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Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts < Back May 23, 2024 SIGNED! New School Finance Formula to Increase Equity in School Funding, Support Rural Districts Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts AURORA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a monumental, bipartisan bill to support Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students. “This law is a monumental step forward for public education in Colorado and a breakthrough achievement for how we fund our schools,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “For far too long, our school finance formula has not invested in the students with the greatest needs, underfunding rural districts and those serving more children in poverty. The new, student-focused formula will increase funding for K-12 education and drive more resources to at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education, and rural school districts. Every student deserves a world class education no matter where they live, and with this new law, we will live up to our promise to set all Colorado students on a pathway to thrive.” “For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. I am extremely proud of our work to update Colorado’s school funding formula to ensure it reflects the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. This new law will ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.” “With our historic buy-down of the budget stabilization factor, this is the time to update Colorado’s 30 year-old inequitable school finance formula to better reflect our state’s values,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “When it comes to public education in Colorado, we have not been meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students, including our at-risk, English Language Learners, and special education students. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to direct additional dollars to the districts and classrooms serving students with the greatest needs. When we invest in high-quality public education, we’re investing in our future, and I’m beyond proud to be championing a law that prioritizes student outcomes and opportunity for every child in our state.” HB24-1448 will update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education who are shown not to achieve at the same levels as their peers. This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most. With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students, English Language Learners, and Special Education students. When fully implemented, there will be $866 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical. The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor, all set at 25 percent. Smaller districts with a concentration of 70 percent or higher at-risk students will receive an extra 7 percent, to total 32 percent, ensuring their high concentration of at-risk students get the additional funds they need. Funding for every district will increase by at least .5 percent year over year. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23. The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2019 REP. FROELICH’S BILL TO INCREASE VOTING ACCESS FOR COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HOUSE COMMITTEE Democrats working to increase access to ballot box (Apr. 18) – Rep. Meg Froelich’s bill to increase voting access for people with disabilities unanimously passed out of the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs committee. This important legislation would give voters with disabilities greater access to the ballot box in order to fit their specific needs. “It’s critically important that we improve access to the ballot box for all Coloradans,” said Rep. Froelich, D-Englewood. “We should never disqualify individuals from voting and participating in our democratic process based on a disability. This bill will do more to ensure we aren’t disenfranchising voters.” If signed into law, this bill would require the Secretary of State to establish a process to enable voters with disabilities to mark a paper ballot using nonvisual access or low vision access technology whether the voter is voting in a mail ballot election or voting at a polling location. SB19-202 passed unanimously. It now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

House Committees today passed three bills to support Coloradans seeking homeowners insurance in wildfire prone areas, mitigate wildfires and create job opportunities to improve forest health. < Back April 17, 2023 House Committees Pass Bills to Mitigate Wildfires and Support Homeowners DENVER, CO – House Committees today passed three bills to support Coloradans seeking homeowners insurance in wildfire prone areas, mitigate wildfires and create job opportunities to improve forest health. “In Colorado, we’re taking tremendous steps to not only mitigate wildfires, but make it possible for homeowners in wildfire prone areas to purchase property insurance,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1288. “We need to be prepared for the next wildfire disaster and our legislation to create a FAIR insurance plan makes sure Coloradans can receive proper homeowners and commercial insurance that protects their livelihood.” “As wildfires become more frequent and destructive, we need to do everything we can to ensure homeowners are properly insured in the wake of a disaster,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1288 . “Our legislation creates a pathway for homeowners in wildfire prone areas to receive insurance that protects their property, livelihood and the place they call home. Without this legislation, many Coloradans will be left with no homeowners insurance and we’re stepping up to make sure Coloradans’ property is protected from the next wildfire disaster.” HB23-1288 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Representative Amabile, passed the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee by a vote of 8 to 1. This bill would create the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan Association, a nonprofit, unincorporated legal entity, to ensure Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones can receive homeowners or commercial insurance. As destructive wildfires become more frequent in residential areas, many Coloradans struggle to find a private insurer that will cover their property at all. This bill would make sure Coloradans can find a carrier to insure their homes and commercial spaces as wildfires grow in frequency and destruction across Colorado. “We’re working to continuously improve Colorado’s wildfire response to protect our homes, businesses and neighborhoods,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB23-161 . “This legislation will allow Colorado to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, reducing our state’s rapid response time to quickly combat and put out wildfires in difficult terrain and keep our communities safe.” SB23-161 , sponsored by