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SB23B-001 provides $434 million in property tax relief for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for local services < Back November 21, 2023 Signed! Bill to Reduce Property Taxes, Protect Funding for Schools and Local Services SB23B-001 provides $434 million in property tax relief for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for local services DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to cut property taxes for the 2023 tax year while protecting funding for essential local services like schools, fire districts, and ambulance and health districts. SB23B-001 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representative Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, increases the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $55,000, and decreases the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year. “We have an obligation as the majority party to govern responsibly, which means making tough decisions to solve problems and deliver solutions responsive to the moment that we’re living in,” said Fenberg. “The property tax relief that we passed delivers urgent, responsible relief that gives local governments time to implement the tax cuts by their deadlines. I’m proud of the work we have accomplished to cut property taxes, protect local services, and provide relief to Coloradans.” “Hardworking Coloradans deserve real solutions that ease the affordability crisis, which is why we delivered urgent property tax cuts while protecting funding for schools, fire departments and critical services like our first responders,” McCluskie said. “This responsible package delivers real results for the people who need it the most – hardworking families, Coloradans on fixed incomes and the people feeling the greatest impacts of our affordability crisis – without jeopardizing our state’s reserves or impacting Coloradans’ TABOR refunds.” “Our legislation provides nearly half a billion dollars of additional property tax reduction; significant relief for Colorado homeowners,” said Hansen. “With the limited tools available to us, we were able to develop a responsible plan that stretches funding as far as we possibly can to support Coloradans that need it most. And thanks to the hard work of so many, we were able to provide critical relief while protecting funding for essential local services like schools, fire districts, and ambulance services.” “I’m proud that we have passed this legislation to responsibly provide property tax reductions for the hardworking Colorado families who need it the most,” deGruy Kennedy said. “This short-term solution will reduce upcoming property tax bills and offer Coloradans some support while local governments look into how they can better tackle property tax increases at the local level. This legislation, alongside the entire package of bills we passed in this special session, will help Coloradans stay afloat amidst the impacts of the housing crisis.” To offset revenue loss resulting from property tax reductions, SB23B-001 transfers $146 million of general fund dollars to the State Education Fund to be used to backfill school districts’ budgets, and appropriates $54 million of general fund dollars to be used to backfill local governments and services. Previous Next

Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce < Back May 31, 2024 Gov Signs Family Affordability Tax Credit, Bill to Support the Care Workforce Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and create a state income tax credit for care workers to address the care worker workforce shortage. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 creates the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit will be available to parents with children 16 and younger with a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16. The credit will be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. “This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this law, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud to have carried this law to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield . “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’ll pass this year. I am extremely pleased to see this bill get signed into law, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this law, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our law will increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” “Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.” The Governor also signed HB24-1312 which creates a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit. “Care workers are essential in providing care to our loved ones like our children and our parents, and they often do not receive the benefits and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This workforce is critical in supporting Coloradans in all industries and they are a crucial component of a thriving economy. This tax credit will allow us to recruit and retain these important care workers while boosting their incomes by over a thousand dollars so they can better afford their bills while staying in the care worker industry.” “Robust access to care work increases workforce participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. This new law is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.” “Whether you receive support after an accident or have someone who helps your aging relatives, we have all benefited from the work and support that care workers provide,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This law is a small token of appreciation that we can give care workers, especially our Family, Friend and Neighbor child care providers, so they can continue the important work that they do and encourage our care workforce to grow.” “Forty percent of Colorado’s care workers rely on public assistance – we must do more to support them,” said Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “HB-1312 supports the care workforce across their entire lifetimes and provides economic support to all care workers, not just one group. This law will have far-reaching positive impacts on both the stability of this industry and the well-being of Colorado’s families, communities and economy.” For tax years 2025 through 2028, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for: Direct care workers who are employed by a long-term care employer or provide community-based services and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, or Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care providers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System. Previous Next

