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< Back Rep. Meghan Lukens: Strengthening rural health care Mar 27, 2025 See more This story was originally published in the Vail Daily here . As we move through the 2025 legislative session, I am excited to share updates on the vital health care initiatives I am advancing to support our Western Slope communities. Health care accessibility, affordability, and quality remain top priorities for families across Eagle, Moffat, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties. This session, I am championing several health care bills that address the unique challenges faced by our rural and mountain communities. Preserving access to rural independent pharmacies For many in our Western Slope communities, the local pharmacy is not just a place to pick up prescriptions — it’s an essential health care resource. That is why I am proud to sponsor HB25-1222 , which helps preserve access to rural independent pharmacies, a bill idea brought to me directly by a constituent in Oak Creek. This bill does a few things. First, it ensures fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies and allows the delivery of life-saving drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities. Next, it makes sure audit recovery practices are fair so rural independent pharmacies don’t close. Finally, it gives pharmacies much needed flexibility to serve their communities through remote operations. These protections will help ensure that our community members can continue to access vital medications and health care services close to home, without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays. Supporting our rural health care infrastructure Rural hospitals and health care facilities are lifelines for our communities, providing essential services that save lives and improve health outcomes. However, these facilities often face unique financial and operational challenges that can threaten their sustainability. That’s why I am sponsoring HB25-1085 , which modernizes outdated rules for Colorado county hospitals by allowing government officials to serve as board trustees, making board meetings more flexible, and extending budget deadlines. These common-sense changes were requested directly by a constituent wanting to support Colorado’s rural county hospitals to help them operate more efficiently and effectively. Building on this work, I am also proud to sponsor HB25-1223 , which establishes a task force to study the current capital needs of our rural and frontier hospitals. This legislation will help determine the financial resources required to bring these facilities up to date with existing standards and codes. By identifying these needs, we can make targeted investments to ensure our rural healthcare infrastructure remains strong for generations to come. Additionally, I am sponsoring SB25-078 , which allows nonprofit, small hospitals to enter into collaborative agreements with other hospitals to increase patient health care access. These partnerships will help smaller facilities leverage resources, share expertise, and ultimately provide better care for patients across our rural communities. Protecting our student athletes The health and safety of our young people is a top priority, and that includes during school sporting events. SB25-191 requires high schools — particularly at sporting events — to follow nationally recognized guidelines for all automated external defibrillators in schools. This means there will not be AEDs behind locked doors, and it will be widely known where AEDs are located. With sudden cardiac arrest being the leading cause of death among student athletes, these changes will help schools implement life-saving measures more efficiently. Every minute counts during a cardiac emergency, and having AEDs readily available at sporting events could save a life. Continuing our work together These health care initiatives address specific challenges our communities face while being mindful of our state’s fiscal realities. Each bill responds directly to feedback from health care providers, patients, and community leaders across House District 26, focusing on practical solutions that will make a real difference in people’s lives. As always, I believe we make the best policy when we listen to those closest to the issues. If you have insights about health care in our communities or thoughts on any of these bills, please share them with me. You can reach me at meghan.lukens.house@coleg.gov or attend one of my upcoming town halls. For more frequent updates throughout the legislative session, join my newsletter by sending me an email. Let’s keep in touch and keep making a difference in House District 26. Onward! Meghan Lukens of Steamboat Springs is the representative for Colorado’s House District 26, which encompasses Moffat, Rio Blanco, Eagle, and Routt counties. Previous Next

< Back June 29, 2020 SIGNED! NEW HIGHER ED FUNDING FORMULA AND CRITICAL BILLS TO IMPROVE HIGHER ED ATTAINMENT Denver, CO — Today, at Simply Pure, a marijuana dispensary, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill that increases access to the Social Equity license, which makes owning and operating a retail marijuana store accessible to more Coloradans. The bill is sponsored by Representative James Coleman. “All hardworking Coloradans deserve a fair shot at sharing in the prosperity of the booming marijuana industry,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “We should not be defined by our past alone, and this bill provides Coloradans who want to make an honest living in the marijuana industry with the opportunity to do so. Creating equal economic opportunity for all makes us stronger. ” “Colorado has led the way for the nation’s fast-changing laws and attitudes towards marijuana,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont . “By allowing the Governor to pardon individuals with small possession offenses and improving access and equity in the booming marijuana industry, this bill moves our state boldly forward. The bill signed today is good for small businesses, hardworking Coloradans, and our state’s economy as a whole.” In order to drive socioeconomic equity to the retail marijuana trade, HB20-1424 establishes that marijuana retailers cannot be denied access to the Social Equity license solely based on a prior marijuana conviction. The bill also allows the governor to pardon individuals who were convicted of possession of marijuana for up to two ounces — effectively offering these Coloradans a clean slate. In order to be eligible for the Social Equity license, applicants must be a Colorado resident and one of the following regulations must apply. Applicants must have either: resided in Colorado for 15 years, have been arrested or convicted of a marijuana offense, have a household income that did not exceed a predetermined amount, or hold at least 51 percent of marijuana business license. Marijuana retailers who have a Social Equity license are eligible for the Accelerator Program, which authorizes stores with a Social Equity license to operate under established state laws as long as they are endorsed by an Accelerator Store. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to allow Coloradans to participate remotely in eviction proceedings. < Back March 20, 2023 House Passes Bill to Allow Remote Participation in Eviction Proceedings DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to allow Coloradans to participate remotely in eviction proceedings. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Mandy Lindsay and Iman Jodeh, would help ensure fewer Coloradans receive a default judgment simply because they cannot attend their eviction hearing in person. “We’re working to break down barriers and keep more Coloradans housed,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Right now, if you don’t show up to your eviction proceeding in person, you automatically receive a default eviction judgment on your record, and this limits your opportunities to find future housing. This bill would allow all Coloradans to participate in their eviction proceeding remotely, making it easier for working families and those without reliable transportation to attend their hearings.” “Our bill works to remove barriers for Coloradans facing eviction to attend their court hearing by allowing remote participation,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Whether lack of child care or inability to take time off of work, there are many reasons why someone might not be able to attend their eviction hearing in person. Our legislation allows Coloradans to pre-arrange remote participation which will reduce no-show rates, prevent automatic default judgment, and improve accessibility in Colorado’s court system.” HB23-1186 , which passed by a vote of 44 to 18, would allow individuals in residential eviction cases to participate in county court proceedings remotely. Under this bill, individuals must communicate with the courts if they would like to participate in their hearing remotely or in-person 48-hours before their hearing. HB23-1186 aims to improve accessibility for attending eviction proceedings especially for those living in rural areas, Coloradans with disabilities and additional circumstances that make it difficult to take time off work. Data collected from courts in other states shows that by expanding ways to participate in eviction cases reduces “no-show” rates and improves court procedures. HB23-1186 is expected to decrease the number of Coloradans with a no-show, default eviction by over 7,800. HB23-1186 is supported by ACLU of Colorado, Colorado Poverty Law Project, 9to5 Colorado, Boulder County, AFDC Coalition, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Fiscal Institute, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Community Economic Defense Project, and others. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 BILL TO CREATE STATEWIDE RESPONSE TO MISSING & MURDERED INDIGENOUS RELATIVES PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bill that aims to improve the state’s response to missing and murdered Indigenous individuals to help prevent crime and improve public safety. SB22-150 sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Monica Duran, passed the House by a vote of 45 to 20. “The data is clear and devastating, Indigenous people are far more likely to be the victims of crimes the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people go unsolved at a far higher rate,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Colorado must improve how we respond to the cases of missing and murdered indigenous relatives. That’s what this bill would do by ensuring relatives get the responses and justice they deserve. We’re standing with the Indigenous community so they can get the justice they deserve.” “It’s critical we address the high rates of violent crime against Indigenous women and children,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Our bill works to improve coordination, response and communications surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives so we can create a comprehensive and strong response to this crisis.” SB22-150 would improve coordination, response, communication, and awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases. More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population. SB22-150 aims to improve responses to MMIR cases, provide better support for Indigenous communities, and better serve families of MMIR. It would establish an MMIR alert system and improve data tracking regarding MMIR cases while ensuring interagency coordination, allowing for a more effective and robust response. It would also require MMIR training for first responders and implement a public awareness campaign to raise awareness around MMIR issues. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. < Back September 26, 2024 RELEASE: Rep. Hamrick Tours South Metro Fire Rescue CENTENNIAL, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today toured the South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) to learn more about the nearly 300 square miles of coverage under their emergency protection. ‘Thank you to the South Metro Fire Rescue for hosting me today – your unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe means so much to us all,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “At the legislature, we’ve worked to pass legislation that encourages wildfire mitigation efforts and improves the safety of our communities. SMFR serves and protects nearly 600,00 community members, and as wildfires become more destructive, I’m glad to have them in our corner.” Rep. Hamrick learned more about SMFR which serves 564,000 residents, and nearly 35,000 people who enter the district for work. Rep. Hamrick also learned more about SMFR’s 2021-2035 strategic planning process , which works to protect property, businesses and people living in parts of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. SMFR’s coverage area includes Bow Mar, Castle Pines, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Foxfield, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, Castle Pines, Village Highlands Ranch and Louviers in addition to the Centennial Airport, the Denver Tech Center, Inverness and Meridian Office Park. In 2024, Rep. Hamrick supported legislation to expand local outreach efforts and educate those living in the wildland-urban interface about how they can stop the spread of wildfires. In 2023, she also supported a bipartisan law to supply the state with a second Firehawk helicopter for wildfire suppression efforts. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed Representative Stephanie Vigil’s bill to bring life-saving information on suicide prevention to workplaces. < Back January 31, 2024 Vigil’s Workplace Suicide Prevention Education Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed Representative Stephanie Vigil’s bill to bring life-saving information on suicide prevention to workplaces. HB24-1015 passed committee unanimously. “Suicide deaths are preventable, and anyone can save a life. This is a public health crisis that requires a community response, and we can save lives by equipping more people with the skills and knowledge to do effective suicide prevention,” said Representative Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Workplaces are an excellent venue for this, a source of continuing education for many working people, and a place where they regularly see others who aren’t their family or household members.” HB24-1015 would require the Office of Suicide Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to create suicide prevention education posters and notices to make them available to employers. Posters would include an overview of suicide prevention training programs, information on reducing access to means of self-harm, including firearms, and information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It would also require the department to post a link to the landing page for workplace suicide prevention information on its official website. Under this bill, employers would be required to display posters in their workplaces beginning on July 1, 2025. There is no cost to Colorado employers to create or obtain the posters. Previous Next

< Back May 16, 2022 BILLS SIGNED TO SAVE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will save Coloradans money on housing and gas and allow small retailers to keep more of the sales tax they collect, saving businesses money as well. “The legislation signed today will save Coloradans money on housing and put more money back into the pockets of small retail businesses,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB22-146 and SB22-006. “This investment will help build more homes and increase the supply of affordable housing that our communities and businesses need to thrive. I’m also excited that small businesses are going to be able to keep nearly $6 million that they can reinvest in their businesses, employees, and other needs.” Saving Coloradans Money on Housing: SB22-146 , sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder and Marc Catlin will expand critical middle-income housing so that more Coloradans and communities have access to affordable housing where it’s needed most. The legislation provides $25 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s Middle-Income Access Program, which serves middle income families and individuals with incomes too high to qualify for low income housing tax credits. Typically, the “missing middle” is made up of renters whose income is between 80 percent and 120 percent of area median income, which in the Denver area is $55k-88k per year, increasing with family size. To date, the Middle Income Access Program has leveraged $14 million in CHFA-invested funds to support developments comprising over 600 units across the state. Developments leverage significant private sector investment and have brought much needed housing to communities such as Denver, Estes Park, Keystone, Steamboat Springs and Gypsum. Saving Businesses Money: SB22-006 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Marc Snyder, allows retailers with taxable sales under $100,000 per filing period to retain 5.3 percent of the sales tax they collect. Retailers are currently permitted to retain 4 percent of the vendor fee to compensate them for the cost of collecting and remitting sales tax. This new law increases the amount that small retailers can retain, saving retailers $5.9 million over the next two years. “Saving Coloradans money was our top priority this session, and we looked at every way possible, big and small, to put more money back into people’s pockets,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango , sponsor of SB22-006 and HB22-1351. “The bills the governor signed into law today will save Coloradans money at the pump and save small retail businesses nearly $6 million by allowing them to keep more of the sales tax they collect.” “In the last few months, gas prices have been driven up by national and global influences, so at a state level we acted to make sure Coloradans weren’t hit with further price increases,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB22-1351. “The bill the governor signed today will help Coloradans keep some money in their pockets when they register their cars this year and when they fill up their tanks, all while keeping our state on track to fix our roads.” Saving Coloradans Money at the Pump: HB22-1351 , sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Barbara McLachlan, will save Coloradans money by lowering vehicle registration costs and delaying the anticipated road usage fees, a two-cent per gallon gasoline fee slated to go into effect in July. This law invests one-time recovery funds to save Coloradans nearly $80 million on transportation costs. Specifically, this will save Coloradans $45 million at the gas pump and nearly $34 million in vehicle registration costs. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2019 BIPARTISAN BILL TO ‘BAN THE BOX’ ON COLLEGE APPLICATIONS PASSES HOUSE Approximately 70 percent of college applications ask for information on prior convictions (Apr. 19) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, that would prohibit questions regarding criminal history on an initial college application. “Two out of three people who start a college application and select yes to the question regarding criminal history do not finish the application,” said Rep. Herod. “Banning the Box will give students a chance to tell their own story and will help those with a criminal record get a college degree, a critical achievement for success in today’s job market.” The bill would not prohibit questions regarding criminal history on college housing applications. Educational programming reduces recidivism by 40 percent and provides opportunities for employment and positive support that decrease the likelihood of committing future crimes. There is no evidence to suggest that criminal history considerations have any impact on campus safety. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 43-21, with Rep. Kevin Van Winkle and Rep. Jim Wilson joining Democrats and the bill sponsors in supporting the bill. SB19-170 now heads to the Governor’s desk. Rep. Herod also sponsored a bill, HB19-1025 , that restricts employers from asking an applicant about their criminal history on the initial application, but allows them to inquire at any other stage of the hiring process. That bill is on its way to the Governor’s desk. Previous Next