Speaker McCluskie and Minority Leader Lynch, passed the House Finace Committee by a unanimous vote. This bill would allow the state to purchase a second Firehawk helicopter, ensuring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) has at least one Firehawk available for rapid response at all times. Firehawk helicopters are considered the most technologically advanced firefighting aircraft available and this bill would improve the state’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildfires. “Wildfires in Colorado are now a year-round threat and we need to ensure the state forest service has the workforce to keep us safe,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of SB23-005. “Colorado’s made important progress when it comes to wildfire mitigation, and we’re furthering our efforts to protect communities by boosting our state’s forest health workforce. This legislation streamlines workforce development and recruitment within the state forest service so we can continue to mitigate wildfires through excess brush removal and other tactics that help us maintain healthy, more resilient forests.” SB23-005 , sponsored by Representative Snyder and Minority Leader Lynch, passed the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resouces Committee unanimously. This bill would improve Colorado’s forestry workforce by directing the Colorado State Forest Service to develop educational materials on career opportunities in the industry for students in high school, and creates a workforce development program within the State Forest Service to increase internship opportunities within the timber, forest health, and wildfire mitigation sectors. The bill will also bolster the state’s wildfire mitigation capacity development fund to create and expand forestry programs specifically at Colorado Mountain College, as well as community colleges, technical colleges, area colleges, and public institutions of higher education in order to increase the state’s forestry workforce. SB23-005 would also work to increase the number of qualified educators at these institutions to deliver a wildland fire prevention and mitigation course or program. Previous Next

< Back April 27, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES SULLIVAN-GALINDO BILL TO HELP GET COLORADANS INTO GOOD PAYING JOBS & EXPAND OPPORTUNITY Roughly three quarters of all CO jobs require post secondary higher education (Apr. 27) – The House approved a bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan and Rep. Rochelle Galindo that would establish a directory with apprenticeship programs within the Department of Labor and it would include salary ranges, critical labor force data, licensure requirements, and other information potential enrollees should know before embarking onto a career pathway. “I firmly believe every hard working American should get a good-paying job no matter their education. There are currently nearly 200 sponsored apprenticeship programs, and that number is constantly evolving and growing,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This directory can serve as a beneficial tool to help students and young adults grow in their technical training and enter into career fields that offer salaries without the debt of traditional college.” The bill also requires the department to distribute the directory to coordinate with local workforce centers, businesses, and education institutions to raise awareness of the apprenticeship programs so more Coloradans can access them. “This will help expand opportunity for students and accessibility for apprenticeship programs. When I visited various locations that offered these programs, the directors often said the only way they get the word out about these programs is through word-of–mouth,” said Rep. Galindo, D-Greeley . “We need to get these opportunities out there for more students to join the workforce.” In 2018, it was estimated that building trades had a shortage of 60,000 workers in Colorado. The state’s construction industry alone will need at least 30,000 new workers to meet demand in the years ahead. SB19-171 passed on a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back February 24, 2020 MCLACHLAN’S RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT IMPROVEMENTS ADVANCE DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture today unanimously voted to approve Representative Barbara McLachlan’s bill to strengthen the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Grant program. The REDI program provides grants that strengthen and diversify rural economies and create new jobs. The bill has already passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote. “This bill gives a leg up to rural economies in communities like mine across the state,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “There is a clear need for the rural economic development funds this bill will continue to provide: since the program began, requests for grants from the REDI program have regularly exceeded the amount of funding available. I’m proud to be ensuring that these funds make it to the communities that need them most.” SB20-002 would codify and strengthen a successful existing program, REDI, in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), to be administered in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). The bill will ensure that the program continues to work and that certain improvements are made in order to ensure that rural economies are more successfully bolstered. In addition to formalizing the program in statute, SB20-002 would require that DOLA adopt rules for application procedures and timelines, criteria for a matching funds requirement, and performance and reporting requirements related to REDI. The bill would also require that DOLA report on the use of the REDI funds. ### Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to increase protections in the funeral home industry and prevent more tragedy. < Back May 24, 2024 Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills to Increase Protections in the Funeral Home Industry, Prevent More Tragedy DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to increase protections in the funeral home industry and prevent more tragedy. “Enough is enough. It is long past time for funeral tragedies in our state to stop. Coloradans should be able to trust the services being provided during the most difficult moments of their families’ lives - but too often in Colorado, our state’s lack of oversight results in tragedy instead,” said Roberts, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “We worked hard this year to correct that. These new laws put in place stronger oversight that will hold funeral homes and crematories to a higher standard, and require folks who work in the industry to be licensed and in good standing. Combined, the laws will help restore faith in this valuable industry and ensure that Coloradans’ remains are handled with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.” “Until today, we were the only state in the nation