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Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services < Back November 19, 2023 Property Tax Relief Passes Committee Proposal protects funding for schools, fire districts and critical services DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to provide short-term property tax relief while protecting our schools, fire districts, and other local services Colorado communities rely on. The bill passed committee by a vote of 9-4. “If we don’t act now to deliver property tax reductions, next year’s tax bills could be devastating for Coloradans who are already struggling with the rising cost of living,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our legislation takes $55,000 off assessed home values and reduces the percent of a home’s value that is subject to property taxes. It provides meaningful property tax reductions while protecting schools, fire districts and critical services our communities rely on without using TABOR surplus dollars.” “Homeowners and renters alike are struggling with the high cost of housing in Colorado,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes meaningful reductions in property taxes while protecting funding for K-12 public schools and fire districts. The next step is for every local government to take a hard look at their own budget. Property taxes are primarily the concern of local governments, and only they know whether they can afford to go beyond our legislation by lowering their own mill levies.” SB23B-001 would increase the property value exemption for multifamily and single family residential properties from $15,000 to $55,000 and decrease the residential assessment rate from 6.765 percent to 6.7 percent for the 2023 tax year. To offset revenue loss resulting from these property tax reductions, this bill would transfer $135 million of general fund dollars to the State Education Fund to be used to backfill school districts’ budgets, and would appropriate $65 million of general fund dollars to be used to backfill fire districts and local government services. Previous Next

On July 1, 2025, a bipartisan law goes into effect to combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver. This will help streamline access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. < Back June 26, 2025 Legislation to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral and Complex Health Care Takes Effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2025, a bipartisan law goes into effect to combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver. This will help streamline access to services for behavioral health conditions or complex health needs. “I’ve seen the positive impact that access to essential health care and services has on children with IDD, behavioral health, and long-term medical needs, which is why it's so important that we expand and streamline the process for receiving care,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “This legislation is near and dear to my heart, and I am excited that this new law is going into effect to expand the services available to Colorado kids and families so they can enjoy life at home while receiving the health care they need and deserve.” “We owe it to our children to provide the support they need in their early years. That is not only the right thing to do, but an important investment in our future,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “This legislation helps protect and streamline children’s health care and early intervention services to make sure every child in Colorado has the opportunity to thrive.” HB25-1003 , also sponsored by Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, creates the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver by merging the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) and the Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI) waivers. This helps streamline waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with behavioral health conditions or complex needs. The CHCBS provides home and community-based services for families with children with significant medical needs so they can continue to live at home and prevent institutionalization. The CLLI provides in-home services and treatments for families with children with a complex health need, including respite care and pain management. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to improve access to behavioral health care, including creating the I Matter program to offer no-cost behavioral health services to students, training for first responders and community leaders to identify and respond to symptoms of mental health struggles or substance use disorders, and expanding behavioral health care coverage for Colorado youth. Previous Next

< Back September 15, 2021 HEROD STATEMENT ON AURORA POLICE AND FIRE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES INVESTIGATION DENVER, CO– Representative Leslie Herod today released the following statement on the Aurora Police Department and Aurora Fire Rescue patterns and practices investigation. “The findings from the attorney general’s investigation of racism in policing in Aurora are incredibly disturbing. However, for those of us who have been working on anti-racism in public policy and accountability for law enforcement, they are sadly not surprising. “The activists and family members of those who have been hurt and killed have worked tirelessly for years, raising their voices to explain that Aurora has a pattern and history of racist policing, specifically targeting Black people. This independent investigation has finally vindicated them. “Colorado has led the way on bold legislative action on police accountability after last summer’s racial justice protests. These findings demonstrate the need for those policy changes, but there is still so much work left to do to keep our communities safe in Colorado.” Previous Next

