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< Back April 22, 2021 RX DRUG SAVINGS COMING TO CONSUMERS, EMPLOYERS, AND STATE GOV DENVER, CO– The House Health and Insurance Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Janice Rich to establish a competitive Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) marketplace, which will lower pharmacy benefit costs for Colorado state government, private employers, and consumers across the state. The bill passed by a vote of 11-2. “This bill is a win win–it will save consumers money on their prescription drug costs and save Colorado money, too,” said Health and Insurance Committee Chair Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “Using innovative technology, we can create a marketplace for pharmacy benefit managers that gets them to compete against each other to offer their services at a lower cost. House Democrats have made reducing the cost of prescription drugs and insurance a top priority, and this bill will help our state reduce costs while saving people money on their drugs.” HB21-1237 would establish a competitive marketplace for PBMs. Under the bill, the state would procure a technology platform that would allow PBMs to bid against each other in a reverse auction to secure state and private pharmacy benefit contracts. The state or private employers would then be able to select the lowest bidder. The bill creates a modern and transparent process to secure PBM contracts and allows for an audit of invoices to ensure PBMs are meeting their contract terms and to prevent consumers from overpaying. PBMs were created to help consumers save money on prescription drugs. However, often the PBMs negotiate discounts, but then keep the savings instead of passing them along to consumers. A reverse auction allows the state or employers to do an apples to apples comparison of each PBM’s pricing proposal. Initial estimates show the state could save between $6.7 million and $10.24 million a year. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE RESCINDS REQUESTS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS DENVER, CO– Through a resolution sponsored by Judiciary Chair Mike Weissman, the House today rescinded all previous requests by either chamber of the General Assembly to call for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. “Colorado has not made a request for a constitutional convention in over 25 years,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “In that time, our population has nearly doubled, and our state has changed drastically. Passing this resolution today gives Colorado a clean slate and ensures our state has no part in prompting a massive, wide-open revamp of the US Constitution. This is about ensuring that we maintain a high standard for amending our country’s foundational document and protecting the rights and liberties we hold dear.” “Amending our Constitution should be no easy feat,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “While the Constitution is certainly a living document, we cannot allow it to be put on the operating table and left to be tinkered with. There’s a reason we haven’t had a constitutional convention since 1787; it could threaten the core rights and freedoms that are foundational to our democracy. If changes need to be made, the framers gave us another, more targeted mechanism through Congress and the state legislatures that has been used successfully many times to ensure our Constitution meets the needs of the times.” HJR 21-1006 establishes “that all resolutions, memorials, or other enactments previously passed by the Colorado General Assembly or either house thereof petitioning Congress for a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution shall be rescinded, cancelled, voided, nullified, and superseded upon passage of this resolution.” Previous Next

Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. < Back May 22, 2023 SIGNED! Bills to Develop Innovative Clean Energy and Create Jobs DENVER, CO - Gov. Polis today signed three bills into law to accelerate Colorado’s clean energy transition by increasing regulatory authority and oversight of advanced energy industries, developing a carbon management roadmap and incentivizing clean hydrogen energy in hard-to-decarbonize industries. “The need to address the climate crisis is only becoming more urgent, which is why I am so pleased to see these bills be signed into law,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, sponsor of SB23-285, HB23-1210, and HB23-1281. “This package of bills will help Colorado remain on the right path to net-zero emissions by helping us create jobs while encouraging better carbon management and clean energy initiatives. I am proud of our work to help build a healthier more sustainable future for us all.” “Climate change is a very real threat to Colorado. We need these laws to manage carbon emissions, push toward cleaner energy, and meet our climate goals,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-285 and HB23-1210 . “These laws will help us reach net zero carbon emissions by encouraging innovative methods for energy generation and carbon management. I’m happy to champion these efforts to create good-paying jobs, meet our climate goals, and make Colorado a leader in clean tech.” SB23-285 , sponsored by Senators Hansen and Priola and Representatives Dickson and McCormick, renames the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to the Energy and Carbon Management Commission and directs the Commission to regulate energy and carbon management areas beyond oil and gas. The Commission will now include new energy generation and storage technologies like deep geothermal and underground natural gas storage. The law also directs the Commission to undertake studies to ensure the safe development and regulation of these new technologies and others, including transportation and storage of hydrogen. “Climate change impacts our communities