that did not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – these bills will help us ensure that our state’s funeral homes and crematories are operated by professionals only with the utmost respect and care,” said Titone, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “These bipartisan bills will expand and extend the Department of Regulatory Agencies’ ability to inspect funeral homes and crematories as well as require proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has unfortunately been at the center of many egregious instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Funeral homes and crematories must operate within the law – our public health and safety depends upon it and our loved ones deserve it.” SB24-173 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, establishes licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Introduced following numerous tragedies at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, the new law aligns Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education and licensure for those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers. Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. SB24-173 requires an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2027. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. Those currently working in the industry will be able to obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, received the requisite workplace learning experience, passed a criminal background check, and will be subsequently eligible to qualify for full licensure. The Governor also signed into law HB24-1335 , which extends and expands regulations of the Mortuary Science Code, helping avoid future tragedies caused in part by a lack of oversight by the state. Sponsored by Roberts, Gardner, Titone, and Soper, the new law also: Requires inspection of funeral homes and crematories on a routine basis, including after businesses have ceased operations; Allows inspections to occur outside business hours; Expands rulemaking authority for DORA; Adds failure to respond to complaints as grounds for discipline; and Authorizes DORA to suspend the registration for persons who do not comply with orders following a complaint or investigation. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2021 GOV SIGNS BILLS TO PROTECT AND BETTER SERVE COLORADANS WITH DISABILITIES DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will ensure that state resources are in compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws and revamp training to improve first responder interactions with people with disabilities. “Every Coloradan should be able to access state services and information online, but not all state websites and services are accessible to people with disabilities,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Denver. “During the pandemic, some Coloradans weren’t able to get critical information or had to wait longer to access it because state websites didn’t meet accessibility standards. The bill Governor Polis signed today will bring Colorado’s state government inline with federal standards to ensure everyone can use and access state services online.” HB21-1110 , sponsored by Representative David Ortiz, requires that all rules promulgated by Colorado departments are at least as strong as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law tasks state agencies with developing an accessibility plan that enables an individual with a disability to access digital content with the same privacy and ease of use as individuals without disabilities. “Today, Colorado is taking an important step forward to ensure that first responders have the training and tools necessary to guarantee safe and appropriate outcomes while interacting with people with disabilities,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Denver. “This new law will bring people together and give voice to people in the disability community to better inform law enforcement, prevent tragedies and protect people with disabilities, who we know are disproportionately more likely to be the victims of crimes and have unique needs and considerations for preserving their wellbeing.” HB21-1122 , sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Colin Larson, establishes a twelve-person commission tasked with performing a detailed study of existing training for peace officers on interactions with persons with disabilities and provide a report to the POST Board by February 28, 2022. The bill requires the resulting curriculum be implemented for basic training and the annual in-service training by July 1, 2022. Once the curriculum is implemented, the commission must monitor the training process, assess any challenges and the effectiveness of the training to present and suggest to the POST Board. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 HOUSE ED COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – Legislation to address the health care workforce shortage passed the House Education Committee today unanimously. SB22-003 would permit community colleges to offer BSN programs to nursing students. “We’re tackling the health care workforce shortage head on,” said Kyle Mullica D-Federal Heights . “Pandemic pressures have only added to the stress and burnout the nursing community has been dealing with. This bill will fast track Coloradans on a path to earning their BSN and will help hospitals find more qualified, talented health care professionals. I’m incredibly proud of the tireless work my nursing colleagues have put in over the past two years to keep Coloradans safe and healthy, now’s our chance to give them the break they deserve by boosting their workforce.” “Expanding the number of colleges who can offer BSN programs is a win-win for Colorado,” said Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “We’re focused on getting more health care professionals in high-paying, impactful careers and this bill paves the way to increasing Colorado’s nursing workforce.” If passed, SB22-003 would make it easier for students pursuing certificates in nursing to enroll in Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) programs at community colleges. The need for this bill comes at a time when Colorado is facing a significant shortage of health care workers. This bill addresses this need by streamlining the education process for future nurses and getting them in the field faster. Previous Next