On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. < Back July 30, 2024 Increased Protections for Human Remains, Coroner Qualifications Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, two laws that strengthen standards for tissue banks to better protect human remains and require county coroners to have certain qualifications and training to ensure high standards of Colorado’s death investigators go into effect. “When someone is grieving, they deserve to know that their loved one is being treated with respect, dignity, and professionalism,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1254. “Unfortunately, Colorado has made national headlines over the mistreatment in funeral homes, and with this new law going into effect, we will help prevent these occurrences in the future and honor those we have lost.” HB24-1254 continues the regulation of nontransplant tissue banks, updates standards of practice, and prohibits compensating a funeral establishment for human remains. This law expands requirements to disclose that the nontransplant tissue bank may sell all or any portion of the remains and that the donor may choose to limit the sale of the donated remains, including prohibiting sale to a foreign buyer for nonmedical research or military use. “This legislation was long overdue, and will ensure that coroners in large counties have a skill set that matches the critical services those offices provide,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1100. “County coroners' findings have major implications for public health and safety, criminal justice proceedings, and in providing closure for surviving loved ones of the deceased. I'm grateful that El Paso County Coroner Dr. Leon Kelly brought this bill idea to me, so that we can uphold the integrity of this essential public service." HB24-1100 requires a county coroner in a county with a population over 150,000 to either be a death investigator certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, or be a forensic pathologist certified by and in good standing with the American Board of Pathology. County coroner is an elected position and under current law, county coroners only need to be residents of the county they serve and have a high school diploma or college degree. This law helps ensure that those who run for a county coroner position are properly trained and certified by national organizations. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications.  < Back February 12, 2025 Committee Passes Bills to Support Children, Modernize Health Care Communications DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services Committee yesterday passed two bills. HB25-1159 would support children and SB25-010 would modernize health care communications. “There is a need to update Colorado’s child support guidelines to better align them with the economic realities of raising a child in 2025,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB25-1159. “Based on recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission, our bill modernizes some of the requirements for child support, including monthly income eligibility. Our goal is to ensure Colorado’s child support formulas are equitable, fair and meet the needs of children in our state.” “No child should go hungry or lack the support they need just because their family situation has changed,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB25-1159 . “I’ve met parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids, but the outdated child support guidelines make it harder for them to make ends meet. This bill updates income eligibility and simplifies the process, ensuring that children have the stability and resources they need to grow and succeed—no matter what challenges their families face. We’re making sure Colorado’s child support system is fairer, more effective, and truly centered on the well-being of our kids.” HB25-1159 , passed committee by a vote of 12-1. This bill ai ms to update and clarify Colorado's child support guidelines. HB25-1159 implements recommendations by the Colorado Child Support Commission , specifically to the monthly income eligibility and medical needs of children. Under the bill, new guidelines would be set to adjust the amount of child support divorced or separated parents are required to pay based on their income. The bill would also define certain medical determinations and guidelines for children with ongoing medical needs. Some examples include physical therapy, behavioral health treatment or orthodontics. The goal of the bill is to update the child support guidelines to reflect today’s economic realities and ensure children receive the financial support they need. “Many consumers prefer electronic communications from banks and utility companies, why not make it more widespread for health insurance communications,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB25-010. “This bill provides Coloradans with real-time health insurance information online while keeping their sensitive data safe and protected. This bill would cut down on health care administrative costs, reduce waste and improve access for consumers.” SB25-010 passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill would allow consumers to opt in to receive and respond to electronic communications from health insurance providers. Additionally, the bill would allow employers providing insurance coverage to opt their employees in to receive electronic communications, in which case employees would be given an opportunity to opt out. Under the bill, carriers would still be required to send paper communications to any individuals that do not have access to the internet, and consumers could elect to receive paper communications. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elizabeth Velasco that would streamline the process to receive a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. SB24-182 passed by a vote of 43-19. < Back May 7, 2024 Bill to Expedite, Streamline Driver’s License Process for New Immigrants Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Tim Hernández and Elizabeth Velasco that would streamline the process to receive a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. SB24-182 passed by a vote of 43-19. "For undocumented people, the average wait time to get a drivers license is 12-30 months, but undocumented people still need to drive to work or drive their kids to school,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This bill allows us to address the needs of newcomers that have been present for decades but have only grown more clear from the recent influx of migrants across the state. I’m thankful to have been a part of taking oppressive barriers for our community away through this legislation." “The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act has made a significant impact on our immigrant communities by allowing all residents, regardless of their immigrant status, to qualify for a driver’s license or state ID,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “We’re streamlining the eligibility process to limit hurdles for immigrants who use our roads.” SB24-182 would amend the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act to make it easier for new immigrants to obtain a driver's license or state identification card for residents who do not have legal resident status in the United States. This bill would change requirements to receiving a driver's license or state identification card by: Removing a requirement to file a Colorado resident income tax return for the prior year, Removing a requirement to demonstrate residence in the state for the previous two years, Removing a requirement to provide a documented social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and Expand the list of acceptable identification documents to include a photocopy of a passport issued by the applicant's country of origin, a voter identification card with a photograph issued by the applicant’s country of origin, and other alternatives. Previous Next