each and every day, and we must expand our reach to take advantage of innovative ways to improve our air quality and protect our way of life,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-285 . “This law will expand opportunities for new carbon management and geothermal technologies to reduce our air pollution, protect public health and help meet our climate goals.” HB23-1210 , sponsored by Representative Dickson and Senators Hansen and Priola, directs the Colorado Energy Office to develop a carbon management roadmap and help Colorado companies successfully undertake carbon management projects. The law will also identify early investment opportunities to de-risk projects that hold the promise of reducing emissions from sectors of the economy that are hardest to decarbonize. “Achieving Colorado’s bold climate goals requires innovation,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “Carbon removal is emerging as an innovative, successful technology to be used in the pursuit of a net-zero economy. I’m proud to help Colorado become a leader in carbon management and I am pleased to see this bill be signed into law.” HB23-1281 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Stephanie Vigil and Senator Lisa Cutter, sets first in the nation standards for the production of hydrogen energy that will help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel driven sources of energy and create good paying jobs. This law encourages the development of hydrogen projects by building on federal investments and incentives and creating an income tax credit for the use of hydrogen fuel. It also establishes several safeguards to ensure that hydrogen fuel production doesn’t create new emissions by requiring that it be powered by dedicated renewable energy resources, located in close proximity to power hydrogen plants. “With this bill being signed into law today, we’re unlocking an innovative and affordable source of green energy in Colorado to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB23-1281. “Hydrogen will provide affordable and reliable electricity as Colorado works toward our net zero carbon emission goal. This law protects consumers and our environment while spurring innovation in hard-to-decarbonize industries.” “With this legislation, we will be able to leverage federal funds to support the transition to hydrogen for specific industrial uses,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB23-1281. “We worked hard to create a balance; incentivizing innovative energy options while creating a framework to provide the critical environmental protections necessary. I'm proud that Colorado is leading the way and providing a model for other states as we work towards a carbon neutral future." “This innovative approach to clean energy production creates a framework for a clean hydrogen economy in Colorado,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB23-1281. “This law helps us compete for federal funds and incentivizes clean hydrogen in sectors that can’t rely on other forms of renewable energy so we can move away from the use of fossil fuels and reach our carbon and climate goals. I’m proud Colorado is leading the way to promote and reduce the cost of new technologies and more affordable clean energy while creating good paying jobs.” The Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap states that we need innovative methods to bring down costs to reach Colorado’s greenhouse gas reduction goals by 2050. Cement and steel production, heavy duty trucking, and aviation fuel are difficult to decarbonize, which is why investing in clean hydrogen energy is promising in efforts to meet Colorado’s climate goals. In February 2022, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming developed the Western Inter-States Hydrogen Hub to secure federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to fight against climate change. Previous Next

< Back May 29, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING MOVES FORWARD Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. The measure now heads to the 2019 ballot for voter approval. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets or the Broncos. This new funding will go toward protecting our precious water and we believe this is something everyone can support,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I also hope this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.” HB19-1327 provides a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to support Colorado Water Plan projects that will keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. The measure, Proposition DD, will be on the November 2019 ballot. The portion of the bill that Gov. Polis signed authorizes casinos to open in-person sports books and creates the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. The bill was sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. Previous Next

A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today < Back August 7, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Law to Improve Education in Colorado Takes Effect DENVER, CO – A new law to reduce language barriers in schools goes into effect today. Starting August 7, HB23-1263 , sponsored by Reps. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, and Mary Young, D-Greeley, and Sens. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, will reduce language barriers in special education learning plans. Under Colorado law, every public school student that qualifies for and receives special education services must have an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is catered to each individual student and aims to improve their educational results and ability to learn in the classroom. HB23-1263 requires the IEP, the draft IEP, and any other related documents to be translated to the primary language spoken at the students’ home as necessary. “Parents and guardians are invested in their child’s success at school, but language barriers can prevent them from understanding the details and requirements of their individual child’s education plan,” said Garcia. “This law works with local school districts to ensure that translated drafts of individualized education programs are provided so parents and guardians can be involved in their child’s special education eligibility. Together, we’re improving equity in our schools and making sure every learner is set up for success.” “Every parent or legal guardian should have equal opportunity to participate in their child’s learning plan, regardless of language barriers,” said Zenzinger. "This new law is essential, enabling families to actively collaborate in the creation of their child's learning plan, even if they don’t share a language with their child’s educators. I’m proud to have worked on this bill that will improve learning outcomes and better ensure quality special education." “In order for a child to be eligible for special education services their parents must provide critical input, but sometimes a language barrier can limit parental involvement,” said Young. “This law is another step toward eliminating language barriers and boosting equity in our schools by ensuring that parents whose primary language is not English have the opportunity to participate in decisions related to their children’s special education eligibility.” “Education is opportunity, and the law going into effect today will set Coloradans up for success,” said Gonzales. “HB 1263 will allow families of all backgrounds and languages to have an accessible opportunity to craft a special education learning plan. This is vital in our work to create an education system that works for all students and their families – regardless of language barrier.” Previous Next

< Back April 11, 2019 HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES GRANT TO HELP 9TH GRADERS SUCCEED & LOWER DROPOUT RATE Bipartisan bill approved on a vote of 10-3 (Apr. 11) — The House Education committee passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, and Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, that would create a program to help students in the 9th grade succeed, as studies have shown that 9th grade can be an indicator on if a student will drop of out of school. “As a teacher, I know how crucial it is to provide resources for these students and help them succeed early on,” said Rep. Buentello. “Data shows that ninth grade is the make or break it moment for students. Students are not just passed up anymore, they have to pass or fail, and this reality often hits them like a ton of bricks. The data shows these types programs that focus on keeping kids in schools succeed in their mission.” HB19-1276 establishes a ninth grade success grant program administered by the Department of Education to help ninth grade students develop the skills needed to graduate from high school and succeed afterwards. The bill outlines best practices that must be utilized for the purposes of the program in order for a local education provider to be eligible for a grant. The department would reviews applications from local education providers and recommends to the State Board of Education about awarding grants. “In Colorado Springs, we’ve got a school district that has a dropout rate of around three percent, which is higher than the state average. This puts that school district in the bottom 20 percent of graduation dropout rate statewide, which is really heartbreaking” said Rep. Exum. “If we can do something to help kids succeed in school, then we should do it.” This grant would prioritize schools with four-year high school graduation rates that are in the bottom 20 percent statewide. The bill passed the committee with a bipartisan vote of 10-3 and now heads to the House committee on Appropriations. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to waive Colorado's state park entry entry fees for Ute tribe members. < Back February 24, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Provide Free State Park Entry to Ute Tribes Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to waive Colorado's state park entry entry fees for Ute tribe members. “The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe were the original stewards of the land in our state parks long before Colorado was a state – this bill ensures Ute Tribal members can enter state parks for free,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “Ute tradition, oral history and stewardship of these lands date back to time immemorial. From Mancos State Park in Southwest Colorado, to Staunton State Park in the foothills, this bill supports ancestral land reconnection for the oldest continuous residents of our state.” HB25-1163 passed committee by a vote of 13-0, and is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill would waive the entrance fee to all of Colorado’s state parks for enrolled Tribal members of The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. There are 43 state parks in Colorado located in communities across the state. This bill aims to formally recognize the profound cultural and spiritual connections Ute Tribal members have to the land. HB25-1163 will reduce barriers to accessing outdoor space while modifying governmental systems which have historically excluded Indigenous people. The bill is supported by Ute Tribal Leaders, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT ADVANCES GOP election conspiracy theories on full display as Republican lawmakers oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Colorado Election Security Act on a preliminary vote. “Colorado is taking steps to defend our elections from insider threats and “Big Lie” conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Our gold standard elections system leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and election security. This common sense legislation strengthens our elections