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< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN, HISTORIC BUDGET FOR ALL ‘Long bill’ now goes to conference committee (Apr. 5) – The House of Representatives approved the state budget package for fiscal year 2019-20, which will begin on July 1, 2019. Yesterday, Speaker KC Becker, Majority Leader Alec Garnett, and Joint Budget Committee members Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Chris Hansen, reached a bipartisan agreement with the leadership of all four legislative caucuses on a total of $300 million in transportation funding. “We are proud to put forward a responsible bipartisan budget that works for all of Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, vice-chair of the JBC. “Hardworking families and individuals will be well served by the historic investments we are making in education, transportation, mental and behavioral health and other priorities.” “Coloradans can be proud of this carefully balanced and comprehensive budget,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “While some in Washington push economically destructive trade wars, my colleagues and I were able to put forward a budget that makes historic, bipartisan investments in education, transportation and ensures kids and parents have access to full-day kindergarten.” Highlights from SB19-207, the “long bill” approved today, include: A total increased investment in K-12 education of $335.9 million, including funding for the implementation of full-day kindergarten as well as a $77 million boost in the budget stabilization factor buy-down. An additional $120 million investment in higher education to keep tuition flat for Colorado’s college students. Adds $1 million to help expand critical family planning services. Funds an additional $5 million for 42 new inpatient psychiatric beds at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP). Increases broadband deployment grants by $18.7 million. “I thank the members of the JBC for their work on this responsible, bipartisan budget that will help invest in our future, expand opportunity for hardworking people in every corner of our state and enhance our unique quality of life,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We’re making significant investments in education, higher-ed, transportation and other top priorities.” The “long bill” also includes: A $15.4 million placeholder for competency restoration (covers the state’s cost to reduce wait times for court-ordered mental-health evaluations). Adds $142,792 for management and maintenance costs for the new Veterans One-Stop (OneSource) Center in Grand Junction. The goal of the center is to improve services for Western Slope veterans by creating a hub for veterans’ organizations in the region. The facility will bring together, under one roof, multiple regional organizations that serve veterans’ needs. Adds $2.3 million cash funds for 20 new State Troopers and civilian staff to help make our roads safer. Approves 56 projects in the capital maintenance backlog, a $171 million investment for capital overall. The bipartisan bill was approved on a vote of 42-22. The “long bill” now goes to joint conference committee. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2024 House Passes Bill to Improve Public Transit, Meet Housing and Climate Goals Legislation would improve transit system to help reach housing and climate goals DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to better align the Regional Transportation District (RTD) with initiatives to address housing and climate issues. The legislation would also increase accountability, improve coordination between RTD and the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), and create a strategic 10-year plan to improve ridership. HB24-1447 passed by a vote of 42-22. HB24-1447 would work alongside a newly revealed legislative package to boost and stabilize funding for transit agencies across the state, including RTD. This significant investment to expand and improve access to transit would help mitigate the negative impacts of oil and gas operations through a fee on production. “We’re working toward a more interconnected transit system that will help us reach our critical housing and carbon emissions goals,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This exciting legislation takes a multi-faceted approach to transit reform by increasing transparency and coordination between our transit systems and encouraging longer-term planning coordination. With the help of new funding, we can increase transportation options to cut commuting costs, get Coloradans to their workplace, and reduce air pollution.” “Coloradans deserve a transit system that gets them where they need to go, and this bill is a big step in delivering a more reliable mass transit system,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This transit reform bill, in tandem with funding from our new legislative package, will increase connectivity, accessibility and reliability so Coloradans can fully utilize bus and train travel and get more cars off our roads.” HB24-1447 would require the RTD Board of Directors to create a 10-year strategic plan that outlines the RTD's plans to improve ridership, support regional and state climate, housing and transportation goals, and identify potential new funding opportunities. To best serve RTD customers, this bill directs the Transportation Legislation Review Committee to create an interim subcommittee to collaborate with community members and make recommendations including: The ideal size of the RTD Board of Directors Consideration for how many directors should be elected versus appointed and the appointing authority Director pay as well as duties and responsibilities of board members Methods to ensure