< Back November 11, 2022 House Democrats Elect Monica Duran Majority Leader, Jennifer Bacon as Assistant Majority Leader For the first time in the state’s history, the Speaker, Majority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader will all be women in the upcoming 74th General Assembly Rep. Titone, elected Caucus Co-Chair, will be the first transgender lawmaker in a caucus leadership position in the country DENVER, CO – House Democrats today elected the leadership team for the 74th General Assembly. After electing Representative Julie McCluskie as the Speaker-designate, the caucus chose Representative Monica Duran as the next Majority Leader and Representative Jennifer Bacon as the next Assistant Majority Leader. “I’m humbled to serve our state as the House Majority Leader, and I’m excited to get to work to move our Colorado forward and protect our Colorado way of life,” said House Majority Leader-elect Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “From reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs to protecting our environment and a woman’s right to choose, House Democrats have been laser focused on the most pressing issues in our state. With 46 Democrats and all women at the top of the leadership team, our caucus brings a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives to the important work of lawmaking. We are united in our optimism for our future, our shared values and our determination to deliver results for the great people of our state.” “Our caucus is dedicated to listening to our communities and doing everything we can to make life better in Colorado,” said Assistant Majority Leader-elect Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Improving our poor air quality and cracking down on pollution, which disproportionately impacts people of color, children and lower-income families, will be one of my top priorities. We will protect our rights to our own bodily autonomy and advance justice in our communities to ensure that every Coloradan can feel safe in their own neighborhoods. We will continue to invest in our schools because every child in our state deserves a good education and the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to delivering results for every community in every corner of our state and building on the important progress we’ve made.” The following members were also elected to caucus leadership positions: Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, Majority Co-Whip Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, Majority Co-Whip Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora Majority Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, Majority Caucus Co-Chair House Democrats will have 46 seats in the 74th General Assembly. The caucus is one of the largest and most diverse ever elected in Colorado. Over 70 percent of the incoming Democratic lawmakers are women, nearly 40 percent are people of color, and 13 percent are LGBTQ+. Majority Leader-elect Duran represents House District 23 in Jefferson County and was first elected in 2018. She has sponsored legislation to prevent gun violence, reduce domestic violence and improve services for survivors of crime, and protect Colorado’s furry friends and future pets. She previously served as Caucus Co-Whip. Assistant Minority Leader-elect Bacon was first elected in 2020 and represents House District 7 in Denver. Representative Bacon’s policy priorities are education, social justice and a thriving middle class. As an educator, school administrator, lawyer, and community organizer, Rep. Bacon has committed her career to advancing opportunities through education. From a young age, her family instilled in her the belief that education is freedom, and set her on a path to earn a JD from the College of William & Mary, a Master’s in Education from Florida International University, and Bachelor’s in Business Management from Tulane University. Rep. Bacon has passed legislation to improve Colorado’s air quality, prepare Colorado’s students to thrive, and increase access to financial services for hardworking families. Previous Next

The House today passed Rep. Michael Carter’s bipartisan bill to protect the biometric data of students and staff collected by schools. < Back April 3, 2025 Carter’s Facial Recognition Protections Bill Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed Rep. Michael Carter’s bipartisan bill to protect the biometric data of students and staff collected by schools. “Technology is advancing quickly, and it’s important that we uphold the privacy of our students and staff,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “While facial recognition technology can be helpful for schools in certain safety scenarios, such as locating a missing student, any biometric data that is collected must be stored securely. The passage of this bipartisan bill helps protect our students and staff, making sure their biometric data is not shared freely.” SB25-143 , also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, passed the House by a vote of 63-2. This bill extends biometric data protections for students and staff. Without SB25-143, schools would be permitted to use facial recognition software freely beginning in July 2025. This bill reaffirms guardrails already in place to protect the biometric data schools obtain regarding students and staff. The goal of SB25-143 is to maintain student privacy in an era where technology continues to advance, while permitting facial recognition software in limited school safety scenarios. Under the bill, schools are allowed to use facial recognition technology for a limited scope of school safety. This could include using it for locating a missing student or identifying a person of interest. SB25-143 would create an opt-in program for school districts and charter schools. Previous Next