system and will hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with election equipment. It also bars anyone convicted of an election crime from overseeing our elections.” “Conservative leaders in the legislature used the debate on this bill to attack our election system and spread baseless and unproven conspiracy theories,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood , chair of the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Committee that held the initial hearing on the bill. “It’s important to pass this common sense legislation, which is supported by the county clerks, to prevent insider threats and protect our democracy. It’s a shame that GOP lawmakers refuse to support this bill and have become too blinded by partisan rhetoric to see that this bill is simply common sense and should have their support.” SB22-153 , the Colorado Election Security Act, is sponsored by Representative Lontine. The bill will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. Republicans ran an amendment that would allow county clerks to copy sensitive hard drives with voting information and provide them to whomever they wish–the exact actions Clerk Tina Peters has been accused of taking that led to her indictment. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to protect Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO INCREASE HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN SCHOOLS (Mar 5) – The House Education committee gave approval today to a bill sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to hire more school nurses in schools across Colorado, especially schools in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. “ This bill is critical because it ensures our children have access to professional health care professionals in their schools. School nurses don’t just handle putting a bandaid on kids, they provide a diverse array of health care services to our children while also handling medical emergencies that occur during the school day,” said Rep. Mullica. “As a nurse, I see this first hand. We have a real issue when untrained school staff are administering medication to students with chronic illnesses. That’s dangerous for the staff and that’s especially dangerous for the students.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. HB19-1203 would provide grants to improve the ratio of school nurses to students while also prioritizing nurses in rural areas and lower-income communities. This bill also allows school nurses to partner with local public health agencies so that nurse practitioners can also serve in schools. Currently, there are 632 nurses that serve 910,000 school-aged students. That’s roughly one nurse for every 1500 to 1700 students. HB19-1203 passed the House Education committee with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back March 18, 2024 Lukens and Velasco Bill to Improve Educator Safety Advances DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. “As a teacher, I understand how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school, which is why we are taking steps to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The idea for this bill came from educators who have reported seeing an increase in violence targeting educators. Keeping educators safe will encourage more teachers to enter and stay in the profession and foster the environment students need to learn.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “I’m excited to focus on the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Everyone deserves to be safe in school, including educators, and I know this is possible without contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Representatives of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. Previous Next

Witnesses highlight devastating impact of Trump Administration actions to dismantle consumer protections and let corporations reap record profits by ripping off hardworking people < Back March 19, 2025 Lawmakers Spotlight State-Driven Solutions to Affordability Issues Witnesses highlight devastating impact of Trump Administration actions to dismantle consumer protections and let corporations reap record profits by ripping off hardworking people DENVER, CO – The House and Senate Judiciary Committees today held a joint hearing to examine the Trump Administration’s efforts to protect corporate profits and monopolies at the expense of hardworking Coloradans. As the federal government abandons efforts to save consumers money by holding corporations accountable, states like Colorado are leading the way to lower costs for working families by cracking down on rent algorithms , junk fees , and price gouging that drive up prices on critical necessities like housing, groceries and everyday purchases. “We are living in a time where corporate profits go unchecked while hardworking people struggle to live paycheck to paycheck,” said Senate Judiciary Chair Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “All this while federal agencies meant to protect everyday Americans are being gutted at the whim of an unelected billionaire and a President more interested in his own bottom line than the well-being of the people. This is why the Colorado legislature’s work to hold corporations accountable and shore up consumer protections is so critically important. We will continue to strengthen protections for Coloradans and level the playing field for all.” “While the Trump Administration is helping the wealthiest corporate monopolies rip off the American People by dismantling essential worker and consumer protections, we’re saving Coloradans money and boosting wages,” said House Judiciary Chair Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Colorado Democrats are making our state more affordable by cracking down on price gouging, junk fees and rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. The testimony we heard today makes it clear that if Elon Musk,Trump