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SB25-130 would ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected < Back May 2, 2025 House Advances Legislation to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. SB25-130 would safeguard emergency care for pregnant patients since the Trump administration announced they were no longer enforcing the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). “Federal protections for reproductive healthcare have been deeply eroded by the Trump administration, and it’s our responsibility to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people in Colorado,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill ensures that emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives. This bill rules out all ambiguity so pregnant people can receive the life-saving emergency care they need, including an abortion. Abortion is safe, legal and protected in Colorado.” “Our state has been a leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care saves lives,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “As the federal EMTALA law crumbles under the Trump administration, this bill stands up to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant patients. In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are being denied emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late; we won't let that happen in Colorado.” SB25-130 would ensure emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It would also create clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, and guidelines for transfers and discharges. The federal EMTALA is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care, regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Moyle vs United States has allowed states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies. In addition, the Trump administration recently dropped the federal lawsuit against Idaho for refusing to provide abortion care in the emergency room. In response to these federal actions, this bill would ensure that life-saving emergency care will be protected in Colorado. The federal landscape surrounding abortion care has been under attack. States with strict abortion bans argue that their state laws override their federal EMTALA law. Without access to care, pregnant people risk miscarriage, sepsis, or even death. Previous Next

< Back April 15, 2021 HOUSE DEMS ADVANCE BIPARTISAN BUDGET TO HELP COLORADO BUILD BACK STRONGER DENVER, CO– The House today advanced the FY 2021-2022 Long Appropriations Bill (SB21-205) on a preliminary vote. The bipartisan budget, which passed the Senate with near unanimous support, helps Colorado recover faster and build back stronger by restoring cuts to essential services, supporting K-12 and higher education, and setting aside substantial funding for the bipartisan Colorado Recovery Plan. “I’m proud of our bipartisan and balanced state budget, which is designed to jumpstart our economy and help Colorado build back stronger,” said JBC Vice Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Comeback state stimulus plan, our bipartisan package of legislation that will create jobs and help Colorado recover faster. We’re providing historic levels of state funding for K-12 education, nearly cutting the budget stabilization factor in half. Coloradans want us to come together to help rebuild our economy, and that’s exactly what we’re doing with this bipartisan budget.” “This year’s state budget makes historic investments in education, equity, and the Colorado Comeback,” said JBC Member Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’m especially proud of our efforts to make higher education more equitable and attainable for people of color, and I’m excited that we’ve been able to restore funding for critical services that Coloradans rely on. From supporting workers to addressing health disparities that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities, this bipartisan budget helps Coloradans in every corner of our state get back on their feet.” Colorado’s $35.9 billion budget funds core state services, such as education, corrections, health care, and human services. A significant portion of the state budget comes from federal matching funds, with lawmakers having direct control of the state’s $13.1 billion General Fund. Last year, budget forecasts estimated the state would face a significant revenue decline, leading lawmakers to enact historic reductions while still prioritizing critical services and education. With the economy and state revenues recovering faster than anticipated, the budget returns funding to pre-pandemic levels while responsibly setting aside historic reserves for the future. Putting Students, Teachers, and Parents First Restores K-12 Funding, Cuts Budget Stabilization Factor Nearly in Half: The FY2022 Long Bill brings the budget stabilization factor back to its pre-pandemic level of $572 million by increasing K-12 education funding by over $480 million. Resumes and Accelerates State Support for Institutions of Higher Ed: After being forced to nearly eliminate state support for institutions of higher education, lawmakers boosted funding in this year’s budget by $494 million to restore the prior year’s reduction. The bill also allocates an additional $100 million to be used for recruitment and retention including additional financial support for first generation, underrepresented minority, and pell eligible students. Increased Resources for Students: This budget prioritizes accessible teaching and learning resources for students to succeed including $3 million for state grants to public libraries and over $1 million to CDHE’s Open Educational Resources program which provides grants to institutions to develop educational programs using 100 percent publicly available teaching materials. The budget also appropriates $6.9 million