On August 7, two new laws go into effect which will make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans, and will expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. < Back August 2, 2024 Bills to Improve Prescription Label Accessibility, Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce Go Into Effect DENVER, CO - On August 7, two new laws go into effect which will make prescription drug labels more accessible to blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans, and will expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. “The information on prescription labels provides important details that enable patients to safely and effectively take medication – we need to ensure blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans can readily access this information,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB24-1115. “If you can’t access the label of your prescription medication, it could lead to negative health consequences, even death. This law allows Coloradans to have agency over their health care by making sure prescription labels are accessible for blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans.” “All patients deserve to have access to accommodations that meet their unique needs so that they can consistently receive critical information about their medications,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “Prescription medications are critical to maintaining one’s health, and a lack of access to information about prescription medications can have serious, life-threatening consequences, such as accidentally taking an incorrect medication or dosage. This important new law will help blind, visually impaired, and print disabled Coloradans stay healthy and safe while maintaining their independence.” “Prescription labels outline important information related to dosage and frequency, and this law makes labels more accessible to blind or visually and print-impaired Coloradans,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1115. “Our law will increase reading accessibility of prescription labels so that blind, and visually impaired Coloradans can access the live-saving and critical information they need. We’re committed to improving accessibility throughout our state, and this law tackles prescription labels as an important part of that effort.” HB24-1115 will require a pharmacy to provide blind, visually impaired and print-impaired Coloradans with access to prescription drug label information. The law requires pharmacies to, upon request, provide patients with: An electronic label, like a QR code, on the container that can transmit the label information and instructions to the person’s accessibility device, A no-cost prescription drug reader that provides the label information in an audio format, Prescription drug label information in braille or large print, or Any other method recommended by the US Access Board. The law also permits a pharmacy 28 days to provide a specific method of access that they have not yet utilized, if requested by a patient. Additionally, it creates the Prescription Accessibility Grant Program to provide grants to pharmacies for the purchase of equipment used to create accessible prescription labels. “With this law going into effect, we’re boosting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1002. “Social workers are critical to the success of our state’s overall behavioral health care system, and we must do everything we can to attract and retain these skilled professionals. By creating a social work licensure compact, already licensed social workers can begin practicing in Colorado more quickly to give Coloradans the whole-person behavioral healthcare they need and deserve.” “The need for social workers in Colorado is clear, so we are working to break down barriers and allow more skilled professionals to join our workforce,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of HB24-1002 . “When we support the behavioral health care needs of Coloradans, it’s a win-win for the safety of our communities and our economy.” “We need to use every tool available to us to improve behavioral health care access for Coloradans,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB24-1002. “This law makes it easier for licensed social workers in participating states to begin working in Colorado, which is particularly helpful for military spouses who often relocate. With this law going into effect, we’re removing barriers to entering Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce and streamlining care for Coloradans across the state.” HB24-1002 creates new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. Also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, this bipartisan law creates the "Social Work Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to streamline permitting for Colorado’s ground water. < Back January 27, 2025 Committee Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Colorado’s Drinking Water Resources DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to streamline permitting for Colorado’s ground water. The committee also passed a bipartisan House Joint Resolution that would better fund and protect Colorado’s drinking water. “I am proud to carry this bill to streamline the water management process across Colorado, especially for my community in the Western Slope,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, sponsor of HB25-1014. “This bipartisan bill will ease the groundwater permitting process, cutting the red tape to make our water resources more accessible.” HB25-1014 , sponsored by Representatives Meghan Lukens and Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, passed committee unanimously. This bill would modify Colorado's permitting process for groundwater use. Specifically, this bill would remove obsolete provisions and extend the timeline for Coloradans already permitted to build a water well. The goal of HB24-1014 is to cut red tape, streamline the services and improve the efficiency of the Division of Water Resources within the Department of Natural Resources. “From recreation to agricultural use, water is the most important resource in Colorado and we must do everything we can to protect our rivers, streams, and wetlands,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HJR25-1004. “Droughts and the impacts of climate change threaten the health and safety of the people, animals, and native species that call Colorado home. Our bipartisan effort will support Colorado’s water infrastructure in rural and mountain communities by helping them acquire water rights, improve water management facilities, and fund other projects that help protect our water resources for future generations to come.” HJR25-1004 , sponsored by Representative Karen McCormick and Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would update the Water Pollution Control Project Eligibility List to better preserve, protect and conserve water resources in Colorado. The House Joint Resolution passed committee unanimously. The House Joint Resolution modifies which projects are eligible for funding from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund; better protecting the freshwater resources Coloradans use for household use, recreation, agriculture and local economic development. The Drinking Water Revolving Fund is a financial assistance program that offers loans and grants for clean drinking water projects. Forty-nine percent of funding is awarded to disadvantaged communities through grants or principal forgiveness loans to protect communities that otherwise would not have the resources to improve their water infrastructure. Previous Next