equitable representation on the board The subcommittee would be a diverse group of 19 people including lawmakers, appointees from local government, transit-dependent communities, the disability community, current RTD directors, and a leader from a disproportionately impacted community, among others. To improve coordination between RTD and its metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), the bill requires RTD to: Submit its proposed fixed-route transit service plans to DRCOG Coordinate with DRCOG regarding the implementation of these routes, Ensure that the transit provider's service decisions are consistent with DRCOG's regional transportation plan Coordinate transit and land use decisions to ensure that transit services will be provided to new and existing transit-oriented communities Under the bill, RTD would be required to create three public accountability dashboards and create, maintain, and regularly update a website containing information about RTD's financial plan as well as route ridership and reliability of services. Colorado Democrats, alongside a broad coalition of major environmental non-governmental organizations, announced an agreement with large operators in Colorado’s oil and gas industry to support funding for public transit while cutting back on harmful pollution. The legislative package would impose a new production fee on oil and gas operators. 80 percent of the fee revenue would go toward local transit agencies and public transit projects across the state. This new fee is expected to generate an average of $138 million annually. Previous Next

< Back April 17, 2024 House Passes Legislation to Reduce Maternal Mortality, Address Disparity of Care for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Lorena Garcia and Iman Jodeh to improve maternal health care in Colorado. HB24-1262 includes modifying the midwife licensure process and creating a new professional title, collecting more data on mistreatment during the perinatal period, and requiring advance notice to a patient when a facility reduces or ends maternal health care services. HB24-1262 passed the House by a vote of 48 to 12. “Coloradans increasingly want expanded birth options, especially in Black and Latino communities, but existing barriers prevent community birth facilities from providing these services,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “Increasing access to maternal care, including midwives, will allow Colorado parents to choose a birth plan that fits their needs. By giving Coloradans more options for maternal health care, we can reduce the impacts of the maternal mortality crisis and save lives.” “The worsening maternal mortality crisis is a growing issue, especially for Black, Indigenous, and rural parents, and our bill seeks to address these preventable deaths,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Maternal health deserts and other barriers to maternal health care access prevent parents from receiving necessary, and sometimes life-saving care. By boosting health care provider options and perinatal resources, we can create a health care system that keeps our parents and newborns safe and healthy.” Starting September 1, 2024, HB24-1262 would require any individual who practices certified professional midwifery to have a valid license. The bill would update the title of “direct-entry midwives” to “certified professional midwives” (CPMs) and change the regulation from registration to licensure. The licensure process includes passing an exam, graduating from an accredited midwifery education program, holding a CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives, being certified by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross to perform adult and infant CPR, or having an equivalent education that is approved by the director of the Division of Professions and Occupations. The bill would also: Direct the Civil Rights Commission to collect reports of mistreatment in maternity care to help identify ways to address prenatal mistreatment and discrimination, Create an advisory panel to provide recommendations on disciplinary actions against CPMs, Add a midwife who is practicing in a freestanding birth center, in a rural area, or as a home birth provider to the Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Require a health care facility that provides maternal health care services to provide public notice at least 90 days before the discontinuation of these services, Require the Colorado Maternal Mortality Prevention Program to study the availability of perinatal health care, facility and practice closures and the impacts on maternal and infant health, and provide recommendations to the General Assembly, and Add pregnancy as a protected class for the purposes of discrimination in places of public accommodation. The Colorado Maternal Mortality Review Committee made recommendations to combat the maternal mortality crisis, including increasing access to varied health care like midwifery, addressing maternal health workforce shortages, and studying the impact of facility shortages on Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian, rural, and immigrant and refugee communities. A 2022 report found that 38 percent of Colorado counties are a maternal health care desert, meaning they don’t have perinatal health care providers or birth centers. A 2023 report found that Black Coloradans are twice as likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, while Indigenous communities are three times as likely. Previous Next

