neural data. Previous Next

Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. < Back October 31, 2025 Jackson Highlights Success of Treatment Interim Committee DENVER, CO – Representative Jamie Jackson, Chair of the Joint Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee , released a statement today on the committee’s efforts as it concludes its work in 2025. Representative Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora: “This interim, we focused on fostering healthier, safer communities by examining access to treatment in Colorado’s criminal justice system. Throughout the interim, we looked at how we can reduce recidivism by improving outcomes for incarcerated adults and juveniles, especially those living with behavioral and mental health conditions. I want to thank the committee members and everyone who participated in this process for their hard work to fill critical gaps in access to treatment.” The committee advanced bills to support Coloradans who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges or are in the criminal justice system. Bill 1 would help improve the safety and treatment of young adults and juveniles in the Youthful Offender System within the Department of Corrections. Bill 2 expands Medicaid reimbursement for certain transportation providers, giving people in crisis more choices. Bill 3 expands community-based treatment and rehabilitation options for those deemed not guilty by reason of insanity. The committee is comprised of Rep. Jackson, Chair, Senator Judy Amaible, D-Boulder, Vice Chair, Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton and Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, and Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet , D-Commerce City and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells. Previous Next