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Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill aimed at building strong career pathways for students. < Back May 23, 2024 Bill to Create Strong Career Pathways for Students Signed into Law ENGLEWOOD, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill aimed at building strong career pathways for students. HB24-1364, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, will streamline career pathways for high school graduates. “With this law, we’re strengthening career pathways that will make it easier for Coloradans to secure good-paying jobs in communities they love,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This law improves student access to high school programs that offer college credits, college credits, industry credentials, or quality work-based learning experiences. Together, we’re investing in our workforce, boosting local economies, and making it easier for our learners to find and succeed in a career that will help them not just get by, but thrive in a well-paying job.” “To meet Colorado’s workforce and education demands, we need to make it easier for our learners to plan and succeed for their next career steps,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver . “This law creates a data system that will make it easier for Colorado learners, school districts and higher education to connect to college credit, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs. Our law invests in learners by connecting them to careers that have significant growth and earning potential.” HB24-1364 will implement recommendations from the 1215 Task Force to help meet workforce demands and foster career pathways for Coloradans. HB24-1364 will create a detailed study to uncover the cost benefits of streamlining the administration and financing of postsecondary workforce readiness programs to state and local education providers. This law also lays the foundation of a data system to measure the impact and outcomes of education and workforce programs. The data collected by this program will be more accessible to learners, families, and other decision-makers when it comes to choosing a career pathway. Previous Next

< Back March 8, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES CUTTER-WEISSMAN BILL TO EXPAND DISCLOSURE OF FUNDING IN CAMPAIGNS House Republicans vote to allow mystery ads to continue flooding campaigns (Mar. 8) — A bill sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora to require expanded disclosure of funding behind campaign communications passed the House today. “I’ve had a twenty-five year career in public relations and communications, and have been a strong advocate for fair and ethical communications, ” said Rep. Cutter. “A healthy and functional democracy depends on transparency, so let’s do everything we can to ensure Colorado voters are fully informed.” The bipartisan SB19-068 would require listing the name of any person or entity that spends more than $1000 per year on electioneering communications on the communication itself, be it a television ad, mailer, or a distributed flyer. It would also increase transparency and accountability in elections by including electioneering communications that occur at any point between the primary and general election. “Voters get bombarded by political ads and mailers during elections from mystery sources, making it difficult for Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters to properly weigh the issues,” said Rep. Weissman. “Today, we took an an important step toward improving campaign disclosure laws. Coloradans deserve all the proper facts when they fill out their ballots.” The bill passed with a final vote of 39-23 with nearly every House Republican voting against it and now heads to the Governor’s desk. The bill is sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada and Sen. Jack Tate, R-Centennial. It passed the Senate with bipartisan support on a vote of 23-12. Previous Next

Failing to extend enhanced premium tax credits will dramatically increase health insurance costs for Coloradans < Back August 7, 2025 General Assembly Dems Urge Colorado’s Congressional Delegation to Extend Tax Credits, Save Coloradans Money Failing to extend enhanced premium tax credits will dramatically increase health insurance costs for Coloradans DENVER, CO - General Assembly Democrats today sent a letter to Colorado’s congressional delegation, calling on them to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that were omitted from the GOP Megabill to prevent Coloradans’ health insurance costs from skyrocketing. In the letter, the General Assembly Democrats wrote: We are writing to express our profound concern regarding Congress’s inaction on extending enhanced premium tax credits (tax credits) for individuals who purchase their health insurance from the healthcare marketplace. Failing to extend the tax credits Coloradans rely on to afford their health insurance will have devastating impacts. By not extending these tax credits, the GOP-led Congress is making a conscious choice to dramatically increase people’s health insurance costs. Enhanced premium tax credits play a vital role in ensuring Coloradans can access quality health insurance coverage, and we urge Congress to take action to ensure these tax credits are extended. Failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits will result in harmful impacts to your constituents, including increased costs and loss of coverage. Enhanced premium tax credits must be extended in order to ensure stability and affordability for the Colorado insurance market. We urge you to take immediate action to extend enhanced premium