New laws improve access to insurance plans, address underinsurance, reduce the costs of rebuilding and protect tenants in properties damaged by wildfire < Back May 12, 2023 Polis Signs Laws to Help Victims of Wildfire Rebuild New laws improve access to insurance plans, address underinsurance, reduce the costs of rebuilding and protect tenants in properties damaged by wildfire BOULDER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will protect homeowners’ access to insurance plans, address underinsurance issues that leave property owners without the coverage they need, lower the cost of rebuilding, and ensure tenants aren’t forced to return to unsafe rental properties. HB23-1174 , sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Judy Amabile and Senators Dylan Roberts and Mark Baisley, addresses homeowner underinsurance for damaged homes or structures. It requires home insurance companies to offer a variety of options to cover the costs of repair or replacement for a damaged or destroyed structure. HB23-1288 , sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Representative Amabile, and Senator Roberts creates a nonprofit public entity to guarantee Coloradans with homes and commercial properties located in wildfire zones can receive homeowners or commercial insurance if insurance companies do not offer them coverage. This law ensures Coloradans will be able to insure their homes and commercial spaces as wildfires grow in frequency and destruction. “The rising frequency of wildfire disasters is making it harder for property owners to find insurance plans while many homeowners that do have insurance have found their plans won’t cover all their rebuilding costs,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1174 and HB23-1288. “We’re looking ahead to stabilize the insurance industry by creating a plan of last resort in the event a property owner can’t find an insurance company that will offer them coverage. With the laws Governor Polis just signed, property owners will have additional coverage options to ensure their homes are protected when disaster strikes.” “Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and destructive, and that is making it difficult or sometimes impossible for folks who live in rural communities like mine to purchase homeowners insurance that meets their needs,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, sponsor of HB23-1174 and HB23-1288. “The bolstered protections offered by HB 1174 and the FAIR Insurance Plan will help protect vulnerable Coloradans and allow people to insure their homes, businesses, and property against potential disasters.” “I’m proud that Governor Polis has signed my bill into law to offer Coloradans additional insurance options that will protect them from the devastating costs of rebuilding after a wildfire,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1174. “After the Marshall Fire, thousands of homeowners faced unanticipated rebuilding costs because their insurance plans didn’t offer enough coverage. Now, Coloradans will be able to purchase coverage that meets their needs and protects them from the increasing risk of more destructive fires.” “Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive in Colorado, and we need to ensure our neighbors and communities are protected, ” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1288. “Through this legislation, we’re creating a FAIR insurance plan especially for Coloradans living in wildfire prone areas to insure their homes, businesses and livelihood. Property owners are already struggling to find insurance, and we are hearing from constituents that some may not be able to purchase insurance at all. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help property owners insure their structures as climate change continues to drive increasingly destructive natural disasters.” HB23-1240 , sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Judy Amabile and Senator Fenberg, creates a state sales and use tax exemption for construction and building materials for homeowners looking to rebuild or repair their home that was damaged in a declared wildfire disaster. The exemption for qualified purchases is administered through a refund process, which must be claimed by June 30, 2028, and allows homeowners that have already made purchases to retroactively claim a refund. “Folks recovering from the Marshall Fire have enough to deal with, and shouldn’t be taxed on rebuilding their homes,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This law will make it easier for survivors to put their lives back together and move forward from this disaster.” “The sales tax exemption Governor Polis signed today will save victims of the Marshall fire money as they rebuild their homes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1240. “There’s no reason the government should be bringing in tax revenue that comes as a result of rebuilding from a natural disaster. This law will make it easier for victims of recent fires to get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.” “With global inflation increasing the cost of rebuilding homes, it’s been challenging for many families to move back into their residences after the Marshall Fire,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville sponsor of HB23-1240 and HB23-1254. “The bills Governor Polis just signed create new protections for renters so they aren’t forced to live in properties that are uninhabitable, and save Coloradans money as they rebuild their homes.” HB23-1254 , sponsored by Representatives Brown and Javier Mabrey and Senator Lisa Cutter, bolsters renter protections in the state’s warranty of habitability by adding lack of compliance with certain standards following an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. It also adds additional protections for members of a vulnerable population, including allowing such a tenant to terminate their lease if certain conditions are met. “As our climate becomes more unpredictable and weather becomes increasingly severe, the number of homes impacted will continue to grow,” Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, said. “This new law will bolster critical protections for Colorado renters and ensures folks won’t be forced into unsafe living situations if disaster strikes.” “The Marshall Fire displaced many Coloradans and when they were unable to find anything available that was in their budget, many felt pressured to return to the damaged rental property just to have a roof over their head,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1254 . “No one should feel cornered into living in housing that can cause negative short or long-term health effects, which is why we brought this legislation to give both landlords and renters the tools to repair their property to a safe living condition. With this law, we’re streamlining and clarifying the Warranty of Habitability statute to protect renters and help landlords know where the goal post is when it comes to remediating their property.” Previous Next