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< Back February 27, 2020 SCORE! COLLEGE ATHLETES A STEP CLOSER TO EARNING COMPENSATION FOR THEIR LIKENESS The House Committee on Education today passed landmark legislation to allow collegiate athletes to be compensated for the use of their likeness. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and James Coleman, passed by 11-2. “College sports are a cash cow for institutions and corporations alike, but the athletes who diligently train, work and perform every week aren’t sharing in the prosperity,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “This bill will support those college athletes by allowing them to profit off of their image and likeness and to monetize the brand they have worked so hard to cultivate.” “College athletes work their whole life to earn the right to play at this level,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver . “America loves to cheer on their favorite athletes, and more and more Americans are turning to college sports for entertainment. This is a substantive way to support the hard work of the young athletes who so many of us follow and admire.” Last October, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Board of Governors announced their intention to permit student athletes to profit from the use of their likeness. Prior to the NCAA announcement, California passed a bill that banned in-state schools from preventing athletes from accepting compensation from advertisers. It also allows them to hire agents. Illinois , New York , Florida and now Colorado have introduced bills to allow for athletes to profit from their likeness. SB20-123 would prevent higher education institutions in Colorado from upholding any rule, requirement, standard or other limitation that prevents a student athlete of the institution from earning compensation from the use of the athlete’s name, image or likeness. The bill would also prevent collegiate institutions from providing prospective athletes with compensation prior to their signing. Additionally, athletes will be able to secure athletic and legal representation, and any compensation the athlete receives cannot affect their eligibility to participate in collegiate sports. Athletes who decide to enter into an endorsement deal would have to let the athletic directors of their institutions know 72 hours after the contract is signed. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. < Back April 10, 2023 Ortiz’s Bill to Improve Basic Access for People with Disabilities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to bolster basic access at places of public accommodations for people with disabilities. “Coloradans living with a disability should be able to visit and enjoy the restaurants, museums and retail stores in their community without having to worry about whether they'll be able to navigate the space,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “This legislation empowers Coloradans living with a disability by allowing them to pursue legal action if a public accommodation space is not accessible. I’m committed to making our public places more accessible and accommodating so they can be enjoyed by everyone.” HB23-1032 ensures that individuals with a disability have legal recourse if they are discriminated against by any place of public accommodation. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network , places of public accommodation include restaurants, theaters, doctors' offices, pharmacies, hotels, retail stores, museums, libraries, amusement parks, private schools and day care centers. HB23-1032 aims to improve accessibility for all Coloradans. Previous Next

Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. < Back December 20, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Forecast Shows Colorado Economy Remains on Solid Footing DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December quarterly economic forecasts. “Today’s forecasts show Colorado’s economic growth and low unemployment rate remain steady and are projected to continue,” said JBC Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “We are committed to fulfilling our promise to students and educators by eliminating the K-12 public school funding deficit, which will put more money into Colorado classrooms to increase teacher pay, reduce class sizes, and ensure students have what they need to thrive. I’m excited to craft a balanced budget that sustains our economic growth, boosts middle class families, and invests in the critical services Coloradans need.” “While Colorado’s economy continues growing at a steady pace, we are entering a more normal - and restrained - fiscal period, which will require cautious, responsible budgeting to ensure we meet our priorities,” said JBC Vice Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “As we prepare next year's budget, we remain committed to maintaining this growth while delivering the critical services families and communities rely on. We’re looking forward to putting forth a responsible budget that fully funds our schools, supports working families, and meets the needs of our growing state.” “As Colorado’s economy continues to grow and perform better than other states, we are focused on addressing the rising cost of living and making sure that everyone can afford to live in our state,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Even with our strong economy, Colorado’s unique fiscal constraints mean we will have limited resources this year for new investments. Our goal this year is to significantly increase funding for our public schools, support working families, and prioritize the Coloradans who are feeling the brunt of our cost of living crisis.” “Today's forecast makes me cautiously optimistic that our Colorado economy continues to head in the right direction," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "I look forward to working on a balanced budget for next year that fully funds education, lowers the cost of health care, and helps make Colorado a more affordable place to live." Colorado’s