tax credits to ensure Coloradans can continue to access the quality healthcare coverage that they deserve. The full text of the letter is below: Dear Senators and Representatives, We are writing to express our profound concern regarding Congress’s inaction on extending enhanced premium tax credits (tax credits) for individuals who purchase their health insurance from the healthcare marketplace. Failing to extend the tax credits Coloradans rely on to afford their health insurance will have devastating impacts. By not extending these tax credits, the GOP-led Congress is making a conscious choice to dramatically increase people’s health insurance costs. Enhanced premium tax credits play a vital role in ensuring Coloradans can access quality health insurance coverage, and we urge Congress to take action to ensure these tax credits are extended. We care deeply about making Colorado a more affordable place to live and work, and that means making sure that health care remains accessible and affordable for all Coloradans, in every part of our state. The existing tax credits help lower costs for hardworking Coloradans, and their removal would only stand to exacerbate the affordability challenges that so many in our state face. Over 321,000 Coloradans enrolled in healthcare through the public marketplace in 2025. If action is not taken to renew the tax credits, an estimated 110,000 Coloradans could lose healthcare coverage as early as next year. It is not difficult to understand why so many people will lose coverage if Congress allows the tax credits to expire. The Colorado Division of Insurance estimates that the average statewide net premium increase for a silver plan will be nearly 200% for a middle class person. This will mean that the average net premium for a silver plan will increase by approximately $25,000.00 next year for a middle class family of four. The situation is only slightly better for those earning lower than middle class incomes. Instead of a 200% premium increase, the Division estimates that they will on average receive a net premium increase of 174%. Quite simply, Congress’ decision to allow these tax credits to expire is unconscionable and heartbreaking. Not only are these increases in premiums unsustainable for most people, they will also lead to more uncompensated care, which will be particularly challenging for our rural and safety net hospitals that are constantly struggling to keep their doors open. And, the costs of uncompensated care will be passed on to the employers in our state. No corner of our health care market will be safe from the decision to allow these tax credits to expire. Costs will increase for everyone, no matter the type of insurance they purchase. Extending the enhanced tax credits will ensure Coloradans can continue to afford quality healthcare coverage and can avoid having to make impossible decisions between healthcare coverage and other expenses. Failure to extend the tax credits will also reduce the impact of Colorado's bipartisan reinsurance program by 40%, only increasing premiums further. From 2020-2025, Coloradans have saved $2.1 billion due to the reinsurance initiative. By not extending the tax credits, the reinsurance program will have less funds available to lower premiums for consumers, and will negatively impact those seeking healthcare coverage. Failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits will result in harmful impacts to your constituents, including increased costs and loss of coverage. Enhanced premium tax credits must be extended in order to ensure stability and affordability for the Colorado insurance market. We urge you to take immediate action to extend enhanced premium tax credits to ensure Coloradans can continue to access the quality healthcare coverage that they deserve. Sincerely, Representative Julie McCluskie Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Senator James Coleman President of the Senate Representative Monica Duran Majority Leader of the Colorado House of Representatives Senator Judy Amabile Joint Budget Committee Member Senator Matt Ball Senator Jeff Bridges Joint Budget Committee Chair Senator Lisa Cutter Assistant Majority Leader Senator Lindsey Daugherty Senator Tony Exum Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Nick Hinrichsen Majority Whip Senator Cathy Kipp Senator Iman Jodeh Senator Chris Kolker Senator Janice Marchman Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet Senator Dylan Roberts Majority Caucus Chair Senator Marc Snyder Senator Tom Sullivan Senator Katie Wallace Senator Mike Weissman Senator Faith Winter Representative Jennifer Bacon Assistant Majority Leader Representative Shannon Bird Joint Budget Committee Vice-Chair Representative Andy Boesenecker Speaker Pro Tempore Representative Kyle Brown Representative Sean Camacho Representative Michael Carter Representative Chad Clifford Representative Regina English Representative Cecelia Espenoza Representative Meg Froelich Representative Lorena Garcia Representative Lindsay Gilchrist Representative Eliza Hamrick Representative Jamie Jackson Representative Junie Joseph Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative Sheila Lieder Representative Mandy Lindsay Majority Caucus Co-Chair Representative William Lindstedt Representative Meghan Lukens Representative Matthew Martinez Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Tisha Mauro Representative Karen McCormick Representative Amy Paschal Representative Jacque Phillips Representative Naquetta Ricks Representative Manny Rutinel Representative Gretchen Rydin Representative Emily Sirota Joint Budget Committee Member Representative Lesley Smith Representative Katie Stewart Representative Rebekah Stewart Representative Tammy Story Representative Elizabeth Velasco Majority Caucus Co-Whip Representative Jenny Willford Representative Steven Woodrow Representative Yara Zokaie Previous Next