< Back February 28, 2020 HOUSE WORKS TO ADDRESS SHORTAGE OF CRITICAL SCHOOL STAFF IN RURAL AREAS DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB20-1127 , bipartisan legislation to address the special education service provider shortage in rural areas, by a vote of 50-13. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Julie McCluskie, a former school district official, and Barbara McLachlan, a former teacher. “We’re facing a shortage of critical professionals in our schools, such as nurses, psychologists and school counselors, that is especially acute in rural areas,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “There are special education service providers who have retired and who would come back and help fill this need, but PERA’s rules make it difficult for them to do so. We’re grateful to PERA for their work with us on this important bill.” “This bill is a commonsense fix to help rural school districts attract nurses, psychologists and social workers, who are badly needed across our state,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Special education service providers who have retired shouldn’t see their benefits reduced if they want to go back to work and help address our rural teacher shortage.” Boards of Cooperative Services (BOCES) supply educational services to two or more school districts that, alone, wouldn’t be able to afford the services. It allows districts to share costs in order to provide special education services to more Colorado children. BOCES primarily serve rural school districts and have faced significant challenges attracting and hiring new special education teachers. In the 2018-2019 academic year, Districts and BOCES reported having 1,177 special services provider positions to hire for, nearly 18.9 percent of all SSP positions in the state. BOCES would like to hire people who are willing to work and have retired from school districts, but PERA’s rules put a limit on the number of days a retiree can work before requiring a reduction in benefits. HB20-1127 would adjust these rules so that retirees can come back to work at BOCES without seeing a reduction in their retirement benefits. The bill would allow BOCES to hire 40 retired special education service providers without any reduction in PERA benefits. It would apply to school psychologists, social workers, early childhood special education teachers, school counselors, nurses, and other critical positions. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back April 3, 2024 Lindsay, Froelich Bill to Protect Renters from Unsafe Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Every renter deserves for their home to be a safe place to live, yet loopholes in our tenant laws have left Coloradans in dangerous living situations,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “These unsafe living situations negatively impact the health and safety of renters, and our current laws fail to hold landlords accountable for providing necessary repairs. With this legislation, we’re clarifying our Warranty of Habitability laws to protect Colorado renters and ensure their right to safe and healthy housing.” “From broken elevators to no access to running water, Colorado renters have struggled with ongoing maintenance issues that make it difficult for families, elders, and Coloradans with a disability to live their day-to-day lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “No one should be forced to deal with these living situations. Our bill would ensure that renters have the right to timely repairs for mold, sewage leaks, and other serious issues to avoid preventable housing-related health conditions.” Colorado’s current “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice, most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions don’t receive the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. SB24-094 would modify existing warranty of habitability laws by: Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that impact a tenant’s life, safety, or health. Requiring landlords to include in leases that tenants are entitled to safe and healthy housing and cannot be retaliated against for requesting repairs. Protecting tenants against having to use their own rental insurance to pay for repairs that fall under the warranty of habitability, which drives up their premiums. Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units they provide with the unit when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices. Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law or otherwise seek monetary damages. Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2022 HOUSE PASSES BILLS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY, SAVE FAMILIES MONEY Legislation includes a record investment to reduce ozone emissions, eco-friendly updates to building codes and provide tax filing assistance to families DENVER, CO – The House today passed bills to save people money and build a healthier Colorado. “Denverites are stuck with some of the worst air quality in the world during the ozone season,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-180. “Our bill will help improve air quality by providing free rides on buses and lightrails during peak ozone season, typically experienced in Colorado during the summer months. This bill incentivizes Coloradans to use our public transit system and will cut down on harmful emissions as we work to build a healthier Colorado.” Increased Transit Options : SB22-180 passed the House by a vote of 41-23. This bill would create an Ozone Season Transit Grant Program and transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled and reduce ground-level ozone. This bill also includes a $10 million investment toward the successful Main Street Program to create better pathways for bikers, pedestrians and transit users to navigate cities. The top emitter of carbon pollution in Colorado is the transportation sector which includes personal vehicles. By incentivizing Coloradans to take public transit options during the summer months, this bill aims to reduce