The House Education Committee passed legislation to save high school students money on post-secondary education. < Back March 7, 2024 Legislation to Save Students Money, Expand Education Opportunities Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee passed legislation to save high school students money on post-secondary education. HB24-1305 would expand access to the Pathway in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Program through which high school students can obtain an associate’s degree or professional certificate in certain fields. “Meeting today’s workforce demands means we need to make it easier for high school students to earn no-cost credits toward an associate’s degree or professional certificate,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This bill builds upon the successful P-TECH program to expand the number of approved programs in which students can earn associate’s degrees or professional certificates before they graduate high school. We’re also making it possible to stack earned credits while still being eligible for tuition stipends at state-run higher education institutions.” “We’re making it easier for our students to save money on earning an associate’s degree or professional certificate while they’re still in high school,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “This bill strengthens successful collaborations between K-12, higher education, and industry to deliver a no-cost associate’s degree to students when they graduate high school by expanding the number of programs students can earn credits toward. This bill saves students money, supports our workforce demands and strengthens our economy.” HB24-1305 , which passed committee unanimously expands and modifies guidelines for the (P-TECH) Program which allows students in approved programs to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree or certificate in certain disciplines. The bill expands the allowable disciplines to include industries beyond the traditional science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. This bill also updates current law so students who earn credits through the P-TECH program, the Accelerating Students in Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) program, or the Teacher Recruitment and Education Program (TREP) program will not count against their allowable College Opportunity Fund (COF) limit. The COF helps save students money by providing a stipend to qualified students to pay a portion of the total in-state tuition when attending a participating college. Previous Next

Bills would study the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans < Back May 3, 2024 Bill to Uncover and Define Systemic Racial Inequities in Colorado Advances Bills would study the impacts of systemic racism on Black Coloradans DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to advance a study examining racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans. “Systemic racism has impacted Black Coloradans in every facet of our lives, leading to negative impacts like poorer health outcomes and less likelihood of accumulating generational wealth,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “While one bill can’t make up for the impacts that Black Coloradans have endured, this legislation would help us identify the impacts that racial inequalities have had on our Black community so we can take action in an intentional and effective way.” “Racial equity studies can be a useful tool to address racial inequity by compiling data of the long-term impacts that systematic racism has had on Black communities,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Our legislation would direct History Colorado to look further into how racial inequalities have impacted the success of Black Coloradans so we can develop meaningful policy that will make a real difference for our future.” SB24-053 would create the Black Coloradan Racial Equity Commission to determine and make recommendations surrounding the lasting effects of systemic racism in Colorado’s practices, systems, and policies. SB24-053 would establish a commission to direct History Colorado to conduct historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, K-12 education, health care and the criminal justice system. Racial equity studies, like the one outlined in this bill, can be used as tools to qualify and quantify past discrimination and recommend certain corrective measures. The study would also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. Under this bill, History Colorado would submit the study to the commission and any recommendations within two-and-a-half years. The work of the commission and the study will rely on receiving adequate gifts, grants, and donations to fund it. Previous Next

< Back November 1, 2021 MAJORITY LEADER ESGAR STATEMENT ON SCOTUS ORAL ARGUMENTS ON SB8 DENVER, CO — Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement on the US Supreme Court hearing on SB8, the Texas law that will ban abortions as soon as six weeks–before many women know they are pregnant. “I was outraged by the Supreme Court’s failure to block this law from taking effect, and I urge the court to do so now. SB8 is a dangerous attack on abortion rights that threatens patients’ health and access to critical care. The Supreme Court must adhere to decades of precedent, uphold Roe v. Wade and overturn Texas’ blatantly unconstitutional law. In Colorado, we will continue to defend access to abortion and ensure that our laws protect the fundamental rights of all people to access the health care they need.” Previous Next