economy continues to grow, with an unemployment rate of 3 percent and total employment growth clocking in at around 2.3 percent. Personal income growth for Coloradans has remained steady, at 5.6 percent, and consumer demand continues to outpace expectations. The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $17.52 billion in FY 2023-2024 and $18.58 billion in FY 2024-2025, a 6 percent increase year-over-year. The LCS forecast anticipates the General Fund to end FY 2023-24 with a 15.3 percent reserve, $49.6 million above the statutory requirement. TABOR refunds will be $800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) revised its General Fund revenue expectations up $247.3 million in FY 2023-24, while FY 2024-25 revenue was revised down $78.1 million. OSPB anticipates General Fund revenue will grow 4.6 percent to $19.1 billion in FY 2025-26, due to stable growth in income and sales revenue. The forecast anticipates continued growth as Colorado stands well positioned to fare better in the case of a downturn and that the risk of a near-term recession has dissipated. Factors that could improve the forecast include slowing inflation, an expanded labor force, and a rebound in real wages boosting consumer spending, and more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Risks that could negatively impact the forecast include persistent inflation leading to further restrictive monetary policies, deteriorating household finances limiting consumption and continued geopolitical and trade uncertainty. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO CREATE AG DROUGHT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE OFFICE DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1242 , sponsored by Representative Barbara McLachlan, on third reading and final passage by a vote of 40-23. The legislation creates the Office of Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience in the Department of Agriculture. “We have to do what we can to mitigate and prepare for the increasingly severe droughts and other devastating climate events that are threatening our agriculture industry and producers,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “This office will help agriculture producers, who are leading the way in climate resilience best practices, to get ready for and respond to the changes that are already impacting the industry and help encourage more producers to implement strategies to minimize the impacts of climate change.” HB21-1242 creates an office in the Department of Agriculture to help the industry respond to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and increasingly severe droughts. Frequent droughts are placing increasing pressure on Colorado’s already strained water supply and ecosystems that drive the agriculture industry. The office would provide voluntary technical assistance and incentives to help the producers prepare for, mitigate, adapt to, and respond to hazardous events related to drought or our changing climate. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES EXPANSION OF OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL CONDUCT BY A PEACE OFFICER (Apr. 16) – The House approved Rep. Leslie Herod’s bipartisan bill to charge a peace officer with unlawful sexual conduct when they knowingly engage in sexual contact, sexual intrusion, or sexual penetration anytime the victim is in custody, regardless of consent. “This bill will make it easier to hold law enforcement accountable when they use their authority to sexually assault people in their custody,” said Rep. Herod, D-Denver. “Current law is allowing some cases to slip through the crack, and even one or two cases of sexual assault by a peace officer is too many.” Unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is a class 4 felony when the offense is committed by sexual contact and is a class 3 felony (a more serious offense) when the offense is committed by sexual intrusion or sexual penetration. A class 4 felony carries a possible sentence of 2-6 years in the Department of Corrections, and a class 3 felony carries a possible sentence of 4-12 years. An offender convicted of unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is required to register as a sex offender. An offender convicted of a class 3 felony due to unlawful sexual conduct by a peace officer is subject to lifetime supervision. HB19-1250 passed with a bipartisan vote of 59-5, with five Republicans voting no. The bill now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory < Back March 22, 2023 Two Bills Advance to Boost Colorado’s Workforce, Save People Money on Degree Programs HB23-1246 creates and expands zero-cost credentials to get more aspiring professionals in high-demand fields and SB23-146 improves the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory DENVER, CO – Two bills to help Coloradans get connected to in-demand careers and boost Colorado’s workforce passed committee today. HB23-1246, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program. SB23-146, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Regina English, would update the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for apprenticeships. “Zero-cost credentials save Coloradans money, help critical industries meet workforce demands and offer Coloradans the training and education they need to succeed,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB22-1246. “Whether you’re an aspiring early childhood educator, nurse or firefighter, our bill breaks down financial barriers to entering these and many other in-demand fields so Coloradans can get a jumpstart on the career of their dreams. New, free pathways help us build strong talent pipelines and connect Coloradans to careers that allow them to live and serve in their communities.” Zero-Cost Credentials for Aspiring Professionals: HB23-1246 passed the House Education Committee unanimously. This bill would invest $45 million over the span of two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries would include elementary and early childhood education, firefighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades. For programs that are already zero cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, like instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades. HB23-1246 builds off our success in the Care Forward Colorado Program to cover the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. Since its launch in 2022, the Care Forward Colorado Program has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers. “In Colorado, there are many high-demand industries looking for qualified workers,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of SB23-146. “This legislation works to improve the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so we can help our critical industries meet their hiring demands and get Coloradans connected to a career they can be proud of. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experiences in the field, and our bill makes finding a path to a new career easier.” “Many of Colorado’s critical industries are facing workforce shortages, and we're doing everything we can to streamline qualified individuals into open careers,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of SB23-146. “We’re taking steps to not only improve Colorado’s workforce shortage but also ease the transition for Coloradans seeking new, in-demand careers. Our bill modernizes the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory so Coloradans can spend less time searching for the career of their dreams and more time in the field.” Updating the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory: SB23-146 passed the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee by a vote of 6 to 4. This bill would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to collect and make publicly available more useful information on apprenticeship programs, including each program's registration information and credentials that a worker may earn or become eligible for through the apprenticeship. The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory provides a comprehensive, searchable list of registered apprenticeship program sponsors that operate in Colorado. This bill aims to update the online directory to make it easier for Coloradans to find and apply for registered apprenticeship opportunities in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back June 8, 2021 HOUSE PASSES BILL TO LOWER ENERGY COSTS, CREATE JOBS Bipartisan benchmarking proposal would improve energy efficiency of buildings DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation by a vote of 41-23 to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which will lower energy costs and create jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits. “By passing benchmarking policies like this, we can save consumers and businesses money on their energy bills and reduce energy consumption,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This bill asks owners of the largest buildings to report on their energy use and then meet new energy efficiency standards that will save their tenant’s money and reduce energy use. It will help us meet our climate goals while saving Coloradans money at the same time.” “We have to make addressing climate change a top priority, and by reducing how much energy commercial buildings use, we can save consumers money and reduce the emissions that are hurting our environment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “Benchmarking is an innovative way to encourage more energy efficient buildings and create good jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits and mechanical system upgrades.” HB21-1286 , which is sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Alex Valdez, would require the owners of certain large commercial buildings to collect and report energy use to the Colorado Energy Office, and by 2026, to demonstrate that they have met new energy efficiency performance standards. The proposal, known as benchmarking, asks building owners to measure their energy use in the first year and then continue to monitor and report their performance and meet new energy efficiency standards. The proposal helps tenets and businesses save money on their energy costs while creating jobs for workers skilled in energy efficiency retrofits, mechanical system upgrades, electrical work, engineering, and recommissioning. In the next eight years, the bill is expected to save consumers $447 million on their energy bills, 3,200 gigawatt-hours of electricity, 7,700 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tons. More than one-third of Colorado buildings are already benchmarking, demonstrating that this policy is both widely popular and achievable. Large commercial, multifamily, and public buildings account for roughly 15 percent of all energy used in Colorado, which means that there is considerable opportunity to reduce electricity used by increasing the energy efficiency of these buildings. Previous Next

< Back June 26, 2020 BILLS TO SUPPORT FOOD PANTRIES AND AT-RISK YOUTH SIGNED INTO LAW Denver, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law to facilitate donations to food pantries, expand access to critical housing services for at-risk youth and permanently allow remote notary services. SB20-090 , sponsored by Representatives Daneya Esgar and Brianna Titone, helps at-risk Colorado youth by allowing youth over the age of 15 to consent to receive shelter or other services from a licensed homeless youth shelter. SB20-106 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Brianna Titone, allows food pantries to expand their sources for goods by allowing food donations from correctional facilities and agricultural producers. “With our state facing devastating budget cuts, we should do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable Coloradans during this pandemic,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “The bills signed today will help ensure that at-risk Colorado youth have a roof to sleep under and can access the services they need, and will expand options for