ozone pollution by cutting down on the number of cars on the road. The House also concurred with Senate amendments on HB22-1362. This bill would update building codes to improve energy efficiency and cut down on air pollution in Colorado. “I’m beyond proud of the work we’ve done to update Colorado’s building codes. When we build right the first time, we’ll cut down on air pollution, save Coloradans money on their utility bills and create more energy efficient homes and buildings,” said Rep. Tracey Bernett, D-Louisville, HB22-1362 . “Our bill takes action to address one of Colorado’s largest pollution sources and saves families money in the process. As it heads to the Governor’s desk, we can reflect on the extraordinary transitional efforts to prepare for a sustainable through efficient, resilient and healthy buildings.” Eco-friendly Building Codes: HB22-1362 , sponsored by Representatives Tracey Bernett and Alex Valdez, would update Colorado’s building codes to improve energy efficiency, save Coloradans money, and reduce harmful indoor and outdoor air pollution. The bill preserves all appliance and utility options for consumers, including natural gas, and does not transfer enforcement responsibility away from local governments. Owners and occupants of existing homes and buildings would only be affected if their local government chooses to upgrade their building codes and the building owner chooses to undergo a major, permit-authorized renovation or addition. For cities and counties that have adopted building codes, the legislation updates building codes to ensure that new buildings are constructed right the first time by incorporating electric vehicle charging capabilities, solar and electric-ready wiring, to save building and homeowners thousands off the costs of retrofitting their homes and saving them money on utility bills. While not mandatory, the codes encourage all-electric homes, which research shows cost less to build and save building owners money over their lifecycle. The bill includes $3 million in grant funding to help cities and counties adopt and enforce updated building codes, $1 million in grants for training for builders and contractors, and $22 million in grants and incentives to help finance energy efficiency upgrades. “This legislation will save Coloradans money as they file their taxes and help hardworking families take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit that we expanded last year,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-182 . “This small investment will put even more money back into people’s pockets and help Coloradans access the economic support they need to thrive.” “Colorado Democrats passed major tax reform last session that is putting hundreds of millions of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking Coloradans and small businesses, and with this bill, we’re making it easier for families to get the money they are owed,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-182 . Economic Mobility Program: SB22-182 , sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Mary Young, passed the House by a vote of 41-23. This bill would save Coloradans money by providing $4 million to extend the successful Economic Mobility Program, which provides tax filing assistance for eligible Coloradans. Among other things, this program helps people claim tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which Colorado families may not know they are eligible for. Last session, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to put over $170 million into Coloradans’ pockets by expanding the EITC and the CTC. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. HB25-1272, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 12-1. < Back March 18, 2025 Construction Defects Reform Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would incentivize the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options. HB25-1272, sponsored by Representative Shannon Bird and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, passed by a vote of 12-1. “From building equity and generational wealth to lowering housing costs, condos offer numerous benefits to Coloradans looking to buy their first home,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Rising rent and housing prices have made it nearly impossible for hardworking Coloradans to save enough money to buy a home at the median price tag of $550,000. After years of hard work, I'm thankful for everyone who worked closely with us to help craft this bill so we can spur new housing options that Coloradans can afford and offer more Coloradans a fair shot at the American Dream.” “With a shortage of over 100,000 homes across our state and a decrease in condominium development, it's becoming increasingly difficult for first-time homebuyers to find housing they can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Offering a variety of housing options is a critical piece in making homeownership a reality for more Coloradans. This legislation would help increase the availability of high-quality starter homes in the market to create more affordable housing options that work for every budget.” HB25-1272 aims to reform construction defect laws by encouraging condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establishing clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjusting the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims. Beginning January 1, 2026, the bill would create the Multi-Family Construction Incentive Program. Builders could opt into this program if they offer a warranty for any defect and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. Builders in the program would be protected from construction defect action unless the claim has resulted in damage that meets the outlined criteria. Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchased a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage alleged to be caused by a defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim. The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by: Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism, A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant. From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84-percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2021 TITONE BILL TO IMPROVE BROADBAND ACCESS SPEEDS THROUGH COMMITTEE Legislation would ensure that broadband deployment board grants help unserved areas DENVER, CO– With access to broadband critical for learning, commerce, health care, and so much more, the Transportation and Local Government Committee today passed important legislation by a vote of 9-2 that would expand access to high speed internet across Colorado. “Expanding access to broadband to unserved communities will undoubtedly help Colorado recover faster from this pandemic and build back stronger,” said HB21-1109 sponsor Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The pandemic has made it clear that broadband is an essential service. This bill will make a big difference to communities across the state that have long sought internet access for everyday needs.” According to the Colorado Department of Education, approximately 85,000 to 95,000 rural residents and 65,000 students in Colorado do not have access or adequate access to broadband. The Colorado Broadband Deployment Board allocates funding each year to applicants working to expand access to broadband. The board has awarded over $34 million in grants since 2016. In 2019, the board allocated over $11 million to 16 applicants, but concerns have been raised about how to best meet the needs of unserved residents. HB21-1109 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Matt Soper, would prioritize grant proposals that provide high speed internet access to low-income households and creates a process for encouraging proposals for critically unserved areas of the state. The bill requires applicants to submit granular mapping data to more accurately identify these unserved areas, which is critical to understanding where and how to expand broadband infrastructure. The bill makes changes to the Broadband Deployment Board to increase efficiency and ensure expertise and geographic diversity are adequately represented. The bill also holds grant applicants accountable by requiring them to report the number of people served, their rates and quality of service provided. Previous Next

< Back May 11, 2022 HOUSE SENDS COMPREHENSIVE FENTANYL BILL TO GOVERNOR Legislation significantly increases penalties on dealers and invests in proven public health solutions to save lives DENVER, CO – The House today passed the conference report on HB22-1326, comprehensive legislation sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. The vote was 35-30. “This legislation is a giant step forward in our fight to combat the fentanyl crisis, crack down on the dealers peddling death in our communities, and accelerate our state’s public health response to get this deadly drug off our streets and save lives,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Working together over several months with public health experts, district attorneys, and members of both parties, we crafted a comprehensive approach that pairs severe penalties on fentanyl dealers with proven public health strategies to prevent overdose poisonings and deaths. We worked hard to find a compromise between the Senate and House versions, and we’ve agreed on language that ensures district attorneys’ ability to prosecute while creating reasonable guardrails for those who had no idea they were in possession of fentanyl.” HB22-1326 is a comprehensive approach that includes both proven public health solutions and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to save lives and get fentanyl off Colorado streets. The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl. In line with other models for substance use convictions, the bill will also integrate mandatory SUD assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing to ensure people get the treatment they need. The bill focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances and which is by far the prominent form of fentanyl found in CO. It will provide law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers while providing treatment options to individuals with an SUD. Individuals who are dealing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl and it leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties. The bill gives law enforcement tools to require treatment for individuals with a substance use disorder. Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in CDPHE. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will have to complete mandatory treatment. HB22-1326 would make it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture while creating legal guardrails for individuals who genuinely didn’t know they were in possession of fentanyl. The new language says that if a defendant can successfully argue that they made “a reasonable mistake of fact,” then they will be sentenced with the lesser charge – a level one drug misdemeanor. Additionally, once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill turns on a no tolerance policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. The new felony, which is not prison eligible, includes what is known as a “wobbler” provision that allows individuals who complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. The legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, provides additional funding to crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expands Medication-Assisted Treatment in jails. This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will address the root causes of fentanyl use and keep people alive. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves from this more deadly drug. The legislation directs $29 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement recommendations from the Behavioral Health Task Force on effective harm reduction strategies and increased access to substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system. While public awareness of fentanyl has risen, education campaigns that promote effective overdose prevention tools will save lives. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will develop, implement and maintain an ongoing statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that no amount of fentanyl is safe. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. The proposal also makes opiate antagonists more widespread, which will help save lives by preventing overdoses. Previous Next