< Back October 1, 2020 REPRESENTATIVES PRAISE PARDONS FOR MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS DENVER, CO – Representatives James Coleman, D-Denver, Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, today released the following statements after Governor Jared Polis announced pardons for 2,732 Coloradans with state-level marijuana convictions, utilizing expanded authority granted through HB20-1424 . “Today, our state has taken a major step forward in securing justice for the thousands of Coloradans who have been living with a conviction on their record for a crime that no longer exists in our state,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver, the House sponsor of the legislation. “For too long, these convictions continued the injustices perpetrated under the discriminatory policy of marijuana prohibition, making it harder for Coloradans with convictions to find housing, employment or access critical services. Governor Polis’ decision to grant these pardons will finally bring justice to Coloradans who have been denied opportunity and have continued to be punished for possession of small amounts of marijuana long after the state rolled back its prohibition.” “This pardon is long overdue and will make a real difference in the lives of countless Coloradans,” said Colorado Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who also championed the change. “Far too many people in our state have continued to suffer the consequences of a small mistake made decades ago while others profit off of the booming and legitimized cannabis industry. I’m proud to have played a part in the justice being served today.” “These convictions for marijuana possession, which disproportionately fell on people of color, have persisted on Coloradans’ records despite being in opposition to our fundamental values of fairness, justice and opportunity for all,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont, who advocated for creating the pardon authority under HB20-1424. “I’m proud our state is moving forward and righting this wrong.” Under HB20-1424, the governor has expanded authority to pardon a class of persons convicted of possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana. The conviction must be for a state-level offense. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE CLEARS MCLACHLAN BILL TO ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE Judiciary Also Approves McLachlan Sponsored Human Trafficking-related training bill (Jan. 17) – The House Education Committee approved Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to create a pilot program that provides professional development training for school principals to build strong leadership in our education system and provide better support for teachers and students. “Ensuring our educators have the leadership support they need to be at their best will ultimately help our students get the best education,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We need to make sure teachers in our state, especially in our rural districts, stay in the classroom.” Rep. McLachlan is the chair of the House Education Committee and is a former public school teacher in Durango. HB19-1002 represents the latest effort by Colorado lawmakers to implement the state’s blueprint to reducing Colorado’s teacher shortage. It builds upon a McLachlan led bill, HB17-1003, which required the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Education (DOE) to put forth relevant policy recommendations to address the teacher shortage. The pilot program will provide preliminary analysis on the efficacy of providing professional leadership and development training to Colorado principals, an effort supported by strong academic and statistical research. Because it is a pilot program, lawmakers in both chambers will have the opportunity to review the pilot’s results and make a decision for how to move forward following its conclusion. “As a teacher, I think one of the best figures was my very first principal who fostered my development as a teacher, who ensured I could be the absolute best I can be,” said Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, who is Vice-chair of the House Education Committee. “This bill is going to do a lot to make sure there are more of those types of principals.” The bill passed 11-1. It now heads to the Appropriations Committee. In other committee action today, the bipartisan HB19-1051 which is sponsored by Rep. McLachlan was approved by the Judiciary committee 11-0. The bill would require the Division of Criminal Justice to provide human trafficking training to law enforcement agencies. It now goes to the Appropriations Committee. Previous Next