and DOGE succeed, corporations will raise prices further and more easily scam Americans out of their hard earned money while preying on the most vulnerable among us.” The committee heard testimony from Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, who was illegally fired by Trump yesterday, and Seth Frotman, the former General Counsel and Senior Advisor for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The witnesses highlighted how dismantling CFPB and FTC efforts to protect consumers will take money out of the pockets of the people who can least afford it while shielding corporations from accountability. In the few months since Trump took office, the administration has halted critical efforts to protect consumers from junk fees and rent algorithms. Elon Musk and DOGE have tried to shut down the CFPB, which was established after the Great Recession to crack down on predatory financial products and practices. Both the FTC and CFPB had been actively engaged on policies to make life more affordable for working people and address these critical issues, but when Trump took office, he stopped those efforts, leaving states like Colorado to fill the gaps. Previous Next

< Back June 19, 2021 HISTORIC GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION PACKAGE BECOMES LAW Bills to curb mass shootings, prevent gun violence and save lives signed into law DENVER, CO — Governor Polis today signed three gun violence prevention bills into law. The lifesaving new laws will create the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expand and improve our background check system, and allow local governments to implement higher gun violence prevention standards than those of the state. “This has been a banner year for gun violence prevention in Colorado,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB21-1299 . “Today’s bill signing is the culmination of months of hard work finding thoughtful, effective and commonsense ways to prevent mass shootings, promote gun safety and save lives. The Office of Gun Violence Prevention will help people learn about the tools available to them like how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order and how to access mental health resources, and it will help inform gun violence prevention in our state for years to come.” “Communities like mine are being devastated every day by gun tragedies that amount to a true public health crisis,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1299. “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention responds to this need by offering community-driven solutions and providing Coloradans with the type of educational and mental health support that will save lives. I’m ecstatic to see Governor Polis sign our proposal into law today.” HB21-1299 establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. “After a mass shooting ravaged my community earlier this year, I pledged to work to bring moments of action following our moments of silence,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB21-1298 . “Today’s bill signing is a resounding moment of action – a demonstration that we can do much more than offer thoughts and prayers. I’m incredibly proud of the work we did this year to curb gun violence and save lives.” “The epidemic of gun violence demands bold action, and that’s exactly what we delivered for the people of Colorado today,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver, sponsor of HB21-1298 . “The new law created today will save lives and help us prevent mass shootings by making it harder for violent criminals to get their hands on deadly weapons. Today marks a great victory – I’m so grateful to the advocates and gun violence survivors who joined us today and have been standing shoulder to shoulder with us throughout the last few months of hard work.” HB21-1298 prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole,” which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill closes that loophole to ensure that everyone who purchases a firearm has first passed a background check. “Communities like mine deserve the right to establish higher standards for gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-256 . “Today, after months of hard work, we have officially returned this important and life saving tool back to our local governments. I’m so proud of the bold steps we’ve taken this year to address the crisis of gun violence.” “The new law created today ensures that Colorado’s longstanding tradition of local control extends to gun violence prevention,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB21-256. “We have done great work on gun violence prevention at the state level, but it makes sense to allow localities to implement additional solutions that meet their communities’ needs.” Current law prohibits a local government from enacting laws, regulations, or ordinances regarding the purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm. Just ten days before the King Soopers shooting, courts struck down Boulder’s citywide assault weapons ban, which had been the result of years of advocacy from community members to help keep residents safer. SB21-256 adjusts the local prohibition by declaring the regulation of firearms a matter of both state and local concern, allowing local governments to set higher standards. Under this bill, local governments would have the authority to enact regulations governing the transfer or possession of firearms, ammunition, or firearm components and accessories that go above and beyond state laws on the subject. These three new laws are a part of a larger six-bill package on gun violence prevention passed by the legislature this year. Additional new laws include the Isabella Joy Thallas Act, which mandates the reporting of lost and stolen firearms, as well as two other laws to promote the safe storage of firearms and help keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers. Previous Next