Legislation would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonist at schools < Back April 8, 2025 Bill to Prevent Overdoses in Schools, Save Lives Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save lives and prevent overdoses. SB25-164 would allow anyone to administer opioid-antagonists, such as Naloxone, to someone experiencing an overdose at a Colorado public school. “Our students are losing friends and peers to preventable overdoses – we need to do more to save lives,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora . “During an overdose, time is of the essence, and this bill makes Naloxone more accessible in schools. Additionally, our bill would remove the unnecessary training requirements to administer opioid-antagonists, so anyone can act quickly to save a life.” “When compared to other states, Colorado ranks near the top for fatal youth overdoses,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Fatal overdoses are preventable, and we should be doing everything we can to save a life. Our bill works to make opioid-antagonists more accessible in Colorado public schools and school buses by allowing them to be placed in AED defibrillator cabinets.” SB25-164, passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This legislation aims to boost access to Naloxone in schools to combat fatal overdoses. While training is still encouraged, SB25-164 would remove cumbersome training requirements to administer Naloxone so anyone could help reverse an overdose. To increase access to Naloxone during an emergency, this bill would allow it to be placed inside AED defibrillator cabinets located in schools and on school buses. This bill also streamlines the Naloxone Bulk Fund to make it more accessible and efficient for schools. Specifically, allowing staff of the statewide program to focus on overdose prevention outreach, education and training in rural and underserved areas. A 2024 study revealed that Colorado ranked second in the nation for fatal youth overdoses. Colorado lawmakers have worked to combat the youth overdose crisis in Colorado. HB25-1293 , also sponsored by Rep. Jackson, would require public high schools to adopt education standards focused on drug overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response. SB25-164 builds upon previous legislation allowing school districts to maintain a supply of Naloxone to be used on buses and at school sponsored events. Previous Next

< Back May 4, 2022 FOUR BILLS TO IMPROVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OUTCOMES WIN COMMITTEE APPROVAL Legislation will invest nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve access to behavioral health resources in Colorado DENVER, CO – The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services and House Judiciary Committees gave approval to four bills to improve Coloradans’ access to behavioral health services. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force and invests nearly $190 million in federal pandemic relief funds to build a healthier Colorado. “Together, we’re making a $72 million investment to expand our behavioral health workforce so we can address staffing shortages, get patients access to the care they need and build a healthier Colorado,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB22-181 . “To meet the behavioral health needs of Coloradans, we are devoting the resources necessary to recruit, train and support psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists and other behavioral health care workers in every community in our state.” Behavioral Health Care Workforce: SB22-181 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Tonya Van Beber passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 10 to 2. This bill would direct the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to develop and implement a workforce plan to invest $72 million to bolster, diversify and stabilize the state’s behavioral health care workforce. “Accessing behavioral health care services in Colorado shouldn’t be a challenge, but often people seeking care have trouble navigating the system,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB22-177 . “Our bipartisan bill invests more than $12 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure so patients can receive quality care faster. The behavioral health care system should not be a barrier for Coloradans seeking services, and our bill makes accessing services easier.” Care Coordination Infrastructure: SB22-177 , sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Mary Bradfield, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1. This bill appropriates $12.2 million to improve Colorado’s statewide care coordination infrastructure to better serve Coloradans seeking behavioral health care. The legislation requires the BHA to better train new and existing behavioral health care navigators on available services, improving connections for individuals seeking care with the support they need. The bill also seeks to cut red tape for providers and navigators so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time helping Coloradans in need. “Accessing treatment, recovery and behavioral health care services can be more difficult for those experiencing homelessness,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-211 . “We are utilizing federal pandemic relief dollars to create a space where Coloradans experiencing homelessness can access all types of health care, including behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment as well as transitional housing This approach will help us meet our neighbors where they are and build stronger Colorado communities.” Repurpose The Ridge View Campus: SB22-211 , sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, passed the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 7 to 5. This bill would invest $45 million to repurpose an unused, state-owned facility into a recovery oriented community to help those experiencing homelessness access services for physical and mental health and substance use disorder treatment along with transitional housing. “Too many Coloradans struggling with substance use disorder and serious mental health issues are spending time behind bars when they should be receiving treatment,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill invests millions to divert people with behavioral health needs from the criminal justice system and connect them to critical services which will reduce recidivism and make it easier for Coloradans to receive the treatment they need.” “Colorado’s behavioral health crisis is alarming and we need to invest in resources that get people the treatment, services and care they need,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, sponsor of SB22-196. “Our bill approaches behavioral health intervention by diverting Coloradans away from the criminal justice system toward treatment. Behind bars, Coloradans’ behavioral health can worsen–let’s get them the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program: SB22-196 , sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Adrienne Benavidez, passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would invest $62 million to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system and instead, redirect individuals into appropriate treatment. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO KEEP KIDS SAFE Colorado ranks last in kindergarten immunizations (Apr. 27) – The House gave final approval to Rep. Kyle Mullica’s bipartisan bill to address Colorado’s low vaccination rates. Higher vaccination rates decrease the risk of outbreaks of preventable contagious and deadly diseases. “We have an obligation to be proactive – not reactive. This is a public health crisis. Waiting for a tragedy to happen is not an option. This is about the safety of our students and experts have been consulted in crafting this important legislation. Colorado ranks last in the country for kindergarten immunizations. We need to do better.” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “I urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. What HB19-1312 does: · Creates a standardized exemption form and requires all exemptions be submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) or the local public health agency. Non-medical exemptions must be submitted in person to the CDPHE or local health agency; subsequent renewals can be submitted in person or online. · Directs CDPHE to include immunization exemption information in its annual presentation to the General Assembly. · Directs CDPHE to develop educational materials for health agencies and schools addressing the medical benefits of immunizations. · Gives the Board of Health authority to determine school-required immunizations, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This bipartisan bill strengthens Colorado’s vaccination exemption process by incorporating strategies known to increase vaccination rates without removing personal or religious exemptions. During House debate on the bill earlier this week, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, the legislatures only doctor and the daughter of immigrant parents, refuted a statement from a House Republican alluding that the issue with low vaccination rates is not because parents are opting out of vaccinating their children, but rather that diseases are being spread by individuals who have immigrated to the United States. Colorado is seeing an increase in vaccine preventable diseases that are endangering public health. According to a recent report, Coloradans paid $55 million on childhood diseases that vaccinations could have prevented in 2017 alone. Medical experts testified at a House hearing earlier this month in support of this common-sense legislation. Public health and medical experts have raised serious concerns about Colorado’s low vaccination rate . Contagious disease outbreaks are happening around the country, most recently in Washington and New York states. According to the CDC, less than 89 percent of kindergarten-aged children in Colorado have received vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps and rubella. Colorado ranks last in country in this category. That’s below the national average of 94.3 percent and below the level of reaching “herd immunity,” the percentage of the population that needs to be vaccinated to avoid a widespread, public outbreak and protect those with compromised or vulnerable immune systems. Herd immunity is essential in protecting vulnerable people, including newborn babies, seniors and people living with ongoing medical issues. The Senate co-prime sponsors are Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. The bill passed the House Health and Insurance committee hearing by a vote of 7-4 on April 15. HB19-1312 was approved on a final vote of 39-20. It now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. < Back September 17, 2024 Rep. Hamrick Visits Technical College AURORA, CO – Representative Eliza Hamrick today visited Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center to learn more about post-secondary education and workforce opportunities for Coloradans. “I’d like to thank the folks hosting me at Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center – it was great to hear about their emerging programs to not only meet our workforce needs but make it easier for students to succeed in any career,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Under the gold dome, we’ve worked hard to make it easier for Coloradans to find and take advantage of workforce opportunities, including the Care Forward program which has successfully boosted our health care workforce through zero-cost credentials.” Rep. Hamrick toured both Pickens Technical College and The Excel Center. Pickens offers 25 certificate programs , in everything from the skilled trades to healthcare, to adults and high school students as part of the Aurora Public Schools and the Colorado Community College System. The Excel Center makes it possible for adults to earn their high school diploma at no-cost . Both education centers are designed to improve access to skills training and make it possible for Coloradans to begin a career they love. During the 2024 legislative session, Rep. Hamrick championed a number of bills designed to uplift education opportunities and local communities. This includes legislation to boost apprenticeship programs and expanding community-based behavioral health care grants . Rep. Hamrick also supported multiple workforce bills, including new laws to expand concurrent enrollment , uplift careers in high-demand sectors such as construction and health care and a tax credit to make the first two-years of college free for low and middle-income students. Previous Next