< Back April 2, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES WEISSMAN’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING BILL 76% of extremely low income families spend more than half their income on housing (Apr. 1) – The House Finance committee approved a bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, that would put more money into the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. This can then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “Supporting a family, maintaining a job, living a healthy life, the whole foundation starts with housing,” said Rep. Weissman. “This bill is a calibrated approach that would benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals. This is the first significant and meaningful approach to our under-addressed affordable housing crisis in a while.” Under current law, a business can keep 3 ⅓ percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a one thousand dollar monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to extremely low income families in the first year and would invest $45-50 million per year afterwards. Across Colorado, there is a shortage of 114,071 rental units affordable and available to extremely low income families. The hourly wage needed to afford housing in Colorado without being cost-burdened is $23.93 per hour, which is more than double the state’s minimum wage. HB19-1245 was approved on a vote of 7-4. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. 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 May 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILL TO PREPARE AT-RISK STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed legislation into law today that will create a new method for identifying and serving at-risk students. HB22-1202, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie and Senators Rachel Zenzinger and James Coleman, will more accurately count at-risk students and direct additional resources to school districts that serve at-risk students. “Modernizing the way we identify at-risk students will direct proper funding toward schools and prepare all Colorado students for success,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Under this law, the state will create a new well-rounded method for pinpointing at-risk students that goes beyond those eligible for free and reduced-price lunches to include data from Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus program. But every child lives a different home life, so the data collection will also consider important socioeconomic factors that can affect academic success such as parent incarceration, unhoused status and English as a Second Language. This law will get school districts the funding they need to meet the needs of their at-risk students so their students can grow, thrive and achieve.” “As we introduce more precise factors into the school funding formula, we can increase the likelihood that our resources will be used in the most equitable manner, to the greatest degree of success,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada . “The at-risk measure is one of those factors in need of greater precision and definition; and thanks to HB22-1202, we will eventually be able to support the children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a true at-risk condition.” “I am proud Colorado is taking steps to identify, serve and support each and every student,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie D-Dillion “Research has shown to better serve at-risk students, we need to look at the bigger picture and consider more than just a couple of socioeconomic factors that might hinder academic success–and this law does just that. This law creates a new definition in the formula so Colorado can more accurately identify at-risk students and provide their school districts with more funding to meet their needs.” “We know that, right now, we don’t do enough to support our at-risk students, and that needs to change,” said Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver . “More accurately identifying our at-risk students will allow us to do a better job allocating the critical resources school districts need to serve them. This bill will help us better prepare all of Colorado’s students for success.” HB22-1202 will create a new method in the school finance formula to identify students who are at risk of below-average academic outcomes due to socio-economic disadvantages or poverty. The new formula aims to better pinpoint at-risk students by considering multiple socio-economic factors that affect them. Based on the new formula, school districts would be eligible for more state funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year to better prepare their at-risk students. A recent statewide poll revealed that 83% of respondents consider it important to provide resources and support to students who are falling behind so teachers can make sure every student has an opportunity to get back on track. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 NEW LAW TO PROTECT CYCLISTS PEDALS THROUGH JUDICIARY COMMITTEE The House Judiciary Committee today advanced a bill, sponsored by House Majority Speaker KC Becker, that will create a new traffic offense for not yielding to bicycles or other sanctioned users who ride in bike lanes. The bill passed by a vote of 7-2. “Cyclists are being hit and injured at an alarming rate, and it’s time we got involved to ensure their safety,” said Speaker Becker, D-Boulder. “Cycling deaths are tragic and preventable. If we’re serious about ensuring bike safety, then we need everyone who uses our roads to respect bike lanes. I hope this bill will provide the encouragement drivers need to share the road.” According to data provided by CDOT , in 2017 bicycle deaths were at an all-time high. In 2017 there were 648 traffic deaths and out of those deaths 16 involved cyclists. In 2018, 22 cyclists died, and in 2019, 19 cyclists died across the state of Colorado. Recently, the city of Denver has pledged to install 125 miles of bike lanes throughout the city by 2023. SB20-061 would make failing to yield to cyclists and other authorized users as determined by local governments a class A traffic offense. If violated, the penalty would be a $70 penalty and a $10 surcharge. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado renters from arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory evictions. < Back March 14, 2023 House Advances Eviction Protections DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to protect Colorado renters from arbitrary, retaliatory, and discriminatory evictions. “Evictions are devastating for Colorado renters, leading to an increased likelihood of food instability and lower academic achievement in kids, and even causing me to drop out of high school when my family was evicted,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver . “Landlords should only be able to kick you out of your home for instances like lease violations or refusal to pay rent. Preventing unnecessary evictions ensures that families aren’t frivolously pushed out of their communities.” “Evictions are disproportionately filed against low-income and people of color, creating barriers to qualifying for future housing and perpetuating the cycle of housing insecurity,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver . “I have seen the impacts to the families I have worked with over the last 20 years who are regularly faced with housing instability. Colorado law has no just cause eviction protections, allowing landlords to evict tenants even when they pay their rent on time and follow the rules. This legislation will help keep more Colorado families from being unfairly pushed out while allowing landlords the tools they need to keep their units profitable and in good condition.” HB23-1171 creates the Just Cause Eviction Policy in Colorado law to prevent an unnecessary eviction when a tenant abides by the lease agreement and keeps up with rental payments. It permits landlords to evict a tenant when a tenant: Fails to pay rent after the landlord provides a written notice of nonpayment, Commits a substantial lease violation and does not cure it within 10 days of receiving written notice of the violation, Refuses to allow the landlord to enter the property after the landlord has given at least 72 hours of notice, unless the lease requires a longer period of notice, or Refuses to sign a new rental agreement with terms that are substantially identical to the current agreement. It also permits some no-fault evictions, which allow a landlord to evict for demolition, conversion, or substantial repairs to a residence, and for the purpose of allowing the landlord or their family to live in the unit as a primary residence. If a landlord moves forward with a no-fault eviction, they must provide two months’ rent worth of relocation assistance. Renters under 18 years old, over 60 years old, low-income, or with a disability qualify for a third month of relocation assistance. The bill includes certain exemptions from the relocation assistance requirement, including small landlords. The bill exempts short-term rentals and properties owned by landlords who rent out a portion of their primary residence, including an accessory dwelling unit. Previous Next

SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide < Back May 29, 2025 ICYMI: Legislation to Ensure Safe Housing and Strengthen Renter Protections Signed Into Law SB25-020 will increase compliance with landlord-tenant laws and uphold housing standards statewide DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bill to ensure safe housing and strengthen renter protections by expanding the Attorney General’s and local governments’ authority to enforce landlord-tenant laws. SB25-020 is sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. It allows the Colorado Attorney General to seek any penalties or use any enforcement mechanisms available under landlord-tenant laws to enforce housing protections for victims of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, or domestic violence, as well as documentation requirements for housing agreements, and extends protections regarding bed bug infestations in residential homes. The bill gives counties and municipalities the ability to enforce these same landlord-tenant laws in addition to existing provisions the Attorney General may already enforce. “In recent years, we have worked hard to strengthen renters’ protections and level the playing field between tenants and landlords,” said Gonzales. “When apartment buildings fall into disrepair because of neglect and mismanagement, it throws tenants’ lives into chaos, jeopardizes safe living conditions, and disrupts their ability to simply get through their day. This new law empowers local governments and the Attorney General to enforce the laws we already have on the books by holding neglectful management companies who have a pattern and practice of disregarding our safe housing laws to account, with the goal of ensuring that all Coloradans can live in safe and healthy housing.” “As an Aurora legislator, I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure renters don’t have to spend multiple years fighting corporate landlords for basic rights,” said Lindsay. “When negligent landlords allowed several properties in my community to fall into disrepair, the city had limited tools to address the issues. This law builds on past work Colorado Democrats have done to ensure renters can live in safe conditions by empowering counties and municipalities to enforce tenant protection laws. No one deserves to live among rodents or without functioning heat or cooling systems, and this law will help ensure Coloradans have a safe place to live.” “For too long, bad actors in property management have ignored tenant complaints, neglected basic repairs, and left communities in crisis. This must end,” said Weissman. “Recent events in Aurora and Denver highlight the urgent need for stronger tools to protect renters. Violations of our state’s safe housing laws cannot be ignored – especially in a housing crisis where every rental