to restore K-12 education grant programs including the behavioral healthcare professionals grant program, the K5 social and emotional grant program, the 9th grade success program, the school leadership success program, and the automatic enrollment in advanced courses program. Invests $160 Million in School Infrastructure (BEST Fund) and an additional $100 Million for the State Education Fund (SEF): After nearly eliminating funding last year for the Building Excellent Schools Today grant initiative, lawmakers this year will invest $160 million to construct, renovate, or maintain school facilities and structures. The SEF funds teacher recruitment, full-day kindergarten, early literacy programs, and helps finance public school systems across Colorado. Prioritizes the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation program: The JBC set aside $13.4 million for a teacher recruitment toolkit to be established in collaboration with the departments of education and higher education. The set aside includes restorations to CDE’s Quality Teacher Recruitment program and CDHE’s Educator Loan Forgiveness program. In addition, the budget restores CDHE’s teacher mentor grants program and the rural teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development program. Creating Jobs, Getting Colorado Back on Track, and Building Back Stronger $800 Million State Stimulus: The budget sets aside $800 million for the Colorado Recovery Plan , which will create jobs and boost the Colorado Comeback. Creating Jobs Through Investing in Capital Construction Projects: The bill tackles a substantial portion of the state’s capital project backlog by nearly doubling the long bill appropriation for capital construction, creating jobs through creating, maintaining and improving capital construction projects. The bill includes $217.4 million for the capital construction fund, initiating shovel-ready projects at institutions of higher education and across state government. Expanding Job and Skills Training Initiatives: The budget prioritizes workforce and training opportunities through a variety of programs including restoring CDHE’s Colorado First Customized Job Training program, DOC’s Transitional Work Opportunity program, and DHS’ Colorado Works Subsidized Training and Employment Program. Investing in IT Infrastructure & Transportation: This budget package makes significant investments in IT infrastructure including funding for the Office of eHealth Innovation’s Rural Connectivity project, updates to the states unemployment insurance system, and numerous investments in higher education equipment and technology to support increased virtual learning opportunities. In addition, with $124 million set aside for transportation, the budget sets Colorado on a path to address CDOT’s $9 billion project backlog. Addressing Health Disparities: The budget helps Colorado build back stronger by providing over $5 million to combat racial and income-based health disparities that are hurting Colorado communities. Boosting State’s Wildfire Response: After a historic wildfire season and with another one on the way, the budget appropriates $26.2 million for firefighting contracts, aircraft, personnel and state assistance for local response efforts. Building the Reserve and a New Rainy Day Fund: The budget sets aside historic reserves to mitigate downside risks to the forecast and creates a new rainy day fund to provide an additional safety net should state revenues collapse or should the state see a surge in caseload and demand for services. Supporting the Judicial Branch: Recognizing the rise in court cases once trials resume, the budget responsibly allocates funding to increase staffing within Judicial courts and probation as well as within the offices of the public defender, child protection ombudsman, and the public guardianship. The budget also sets aside funding to expand the Senior Judge program to help address the backlog of cases anticipated. Supporting Colorado’s Most Vulnerable Veterans: The budget provides $500,000 in Marijuana Tax Cash Fund to provide grants to enhance workforce center services for veterans, an increase of $200,000 over last year. The Colorado Recovery Act will provide $30 million for a start up loan fund, which will support veteran-owned small businesses. The budget includes $59.4 million for the veteran community living centers, and $425,000 for National Guard tuition assistance. Supporting Hospitals that Treat Uninsured Patients: The bill provides $48.2 million for hospitals that serve a higher share of low-income or uninsured patients. This funding draws down $27 million in federal funds. The funding supports several rural hospitals. Ensuring Coloradans Have Access to the Care They Need: With access to health care essential for every Coloradan, the budget affirms the state’s commitment to Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program. It provides $460.1 million for medical care and long-term services such as nursing homes and community-based services. The funds pay nursing home care, senior dental programs, behavioral health, and vaccine administration. Addressing the IDD Waitlist: The JBC allocated $22 million to protect essential Medicaid benefits including $15.5 million to the Adult Comprehensive Waiver to fund 667 spots on the comprehensive waiver waitlist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Naquetta Ricks that would expand hairstyle discrimination protections under the CROWN Act of 2020 to include hair length. HB24-1451 passed by a vote of 7-3. < Back April 22, 2024 Expanded Protections Under CROWN Act Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Naquetta Ricks that would expand hairstyle discrimination protections under the CROWN Act of 2020 to include hair length. HB24-1451 passed by a vote of 7-3. “I proudly passed the CROWN Act in 2020 to protect Coloradans’ right to express their identity and culture through their hairstyle, and this legislation will expand these protections to ensure no one can be discriminated against based on the length of their hair,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “This bill would expand protections by making it explicitly illegal to discriminate against someone based on their hair length. Every Coloradan, especially Black, indigenous, and people of color, deserve the right to represent their culture through their hairstyle without facing repercussions.” “Hair discrimination has forced generations of Coloradans, especially women, to change their hairstyles to adhere to Western societal norms,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Colorado legislators took a huge step in 2020 to pass the CROWN Act, creating protections for Coloradans who want to wear a hairstyle that’s rooted in their culture. Our legislation adds further protections from hairstyle discrimination to include hair length, allowing for more hairstyle options that are protected under the CROWN Act.” In 2020, Representative Herod sponsored the original CROWN Act legislation that explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of hair texture, hair type, and protects hairstyles like dreadlocks, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, bantu knots, afros and headwraps. HB24-1451 would add hair length to Colorado’s CROWN Act of 2020. In February 2024, a Texas judge ruled that a school had the right to discipline a student over his hair length because it was not explicitly protected under Texas’ CROWN Act. Previous Next

< Back July 2, 2020 BILLS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT, PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY SIGNED INTO LAW DENVER, CO — During a virtual bill signing ceremony today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law three bills to hold corporate polluters accountable, enhance public notification requirements when toxic chemicals are emitted by polluters, and improve the energy efficiency of new public school constructions. HB20-1265 , sponsored by Representatives Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Valdez, will inform Colorado communities when toxic chemicals are emitted from many refineries, factories, coal plants and other facilities. These air toxins heavily impact the communities that live close by and can cause a number of health complications. This new law requires facilities to conduct outreach in English and Spanish and notify the surrounding communities when they release toxic levels of benzene, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfide into the air. The requirement applies to both anticipated or unanticipated incidents, including as a result of a malfunction, start-up, shutdown, upset or emergency. “The new law signed today will protect the rights of all Coloradans to breathe clean air and ensure they are empowered with clear information about the activities of their industrial neighbors,” said Rep. Benavidez, D-Adams County. “The often low-income, often non-English speaking communities that are directly affected by toxic emissions have a right to know when polluters release deadly chemicals into the air their children breathe. This common sense new law requires notification and will help ensure Coloradans have the information they need.” “This new law came about through the power of an organized community demanding change,” said Rep. Valdez, D-Denver. “Notifying communities when dangerous levels of toxins have been emitted is a reasonable requirement for industry, but it will go a long way towards empowering our neighborhoods, our families, and our state with crucial information. I’m proud of the work we’ve done here.” The second bill signed into law, HB20-1143 , sponsored by Reps. Dominique Jackson and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would hold polluters accountable by increasing criminal penalties for the pollution of state waters and raising the maximum daily fine for civil air and water quality violations. The bill would also give the Attorney General and District Attorneys jurisdiction over water quality violations. “By increasing the consequences for polluters, today we took an important step towards ensuring corporate accountability and protecting our environment,” said Rep. Jackson, D-Aurora. “All Coloradans have the right to clean air and water, and this will go a long way to guarantee that the bad actors infringing on this right are held accountable.” “Far too many people of color and low-income Coloradans deal with the health impacts of air and water pollution in their communities every day,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “This new law provides more tools to crack down on polluters and encourage them to take community health and safety more seriously. There is no excuse for polluting the air our communities breathe and the water our children drink.” Finally, Governor Polis signed SB20-124 , Representative Bri Buentello’s bipartisan bill to help Colorado’s public schools become more energy efficient. Under current law, the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) program uses a specific set of guidelines when reviewing applications for grant funding for capital repairs or improvements. This new law will add a guideline for the BEST program to consider when looking at grant applications that they consult with the local electric utility on energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, and distributed generation opportunities. “As a teacher, I know firsthand how much Colorado’s schools need the type of support provided by BEST grants,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo. “In addition to considering things like health and safety issues and broadband connectivity, the BEST program will now take into account the energy efficiency of schools applying for grant funding. Helping our schools become energy efficient will save school districts crucial funds and go a long way towards protecting the environment that Colorado’s children will grow up with.” Previous Next