< Back January 14, 2021 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO TIME-SENSITIVE BILLS DENVER, CO — The House today gave initial approval to legislation that would modify the COVID-19 relief program for small businesses, extend limitations on debt collection actions, and recreate the Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Final passage of the legislation in the House is expected tomorrow morning. SB21-001: Modify COVID-19 Relief Programs For Small Business. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Shane Sandridge, R-El Paso County, makes minor tweaks to the COVID-19 small and minority business relief program that was established in last year’s special session. The legislation will help small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, especially minority owned businesses, receive timely relief through the program. SB21-002: Extending Limitations on Debt Collection Actions. This bill, sponsored by Representative Herod, would extend the debt collection protections enacted last session through June 1of this year. Without action, these critical protections for consumers who are facing tremendous hardship due to COVID-19 will expire in two weeks with our nation still in the midst of a public health and economic crisis. SB21-003: Recreate Occupational Therapy Practice Act. This bill, sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz, D-Littleton, and Colin Larson, R-Ken Caryl recreates the Occupational Therapy Practice Act to allow continuity in occupational therapy regulations to ensure that these professionals have the tools and guidance they need to be successful and serve the community. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2021 MEDIA LITERACY FOR STUDENTS MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO– The Education Committee today advanced a bipartisan bill to make media literacy resources available to students and to incorporate media literacy into curricula. The committee approved the bill on a vote of 6-3. “In this digital age of social media and 24 hour news, our children have more access to information and misinformation than ever before,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) . “Today we took an important step towards providing our kids with the tools they need to become responsible consumers of information. What could be more important than making sure we agree on the facts before discussing the best ways to move our communities forward. This isn’t about taking sides or choosing which opinion has more merit– it’s about teaching our kids how to tell facts from fiction.” “It can be challenging for anyone, of any age, to tell the difference between truth, opinion, and lies online and on social media,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, (D-Durango) . “Teaching media literacy in classrooms will empower Colorado’s young people to responsibly assess the information presented to them. Media literacy is good for our communities and our democracy. I’m proud we moved forward on this important proposal today.” HB21-1103 directs the state board of education to ensure media literacy is incorporated into reading, writing and civics standards. It also tasks the Colorado Department of Education with creating an online resource bank of materials related to media literacy and, if resources allow, supporting school districts in implementing media literacy curriculum upon request. Previous Next

< Back Rep. Cutter: $750 Colorado Cashback Checks coming to your pockets this August Aug 10, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Jeffco Transcript. Sen. Tammy Story, Sen. Jessie Danielson & Rep. Lisa Cutter For Coloradans all across the state, the past few years have been challenging to say the least. We’ve been dealing with the ongoing unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing housing costs, environmental catastrophes right in our backyards, rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine, which has caused soaring gas prices. We are all fighting the economic uncertainty and assimilating to our new reality. Many folks are struggling to stay afloat as they try to support their families and get by on a day-to-day basis – a reality that is hitting hard-working middle class people and communities of color the hardest. Basic necessities like housing, groceries, gas, and child care continue to increase in price, adding financial and emotional strain to our hard-working neighbors and community members. We have listened to your stories and understand you need help which is why we worked hard this year to deliver urgently-needed relief into your pockets through the Colorado Cashback Plan. As early as August, every Coloradan who has filed their income taxes will receive Colorado Cashback rebate checks in the amount of $750 for individuals or $1,500 for joint filers. Rather than waiting an additional year for you to receive these funds, Colorado Democrats – for the first time in state history – proactively passed legislation to expedite the process. That means you will get support now, when it’s most needed, rather than spring 2023. At the start of this year’s legislative session, we promised to fight to make our state a more affordable and accessible place to live, and we continue to deliver on that promise. We passed legislation to save Coloradans money on housing, healthcare fees, car registration fees and starting a business. We implemented free, universal pre-k to support our families and ended the tampon and diaper tax, which will help women and families. We also passed critical measures to close corporate tax loopholes and make our tax system more equitable. In fact, because of the commitment and steadfast leadership of Democrats in the Colorado Senate and House along with our strong economic recovery, 94 percent of single filers will receive even more money through the Colorado Cashback plan than they otherwise would. That means expedited refund checks are going directly to the hard-working Coloradans that keep our state moving forward, helping to alleviate the financial pressure