< Back August 11, 2021 GARNETT, SULLIVAN REACT TO ERPO IMPLEMENTATION REPORT DENVER, CO– The Colorado Department of Law today released a report on implementation of the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Law, recommending continued education and outreach on how individuals can appropriately use it to help prevent gun violence. Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Tom Sullivan, sponsors of the original bill, released the following statements. “The ERPO law was designed to save lives, and that’s exactly what it’s done in the year and a half since it took effect,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Today’s report confirms that the law is working as intended. Primarily employed by law enforcement officers, the protection orders allowed under ERPO have protected Coloradans from intimate partner violence, helped to prevent mass shootings, and have been used as a tool to intervene when suicide is threatened. I’m proud of the lives we’ve saved and look forward to continuing to monitor the progress of this law.” “Opponents of gun violence prevention laws often seek to slow down our progress by claiming that nothing can be done about the gun violence crisis in America,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Today’s report shows we are making change and saving lives. I’m proud to see so many police departments across the state use ERPO as a tool for their service to the community. It is my sincere hope that other departments will see the data presented today and take it as an opportunity to learn more about how they can also use the law to save lives. As the report highlights, the next major step we must take is to improve education and awareness around gun violence prevention, which is exactly what the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention is designed to do.” Previous Next

SB25-014 would repeal unenforceable language from Colorado Statute that states that a marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman < Back March 20, 2025 Protecting the Freedom to Marry Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to implement Amendment J and remove language from the Colorado Constitution banning same-sex marriage. “Coloradans overwhelmingly support the freedom to marry who we love,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “As the Trump administration continues to blatantly attack and demonize the LGBTQ+ community, this bill implements the will of the voters and protects marriage equality in Colorado. As this bill moves through the House, we’re reminded that everyone deserves to live safely in our state, and marry who they love.” “We’re one step closer to implementing the will of the voters and protecting the freedom to marry who we love,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “As the Trump administration takes aim at critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado is standing up to protect marriage equality in our state. We heard the voters loud and clear – marriage equality must be protected, and I’m truly honored to carry this bill through the House.” SB25-014 will implement the will of the voters by repealing the provision in Colorado statute that states that marriage is valid only if it is between a man and a woman. That provision has been unenforceable since the United States Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015 and is now in conflict with the State Constitution. Voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment J in the 2024 election. Previous Next

New law improves the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal firearm activity < Back May 15, 2024 Gun Violence Prevention Bill to Improve Investigations of Illegal Firearm Activity Signed Into Law New law improves the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s ability to address illegal firearm activity CENTENNIAL, CO - Governor Polis today signed gun violence prevention legislation into law to improve investigations of illegal firearm activity. “Though our background check system, InstaCheck, is working as intended, follow-up investigations are rarely conducted at the local or federal level due to resource limitations,” Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, said. “By giving CBI statutory authority, they will be able to more effectively investigate illegal firearms purchases and transfers, purchases of illegal components and ghost guns, information obtained through tip lines such as suspected straw purchases, and other violations – all while improving safety in communities across Colorado.” “From safe storage laws to waiting periods, we’ve passed significant gun violence prevention legislation that will have a real impact on the safety of our communities,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Current gaps in authority and resources make it difficult for law enforcement officials to enforce our laws to the fullest extent. Our new law gives CBI the authority and resources to work with local law enforcement agencies on life-saving investigations of illegal firearms.” “We all share a common goal of keeping illegal guns out of our communities, which is why I’m proud that our legislation is now law to ensure the safety of our loved ones and neighbors,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “We should be proud of the significant progress that we’ve made to tackle gun violence. This legislation uplifts our past work and reflects our commitment to keeping our communities safe by ensuring law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to investigate illegal firearm activity.” SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. It would appropriate $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates individuals convicted of felonies who are attempting to illegally purchase a firearm, and other illegal firearm crimes such as possession of a ghost gun. Previous Next