food pantries to help them meet the needs of our communities.” “Too many at-risk youth who end up homeless in our state don’t have access to shelter or services,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “This new law will mean more of our youth have the housing and support they need to stay safe.” “With over half a million Coloradans seeking health insurance and unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is clearly a serious need in our communities for food support, and our food pantries are stepping up to help,” said Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We’re making it easier for our food pantries to get food donations so they can help Coloradans through this crisis.” As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to necessitate the limitation of public interactions, SB20-096 , sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver, facilitates the process for individuals who need to have documents notarized. Rather than requiring an individual to show up in person, the bill allows for remote notarization via video as an option, and includes guardrails to protect consumer privacy. “The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t over, which means it’s still important to social distance and reduce unnecessary interactions,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “Notarization is an important service that people rely on, and this bill will make it easier and safer for Coloradans to have their documents notarized.” The governor also signed SB20-042 , sponsored by Representative Jonathan Singer, which extends the Legislative Oversight Committee Concerning the Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems and broadens its focus to include behavioral health and thus treatment for substance use disorders. “I’m proud of the important work this committee has done to improve mental health services in our criminal and juvenile justice system,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont. “It’s clear there’s more work to do, and I am grateful that the legislature and community partners will continue to work together and reduce our recidivism rate by expanding access to critical behavioral health services.” Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Junie Joseph on a preliminary vote to prevent gun violence and save lives prohibiting the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. < Back May 5, 2023 Legislation to Crack Down on Ghost Guns Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representatives Andrew Boesenecker and Junie Joseph on a preliminary vote to prevent gun violence and save lives prohibiting the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers. “Homemade guns created from untraceable and unserialized parts allow a gun owner to evade federal and state firearm laws that protect communities and prevent crime,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “All too often, these ghost guns can end up in the hands of people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. This legislation cracks down on ghost guns to better protect our communities from senseless gun violence and improve accountability for victims and their families.” “Gun violence has devastated communities throughout Colorado, and gun crimes are becoming an increasingly common threat,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Now, through DIY kits or 3D printers, almost anyone can access a gun on demand without having to go through a background check process. This bill is a critical step in preventing Colorado youth and criminals from accessing an unserialized gun to protect our communities.” SB23-279 aims to prevent further gun violence by cracking down on “ghost guns”, which are unregulated and untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home. Ghost guns are designed to avoid all gun laws and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections. Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. A background check would be required before the owner could receive their item after it had been serialized. Serialization records must be kept and available for law enforcement. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun. Ghost guns are often constructed using unfinished frames or receivers and are easily accessible through a 3D printing device. Once assembled, ghost guns look, feel, and function exactly like traditional guns and are equally as deadly and dangerous. These weapons have been connected to suicides, homicides, mass shootings, robberies, and domestic violence throughout the country. Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the USA increased by 1000% , yet over 99% of those guns can’t be traced back to a user or owner. When a gun used in a crime is untraceable, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability. Previous Next

< Back May 25, 2021 HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION PACKAGE ADVANCES DENVER, CO — The House Finance Committee today advanced historic legislation that will future-proof Colorado’s broken transportation funding system, improve air quality, create jobs and save Coloradans time and money spent on roads and vehicle repairs. “Fixing our transportation infrastructure will help get people to work, kids to schools and goods to markets across the world,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Colorado is a hub for innovation and creativity, but our aging transportation system is failing to meet the needs of our diverse and growing population. The average Coloradan loses $732 per year on vehicle maintenance and repairs due to deteriorated road conditions and lost time stuck in traffic. By fixing our broken transportation funding system, we can turn this around and build the modernized infrastructure Colorado needs to compete and grow.” “A historic, bipartisan coalition of business groups, local government officials, mayors, environmental advocates and labor unions are supporting this bill because it is the best chance we have ever had to fix our transportation