folks are feeling and ensure that Colorado works for all rather than a select few. Coloradans who filed their taxes by June 30, 2022, can expect to receive their Colorado Cashback check in the mail beginning this August. These expedited checks are intended to help ease some financial burden, support your families, and help pay for things like gas, groceries and rent. For any questions related to the Colorado Cashback, please refer to tax.colorado.gov/cash-back. If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t worry – it’s not too late! Extended filers with a deadline of October 17, 2022 will receive their refund by January 31, 2023. Make sure you have your current address on record with the Colorado Department of Revenue as the checks will be mailed to your last known address. As your state elected officials, it is our duty to respond to your needs and ensure you have what you need to support yourselves and your families. We know how challenging the last few years have been and recognize the stress many of you have endured – we’ve felt it, too. That’s why we’re excited to deliver these checks directly to your wallets. Now and always, we will work to ensure every Coloradan has what they need to thrive. Previous Next

< Back August 3, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: New Health Care Laws Go Into Effect Laws include consumer medical debt protections and increased transparency of hospital community benefits DENVER, CO - On August 7, two new health care laws go into effect in Colorado to limit the negative impacts of medical debt on patients’ credit reports or credit score and increase transparency of hospital community benefits. “After life-saving medical care, patients are often blindsided by medical debt that they can’t keep up with, making it more difficult to qualify for housing, employment, or affordable interest rates,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1126 . “Because of HB23-1126, Coloradans’ credit scores and credit reports will no longer be impacted by outstanding medical debt. I’m proud to have carried this law to protect Colorado patients from having their whole life being negatively impacted by outstanding health care costs.” “Medical debt, which is often unexpected and accrues rapidly, can have impacts on credit scores and reports even if the debt has been settled with creditors,” said Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1126. “This creates barriers for folks trying to access necessities like housing, utilities, and loans, and it needs to change. With our new law, we’re putting in place new consumer protections that will help ensure Coloradans’ financial futures are not unduly impacted by their medical debt.” Often medical expenses come as a surprise to many patients, leaving people unable to plan for expensive bills. Currently, when someone can’t afford a medical expense, the bill is sent to collections, and that information is shared with consumer reporting agencies that generate consumer reports and credit scores that are used by banks, landlords, employers, and insurance and utility companies. Medical debt affects people of all ages and incomes, but it disproportionately impacts those with a chronic illness or medical condition who rely on continual medical care to maintain their quality of life. HB23-1126 , also sponsored by Representative Ron Weinberg (R-Loveland), adds medical debt to the list of information that consumer reporting agencies are not allowed to include in a credit report, updates exemptions to expand consumer privacy protections, and requires collectors and collecting agencies to notify Coloradans that medical debt will no longer be included in credit reports. These changes will take effect on August 7, 2023. “We’re making sure that large non-profit hospital systems actually invest in community-based programs that strengthen the services Coloradans need and want,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1243. “This law improves accountability surrounding how tax exempt hospitals spend resources in the community, so we can ensure Coloradans can access critical services that reduce their health care costs and help them lead healthier lives.” “Non-profit hospitals have the opportunity to provide much needed benefits back to their community,” said Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, sponsor of HB23-1243. “House Bill 1243 works to ensure the public’s concerns are heard when hospitals are determining what benefits to provide to their community. This new law requires greater transparency from hospitals about what benefits are being funded and how community feedback is being implemented, ensuring Coloradans have access to the unique services they need.” Beginning on August 7, HB23-1243 centers on increasing the transparency of nonprofit hospitals’ community benefit spending through incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan. The law also requires each reporting hospital to seek feedback and engagement from a diverse range of community members during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact community benefit spending has on the health of Coloradans and what the greatest needs are. Previous Next