unit matters. SB20 is narrowly focused on tackling cases of chronic neglect where tenants have been left without options for far too long.” “This law will hold negligent landlords accountable when they illegally ignore dangerous living conditions,” said Mabrey. “By giving the Attorney General, counties and municipalities more authority to enforce tenant protection laws, Colorado renters will have more advocates in their corner to fight for safe housing. Colorado Democrats are committed to not only making housing more affordable, but also ensuring that these affordable housing options are a safe and healthy place to live.” SB25-020 also establishes a process where, only in severe cases with a pattern of neglect, residential housing may be placed into receivership – a legal process where a court appoints a caretaker to oversee a neglected property to temporarily manage operations, make necessary repairs, and repay debts. The law outlines the process for receivership cases, including providing proper notice to parties, defining powers and responsibilities for entities appointed as receivers, and establishing the process for ending receiverships. Previous Next

Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 29, 2025 Laws to Streamline and Improve Medicaid Coverage Go into Effect DENVER, CO — Three new laws to streamline, simplify and expand health care for Colorado Medicaid recipients go into effect on August 6, 2025. The laws will make health care more accessible for patients by reducing administrative barriers and expanding coverage options for certain conditions. "As a former case manager for Medicaid members, I understand firsthand the barriers people experience trying to keep their insurance,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This law will help streamline the recertification process by reducing paperwork. This will allow for more providers to complete required paperwork and request permission from the federal government to allow for Medicaid members with stable income to recertify every three years. Health care works best when it’s accessible to patients – and this law is an important step toward a healthier, safer Colorado.” “While Republicans in DC are creating new hoops to jump through to access basic Medicaid coverage, here in Colorado we’re reducing barriers and making it easier for Coloradans to access the care they need,” said Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB25-1162. “This new law makes commonsense improvements to our administration of Medicaid to improve efficiency for providers and ease the burden on Colorado workers and families to ensure that everyone who is eligible is able access care. I’m proud of our work this year to protect access to affordable, quality health care for every Coloradan.” HB25-1162 removes unnecessary administrative barriers to streamline health care for Coloradans. Specifically, this law narrows the questions providers are required to ask patients that determine Medicaid eligibility, mainly for long-term care needs. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has until December 31, 2026, to create and implement the new questions. This law also streamlines Medicaid reenrollment for patients with stable incomes to further reduce red tape for Coloradans. To help prevent accidental disenrollment from Medicaid, this law also allows the HCPF to submit requests to allow a patient's redetermination, or eligibility for Medicaid, timeline to be extended three years. Colorado’s HCPF is permitted to submit three-year extensions; however, it is dependent upon the federal government to approve them. “We’ve made important progress toward lowering the cost of health care in Colorado, and this law will save patients who receive parenteral nutrition both time and money,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, R-Littleton, sponsor of SB25-084. “This law, going into effect soon, will expand provider options for Medicaid patients who need parenteral nutrition. In Colorado, we’re focused on making sure Medicaid patients can receive the care they need." SB25-084 , also sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, will expand access to and save Coloradans money on parenteral nutrition services. Parenteral nutrition is nutritional support provided to patients directly into their bloodstream through a catheter. This law establishes Medicaid reimbursement rates for parenteral nutrition to help diversify the number of infusion pharmacies that offer this service to Colorado patients. This will make it easier for Coloradans using Medicaid to find an infusion pharmacy that accepts their insurance, saving them time and money. Under the new law, dispensing fee rates are capped at 30 percent of the infusion pharmacy’s administrative cost to prepare and dispense for the first year. HB25-1213 , also sponsored by Rep. Feret, Sen. Daugherty, as well as Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver and Rep. Weinberg, R-Loveland, goes into effect on August 6, 2025, and makes important Medicaid program updates so Coloradans can receive consistent, accessible health care coverage. This law improves access and streamlines health care coverage through several administrative, eligibility, billing and review changes to the Medicaid program. The GOP budget will have devastating effects on every sector of Colorado’s health care system, including Colorado hospitals, clinics, and other providers that could lose up to $900 million in annual federal Medicaid funding – mainly caused by a forced reduction in provider fees. The cuts to Medicaid will result in an estimated 140,000-230,000 Coloradans suddenly losing health care coverage. Previous Next