< Back June 10, 2020 VACCINES BILL PASSES! DENVER, CO — The House today passed SB20-163, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon as well as Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, on third reading. The bill would boost Colorado’s childhood immunization rates. The bill passed by a vote of 40-24. “This has been a long and winding process, but knowing that today’s result will save the lives of countless children and protect our state against tragic viral outbreaks makes it all worth it,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “This bill represents an important step towards streamlining our immunization process and boosting our state’s low vaccination rates without removing anyone’s ability to claim an exemption. I’m proud of what we accomplished today.” “This bill is a simple and sensible way to boost Colorado’s immunization rates and protect our children, all while ensuring that our commitment to parental choice remains intact,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon . “This modest proposal will go a long way towards making our vulnerable communities like newborns, seniors and children safer. We’re one step closer to ensuring that all Coloradans are better protected from viral outbreaks.” “I am proud to see this crucial public health proposal pass the House today,” said Rep. Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “These modest improvements have been a long time coming, and they’ll go a long way towards protecting the most vulnerable in Colorado, including those in the Black community.” SB20-163 is designed to get more children fully vaccinated by the time they start kindergarten by encouraging those who do not vaccinate, but who have no objections to vaccinations, to immunize their children. The percentage of Colorado kindergartners vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella is the lowest rate in the country at 87 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This low rate makes our state particularly vulnerable to a measles outbreak. SB20-163 requires parents who choose not to vaccinate their children to present a standardized exemption form signed by an immunization provider or submit a confirmation form that they took a short online class about vaccinations before they send their children to school. The bill also streamlines the immunization exemptions categories by dividing them into medical and nonmedical exemptions, but makes no changes to who can choose to exempt their children or for what reasons. Lastly, SB20-163 would require all immunizing health care providers to use the state’s Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) data system, though providers wouldn’t be subject to a regulatory sanction for noncompliance. Previous Next

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce the cost of prenatal visits < Back April 30, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed two bills to save Coloradans money on health care. SB25-296 would ensure patients receive free breast cancer screenings. SB25-118 would save families money on prenatal visits. “From preventive to prenatal care, we are focused on saving you money on health care,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of SB25-296 and SB25-118. “Patients can already receive no-cost preventive screenings for breast cancer, however, follow-up visits are often not covered by insurance. SB25-296 would extend coverage to include diagnostic exams so patients can receive the care they need. Another bill I’m sponsoring will save parents money on three prenatal visits. Coloradans deserve access to high-quality, affordable health care, and these bills will save families money on the health care they need.” “While breast cancer screenings are available to patients at no cost, follow-up visits and additional diagnostics are often not,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, sponsor of SB25-296. “This bill extends preventive care options for breast cancer to save Coloradans money on health care and treatment.” In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296 would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. SB25-296 passed commitee passed by a vote of 12-0. “Expecting parents are often on the hook for many doctor's visits and prenatal care, which can really add up,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “This bill ensures that families will not need to pay deductibles or co-pays for three office visits – saving them money.” SB25-118 would save expecting parents money on prenatal care. This bill would ensure that state-regulated insurance plans cover three prenatal care office visits. To save patients money, this bill would prohibit state-regulated insurance plans, except for individual and small group plans offered through Colorado Option, from imposing cost-sharing requirements, such as co-pays, on the first three prenatal visits. If signed into law, this bill would go into effect for plans issued or renewed after January 1st, 2027. Prenatal care is an important step in expanding access to health care, and helps support mothers who might experience pregnancy-related complications and can prevent emergencies. SB25-118 passed commitee by a vote of 11-1. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 GOV. SIGNS BECKER-CARAVEO BILL TO PRIORITIZE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF COLORADANS & GIVE LOCAL COMMUNITIES A VOICE (Apr. 16) – Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill that will update Colorado’s antiquated oil and gas laws to protect families and individuals from residential drilling by putting health and safety first, empowering local communities, and protecting our clean air and clean water. “Today, our state took a big step forward toward ensuring local governments have a seat at the table with the oil and gas industry and state government when new wells are to be drilled in that community. This law will give communities concerned about the health and safety impacts of oil and gas greater assurance that air quality and other impacts don’t take a back seat to other concerns,” said Speaker KC Becker. “This bill was years in the making, and for far too many, it’s long overdue. I’m proud of what we have accomplished with this new law.” “As we discussed flow lines, well sites and profits, it was easy for some to lose sight of a major aspects of this new law and that’s the refocusing of the COGCC to put health and safety first,” said Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the legislature’s only doctor and the co-prime sponsor of the bill. “We shouldn’t prioritize well sites over of the health of wheezing infants. This bill gives local governments a voice when it comes to residential drilling.” The landmark law directs the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) to regulate oil and gas development to protect public welfare, and clarifies that local governments have the same authority to regulate the oil and gas industry as they have with every other industry in Colorado, including the mining industry. The law also removes the prohibition against local governments requiring oil and gas companies to cover the direct costs of regulating, monitoring and permitting the sites in their communities. “I want to thank Erin Martinez for lending her powerful voice to this fight. My colleagues and I share her belief that industry can put health and safety first and continue to thrive at the same time,” Speaker Becker added. “Like many Coloradans, we admire Erin Martinez’s strength, commitment, and courage to enact change in the wake of terrible tragedy.” The new law addresses emissions and air quality by requiring increased monitoring and implementing a rule-making process to reduce emissions to better meet federal regulations. A “brown cloud” returned to Denver last month and reports showed that the air quality was worse than that of Beijing. SB19-181 would also ensure that taxpayers are not footing the bill for cleaning up orphan oil and gas wells that have been abandoned but not adequately plugged. Current bonding requirements are inadequate to cover the cost of clean-up when a company abandons a well. Cleanup costs for just one abandoned well costs an average of $82,000. Currently, there are nearly 400 known orphan wells in Colorado and a long list of wells that should be investigated. Finally, SB19-181 also provides increased protections for property owners with regard to forced pooling. Under current law, just one mineral rights owner can start the process of “forced pooling” other mineral owners and require development of those resources against the will of the majority of the owners. This bill would raise the threshold and put more transparency and guardrails on the process. The sponsors and proponents of the bill made clear during each hearing and floor debate that this bill is not a reiteration of Proposition 112, nor is it a moratorium or a ban on drilling. Watch the bill signing here . Previous Next

The House today on a preliminary vote advanced legislation to prevent and mitigate natural gas pipeline leaks and keep Coloradans safe. < Back March 12, 2025 House Advances Pipeline Leak Detection Bill DENVER, CO – The House today on a preliminary vote advanced legislation to prevent and mitigate natural gas pipeline leaks and keep Coloradans safe. “We need to do more to keep our communities and environment safe from dangerous pipeline leaks,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “The Pipeline Safety Program must work as intended, demonstrating that public safety is the highest priority. This includes standardizing the rules and regulations for the use of advanced leak detection technology, which when deployed is effective and efficient in detecting and locating leaks throughout the pipeline system across Colorado. Keeping communities safe from pipeline leaks is a top priority for me. This legislation mandates required rulemaking in statute since 2021 will be completed before the end of this year.” “Damaged, leaking pipelines pose a risk to public health and can pollute our environment," said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder. “This bill ensures Colorado has robust pipeline safety standards so that leaks are quickly detected and fixed. Improving pipeline safety is the right move for our communities, and this bill requires the state to adopt important rules on pipeline leak detection.” HB25-1280 would require the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to adopt rules on natural gas pipeline advanced leak detection by November 1, 2025. This bill builds off of previous legislation ( SB21-108 ) which required the Pipeline Safety Program to address various gas pipeline safety-related issues, including the use of advanced leak detection technology. The goal of HB25-1280 is to ensure the PUC adopts rules regarding the use of advanced leak detection technology to keep communities safe and protect the environment. Previous Next