< Back March 6, 2023 Weissman’s Consumer Protection Bill Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill on a preliminary vote that would update Colorado’s consumer protection law and better protect Coloradans from unfair and deceptive business practices. “Colorado’s consumer protection laws are not working as intended and many Coloradans cannot pursue legal action against fraudulent businesses,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora . “By updating our state’s outdated consumer protection law, Coloradans will be better protected from unfair and deceptive business practices with pathways for pursuing legal action. This bill modernizes consumer protection laws to prioritize and protect everyday Coloradans.” HB23-1192 , sponsored by Representative Weissman, would update Colorado’s consumer protection law to better protect Coloradans from predatory business practices and make it easier for consumers to seek legal action against businesses engaging in deceitful or harmful practices. This bill makes necessary updates to Colorado’s consumer protection law, which was originally enacted in 1992. Under current law, in order to file a lawsuit against a business Coloradans must prove that the business is engaging in deceitful practices not only against them but has a pattern of fraudulent, consumer harm practices against others. This bill modifies the legal definition of “unfair or deceptive trade practice” to better protect Coloradans and removes barriers allow them to pursue legal action against the businesses. HB23-1192 also increases both civil and criminal penalties to ensure Coloradans are receiving adequate compensation from fraudulent businesses. This bill also expands Colorado’s 2020 price gouging law. Championed by Rep. Weissman, HB20-1414 made it illegal for companies to charge high and unfair prices during a declared disaster. HB23-1192 expands this law to protect consumers 180 days after a disaster declaration ends. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 GARNETT APPOINTS ANNIE KAO TO ETHICS COMMISSION DENVER, CO– The House today passed HR21-1005 , a resolution confirming Speaker Alec Garnett’s appointment of Annie Kao to the Independent Ethics Commission. The resolution passed by a vote of 45-20. “Appointees to the Independent Ethics Commission are tasked with the enormous responsibility of holding government to the high standards that our constituents expect of us,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “I have taken the decision to appoint Ms. Kao with the utmost care and responsibility, and I have no doubt that she will fulfill her duties efficiently and with dignity. Her dedication to justice, equity, and ethics is evident in her years of legal experience at the highest level. Ms. Kao is an exemplary Coloradan and I know she will make this body proud.” The Independent Ethics Commission is an independent government body that gives advice and guidance on ethics issues relating to state and local officials. They hear complaints, issue findings and assess penalties and sanctions when appropriate. Appointments to the commission by the Speaker must be approved by a two thirds vote in the house. Annie Kao is a successful and accomplished attorney who has spent decades working in Colorado. She has practiced law at the highest level, working with firms such as Hogan Lovells and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. She has also served as in-house counsel for Vail Resorts, including as Assistant General Counsel, and as lead operations attorney for several world-class resorts including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Whistler Blackcomb. Ms. Kao has also worked to improve equity in the legal system through several leadership roles with Asian Pacific American Bar Association. Most recently, Annie has worked as the Founder and CEO of Ascent Inclusion Consulting, an organization that works with companies in the outdoor recreation industry to ensure people of all abilities and backgrounds are welcomed, treated fairly, and feel at home in the outdoor recreation economy. Speaker Garnett had the opportunity to appoint Ms. Kao after current appointee Debra Johnson submitted her intent to resign effective July 1, 2020. Previous Next

< Back May 29, 2024 Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Increase Availability of Telehealth Services FRISCO, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas, and to better combat cardiac disease. “Coloradans in my district know firsthand how challenging and expensive it can be to access critical health care services,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “During my time in the legislature, I’ve worked hard to deliver high-quality, affordable health care services to underserved and rural areas and this law expands access to remote health services and continuous glucose monitors, which have proven to be successful at ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right place, at the right time and save so much money in the long-run.” “Expanding access to health care is critical, especially in our rural and mountain communities,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “My family lives with diabetes, and continuous glucose monitors have made living with this disease better for all of us and ensured strong health outcomes for my husband. To help ensure everyone has access to the health care they need when they need it, our law works to expand and encourage telehealth options. This new law also establishes a grant program to help our hospitals and providers implement telehealth technology and better serve our community members.” “For many of the residents living in my district, the nearest hospital is miles and miles away, making it hard to receive high-quality health care when they need it,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez. “This law expands telehealth services into rural and underserved communities like mine so everyone can access the treatment and care needed to live a healthy life. Our bipartisan law also creates a rural-specific grant program to help our health care providers locate and implement telehealth technology in their practice.” Also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB24-168 will direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to reimburse the use of telehealth monitoring for outpatient services for Medicaid