system,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “By meeting market demands for more electric vehicles and creating dedicated funds for air quality improvement, we will protect our clean air and reduce congestion. This bill fosters more transportation options for students, workers, and families, and will create good jobs along the way.” SB21-260 , sponsored by Speaker Alec Garnett and Representative Matt Gray, will save Coloradans money and time spent on roads by reducing congestion, creating new transportation options, and balancing the needs of every Colorado community. Colorado’s gas tax was created in 1991, and its value has significantly eroded since then, leaving Colorado roads and transportation system drastically underfunded. The bill will create a sustainable funding source for transportation infrastructure that will support a dynamic economy, improve air quality, create jobs, and ensure Colorado is positioned to compete with other states. The bill provides $5.365 billion in transportation funding to fix roads and bridges, improve transit options, meet Colorado’s climate goals, help disproportionately impacted communities, and future-proof the state’s transportation system. The funding will come from a fair and responsible mix of state and federal funding, as well as fee revenue that reflects all the users and uses of our transportation system. For the first two years, the proposal reduces vehicle registration fees, saving drivers money in 2022 and 2023. All new fees won’t begin until FY23and will be nominal, phased and spread across all users of the system to bring down longer-term maintenance and repair costs while ensuring we are improving our infrastructure. Overall, the bill promotes collaboration between the Department of Transportation (CDOT), Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to coordinate both regional and statewide efforts to develop a transportation system that supports a dynamic economy while improving air quality, saving Coloradans money and time spent on the roads, and making key investments in rural and disproportionately impacted communities. To ensure transparency, performance and accountability measures will be required for every entity that receives funding through this bill, including the four new enterprises created within the bill. The Colorado Energy Office and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will report on progress made toward the electric motor vehicle adoption goals in the “Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan 2020” and the transportation sector greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals in the “Colorado Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap.” CDOT and every new enterprise will maintain project management public dashboards that will show key performance indicators for projects paid for by the funding in this bill. Over the course of the eleven-year plan set forth in the bill, nearly $3.8 billion will be generated through new revenue, and the bill will leverage over $1.5 billion in state general fund revenue and stimulus dollars. This will provide long overdue funds after years of failed legislative attempts and ballot measures to support our statewide transportation system, as well as create good-paying jobs that will continue to exist for decades to come. In addition to bipartisan legislative support, the proposal has garnered endorsements from local leaders and organizations across the state, including: Governor Polis, Mayor Hancock of Denver, Mayor Arnt of Fort Collins, Chair of the Metro Mayors Caucus Mayor Jackie Millet, Mayor Suthers of Colorado Springs, Mayor Weaver of Boulder, President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber John Tayer, A Way Forward chair and president and CEO of Colorado Concern Mike Kopp, Adams County Commissioner Eva Henry, SMART Union, Action 22, SWEEP, Lyft, Pipefitters Local 208, Colorado Competitive Council, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Mike Ferrufino, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President Kelly Brough, Grand Junction Economic Partnership Executive Director Robin Brown, Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Executive Vice President Dave Davia, Former Colorado Speaker of the House Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Routt County Commissioner Beth Melton, Chaffee County Commissioner Keith Baker, Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue, Boulder County Commissioner Claire Levy, Grand County Commissioner Rich Cimino, La Plata County Commissioner Clyde Church, Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr, Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens, Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter, and Clear Creek County Commissioner Randall Wheelock. 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< Back June 3, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO HELP COMMUNITIES PREVENT WILDFIRES EVERGREEN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed four bills into law that will help Colorado communities prevent, respond to and prepare for future disastrous wildfires. SB22-002 , sponsored by Senators Joann Ginal and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, will invest $1 million to better prepare local fire departments and their firefighters for wildfires. “Over the past few years wildfire season has evolved into a year-round threat,” said Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer. “We must take steps to defend our homes and our communities from these climate-induced mega fires, and these laws will give more Coloradans the resources and knowledge they need to proactively defend themselves, their property, and their communities from future blazes.” “The threat of destructive wildfires in Colorado is only growing due to climate change and extreme weather conditions, which means we need to be more prepared than ever,” said Rep. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “The four bills signed by Governor Polis are preventative measures to prepare our local fire departments, improve Colorado’s mitigation efforts and invest in our communities’ safety. As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity, we’re taking action now to combat destruction, save lives and build a healthier state for all.” The law will make local volunteer fire departments eligible for reimbursement for wildland fire suppression activities, including equipment costs and volunteer firefighter recruitment, training and retention. Local fire departments will also be able to use grant funds to replace or dispose of damaged or obsolete equipment. The law also provides behavioral health care services to firefighters, paid for by public employers. SB22-007 , sponsored by Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story as well as Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder, will expand an outreach campaign to raise awareness and motivate more than half of the state’s population to better prepare for extreme wildfires. The law will help folks living in fire-prone areas take steps to mitigate the risks of catastrophic wildfires and improve wildfire danger awareness. “The Marshall Fire highlighted just how dangerous the threat of deadly wildfires has become,” said Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs. “These laws will give millions of Coloradans the education and motivation they need to keep themselves and their property safe while also equipping local governments with the tools they need to support wildfire mitigation efforts and protect our forests from future damage.” “Wildfires are encroaching on our homes, businesses and livelihoods–we need to mitigate the destruction and support communities,” said Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “I’m proud to stand behind two bills signed into law today by Governor Polis that will give Coloradans the tools to proactively defend their property from wildfire destruction and provide resources to local governments to fight wildfires. Improved mitigation is one of the best methods to combat catastrophic wildfires and our laws work at the local level to protect communities.” SB22-007 will direct the Colorado State Forest Service to implement a wildfire mitigation public awareness campaign for 2023 and 2024 aimed at folks that live in the Wildland-Urban Interface, areas where structures and developments meet with wildland vegetation. The Governor also signed HB22-1012 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Donald Valdez as well as Senators Pete Lee and Joann Ginal, which will improve forest management to mitigate wildfire risks and increase the state’s carbon inventory – the capacity of plants and trees in the state to remove carbon from the air. “The regular threat of wildfires has become scary and stressful, and serves as a constant reminder of the impact of global warming in our world,” said Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins. “While we continue ramping up our wildfire mitigation efforts to keep Coloradans safe, we need to ensure that we are conserving our natural resources as well. This law will help improve forest management so we can better protect our forests from future destruction.” The new law creates a framework to link forest management and wildfire mitigation goals with efforts to decarbonize the air through healthy forests. Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1011 , sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Marc Snyder as well as Senators Pete Lee and Tammy Story. This law will leverage local and private funds through a matching grant program to provide resources to local governments for forest management and wildfire mitigation efforts. By incentivizing local governments to identify dedicated long-term funding for wildfire mitigation, the law makes smart investments to maximize state resources and encourage sustainable local and state funding for wildfire mitigation efforts. Previous Next

The Colorado Promise will save students money and make higher education more affordable < Back May 4, 2024 House Passes Bill to Make College Free for First Two Years DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to save students money on higher education. HB24-1340, the Colorado Promise Act, would create a refundable income tax credit to cover the cost of two years of higher education for every family making under $90,000. “As one of the first members of my family to go to college, I want to make it possible for every aspiring student to afford higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “By creating the Colorado Promise, we will make higher education nearly free for two years for every family making under $90,000 per year. With this bill, more students will be able to complete their degree and afford the cost of college, which for too many middle income families is unaffordable.” HB24-1340 , also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, passed the House by a vote of 46 to 15. This bill would fund two years of in-state college for students in families making less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families. Specifically, this bill would create a refundable state income tax credit for a student, or a taxpayer claiming the student as a dependent, that graduates from a Colorado higher education institution in certain careers. The credit is equal to the tuition and fees paid by the eligible student to the institution, minus any scholarships or grants they earned or qualified for. The career pathways would be identified by the annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report which highlights top jobs with multiple openings, above average growth and good wages. The Colorado 2023 Talent Pipeline Report identified some of our state’s top jobs in the areas of accounting, medical science, computer science, health care, education, engineering, and more. Under this bill, the state credit is available for income tax years 2024 through 2029 and is refundable.To qualify for this tax credit, the student must have completed the program during the income tax year the credit is claimed. Previous Next