< Back April 4, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BUDGET FOR ALL ON SECOND READING (Apr. 4) – After an extensive debate, the House of Representatives approved the state budget package on voice-vote for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2019. Earlier in the afternoon, 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. “This is a responsible budget for all of Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m confident that families and individuals will be well served by the responsible investments we are making in education, transportation and other priorities.” “This is a balanced and carefully crafted budget that all Coloradans can feel proud of,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “Even while Washington pushes economically harmful trade wars, we were able to put forward a budget that invests in education, transportation and finally 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. · 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 “long bill” will receive a recorded vote at a later date. Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH BILL ADVANCES Legislation would increase the availability of mental health consultants DENVER, CO — Representatives Julie McCluskie and Emily Sirota’s bill to improve statewide mental health services for children through age eight today advanced from the House Committee on Public Health Care and Human Services. The legislation passed 8-4. HB 20-1006 would create a statewide voluntary program of early childhood mental health consultants to increase the number of qualified consultants and improve access to these critical services. Mental health consultants are mental health professionals with experience working with young children and their families in a diversity of early childhood settings. “It’s no secret that Coloradans, especially in rural areas, don’t always have access to the quality mental health care they need,” said Rep. McCluskie (D-Dillion). “We want to invest in the health of future generations by making early childhood mental health services more available and convenient for parents and expectant parents to access, and that’s what this bill would do.” “As a social worker I have seen firsthand the need for mental health care across Colorado,” said Rep. Sirota (D-Denver). “This bill would greatly improve services for children and their families, improving the health and wellbeing of young children across our state. As a mother of two young children, I understand the importance of these critical services.” The Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants bill would address the need for additional, trained mental health consultants focused on infants’ and young childrens’ mental health across the state. It would also create a standardized model for the program in consultation with key Colorado local community-based stakeholders and the National Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health. Under the bill, early childhood mental health specialists would be available for on-site consultations at preschool and elementary schools, in public health and health care settings and other culturally and regionally appropriate early childhood settings. The visits would include support and appropriate methods for caregivers to implement tested, practical mental health care strategies for long-term success. As a part of the program, the standardized model would include job qualifications and expectations of mental health consultants, expected outcomes of the program and appropriate ratios of consultants for the communities that they support. The program will support the ongoing professional development of mental health specialists in the state to increase access to these critical services. Professional development plans for consultants and a certification process will ensure that mental health consultants are appropriately trained as well as well versed in the expectations of the program. Previous Next

Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado < Back January 30, 2024 Colorado House Democrats Pass Bill to Make Housing More Affordable Legislation would help alleviate housing crisis across Colorado DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to prohibit local governments from implementing or enforcing residential occupancy limits except for health and safety reasons. “Arbitrary housing limits exacerbate the housing crisis, creating an unnecessary barrier that makes it even more difficult for Coloradans to find a place to live,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Prohibiting occupancy limits opens up affordable housing options, reduces our environmental impact, and gives Coloradans the freedom to live with others even if they aren’t related. This legislation is critical in giving Coloradans more housing choices and creating more affordable housing opportunities.” “Occupancy limits that are not genuinely based on health and safety concerns limit the ability of Coloradans struggling to get by to find affordable housing,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “At a time when Coloradans face a shortage of housing supply, our governments should not be limiting the supply of housing. This legislation will expand housing options for all and allow people to make their own housing choices that benefit their families and save them money.” HB24-1007 , which passed by a vote of 8-3, would prohibit local governments from limiting the number of people who can live together in a residence, regardless of familial relationship. Exceptions include only for demonstrated health and safety standards, such as fire code regulations, wastewater and water quality standards and international building code standards. Occupancy limits cap the amount of people that can live in a residence if they are not related, even if the residence has more bedrooms than the occupancy limit standard. In 2023, there were over 14,000 Coloradans experiencing homelessness. More than 50 percent of renters in the Denver Metro Area, as well as counties like Boulder, El Paso, Larimer, Pueblo, Summit, Eagle, and Mesa, are cost burdened. In 2021, Denver City Council passed a measure to increase their occupancy limit standards from two to five people, and last year, Boulder City Council voted to increase their occupancy limit standards from three to five people. Previous Next