patients and provide coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices. Additionally, the new law will create a grant program to assist rural and shortage area providers in obtaining remote telehealth monitoring equipment. Funds from the grant program could also be used for training staff on utilizing remote monitoring equipment. Governor Polis also signed HB24-1219 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie, Representative Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, and Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Byron Pelton, R-Sterling. This new law aims to detect cardiac disease and symptoms early and help save lives. Specifically, this law expands eligibility for required firefighter heart and circulatory malfunction benefits to include part-time and volunteer firefighters, requires employers to participate in the multi-employer cancer trust, and creates a cardiac screening trust for peace officers. “Cardiac disease impacts so many Colorado families and early detection can save lives,” said Speaker McCluskie . “Minority Leader McKean was a great leader who left us too soon. In his honor, we will continue to fight against cardiac disease, save lives and work toward a brighter future that he can be proud of.” “Diagnosing cardiac disease early on can lead to better prognoses, more effective treatment, and can save lives,” said Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “By expanding eligibility for cardiac benefits programs to first responders like firefighters and peace officers, we’re taking better care of the folks that take care of our communities. This new law will help reduce the risks of life-threatening cardiac disease and support the well-being of our communities – I’m proud to see it signed into law.” In 2022, House Minority Leader Hugh McKean passed away after expressing concern about pain on the left side of his body. McKean was 55 years old. Previous Next

< Back February 18, 2022 REASONABLE INDEPENDENCE FOR CHILDREN BILL PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to foster youth independence in Colorado passed the House today on Third and Final Reading by a unanimous vote. HB22-1090, sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Kim Ransom, would tighten the definition of child neglect giving kids reasonable independence to walk to school, ride their bikes and play in their neighborhood without adult supervision. “We’re working diligently to foster everyday independence for Colorado’s youth and this bill is a wonderful step in the right direction,” said Rep. Mary Young D-Greeley. “This bill makes it clear that there is no need to get the authorities involved when kids are out and about in their neighborhood, walking to school or playing on the playground. When youth are given independence they grow, learn and thrive and we’re pleased to pass legislation that empowers their right to independence.” HB22-1090 passed out of the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services unanimously and would tighten Colorado’s broad definition of neglect to exclude everyday activities deemed as reasonable independence that formerly would be constructed as neglect or abuse. This bill also aims to cut back on the amount of unnecessary involvement from child protective services and law enforcement officials. Colorado’s vague definition of neglect has left some parents worried that allowing their kids to walk to school alone could be misconstrued as neglect or abuse. HB22-1090 would allow parents to make family decisions when their child is “of sufficient maturity, physical condition, and mental abilities to avoid substantial risk of physical harm” to participate in activities without their supervision. Examples of these reasonable independence activities include playing outside, traveling to and from sports practices and staying home alone for a reasonable amount of time. Previous Next

< Back May 16, 2019 GOV SIGNS TWO BILLS TO PROTECT WORKERS & HELP WITH NATURAL DISASTERS (May 16) – Today, two bills were signed by Gov. Jared Polis at the Boulder County St. Vrain Community Hub that will protect workers from wage theft and reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. First up was HB19-1267, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, and Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, makes the withholding or stealing of wages a criminal offense. “This is about protecting workers,” said Rep. Froelich. “This new law will help bring restitution for these workers and contractors who have been robbed of their wages. Stealing from workers isn’t a partisan issue and I’m proud this is now the law in Colorado. Currently, employers stealing wages from employees or contractors is a classified misdemeanor. Often times, it is not even worthy of prosecutors to go after because the penalties are so low. “Too many workers are losing their hard-earned wages. This new law has been a long time coming and will help protect workers from the crime of wage theft,” said Rep. Singer. “Labor trafficking is the majority of human trafficking.” Gov. Polis also signed HB19-1292, sponsored by Rep. Singer. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight people dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “There are no red or blue floods, tornadoes or other disasters. I remain inspired by the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Singer. “This has been a collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this a reality. I’m hopeful this new law will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Parts of Singer’s district, including Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County, were among the hardest hit areas in the state by the 2013 flood. Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. Previous Next