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< Back April 22, 2023 Bill to Save People Money and Expand Clean Energy Moves Forward HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $60 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation on a preliminary vote to save Coloradans and businesses money by expanding tax incentives for clean transportation, heat pumps, geothermal energy, and industrial emissions reductions. HB23-1272 is part of a package of legislation that will incentivize the advancement and adoption of clean energy technologies and build upon federal initiatives to save Coloradan’s money, create good-paying jobs and help the state meet its climate goals. “This bill will significantly lower energy costs for families, save consumers money on electric vehicles, and help Colorado meet our climate goals and improve our air quality,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “From e-bikes to heat pumps, we’re committed to increasing access to affordable clean energy sources to power our economy and save Coloradans money. Reducing carbon emissions will take time, but with smart investments and strong clean technology adoption, we can move Colorado forward, reduce costs for consumers and protect our environment.” “I’m proud that with this legislation, Colorado will lead the way by lowering the cost of clean energy technologies in our homes, businesses and across the state,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This bill saves consumers money on clean technology and will attract new businesses and jobs to Colorado while improving our air quality and protecting our Colorado way of life. Soon, consumers and businesses will see increased tax credits that will save them money on heat pumps, electric vehicles and energy efficiency upgrades.” Tax Incentives to Advance Decarbonization: HB23-1272 would work to reduce the costs of adopting clean energy technologies for residents and businesses across Colorado through tax incentives. This includes incentives for investments in geothermal electricity development and high-efficiency heat pumps, and for measures to reduce industrial pollution. It would also extend and expand tax credits for electric trucks and passenger vehicles and provide discounts on electric bikes to help increase uptake of cleaner transportation methods. Specifically, this bill builds upon the federal incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Job Acts to help Colorado maximize the impact of federal dollars. Tax incentives in HB23-1272 are expected to average $60 million each year with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. The bill: Extends and expands the innovative motor vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for certain electric passenger vehicles. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the truck’s weight starting in 2024. Creates a $500 refundable income tax credit for bicycle retailers for the sale of qualifying e-bikes so that retailers can offer immediate price reductions to purchasers.. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits will vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Establishes the refundable industrial clean energy tax credit to implement greenhouse gas emissions reductions at qualifying large facilities that can be hard to decarbonize. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-3 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. Previous Next

< Back May 17, 2021 HOUSE VOTES TO IMPROVE BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM, CREATE OFFICE OF GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION Two lifesaving gun violence prevention bills pass the House on Third Reading DENVER, CO– The House passed two bills to curb the epidemic of gun violence, prevent mass shootings and save lives. The two bills, focused on expanding and improving our background check system and creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention passed the House on Third Reading. “Colorado is showing that we can do so much more than offer thoughts and prayers in the wake of mass shootings,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Strengthening our background check system and closing the Charleston loophole are a commonsense way to stop firearms from getting into the hands of dangerous individuals, and they have the support of a majority of Coloradans. I’m proud of the work we did today and look forward to more moments of action to come.” “Coloradans have been loud and clear in demanding action to curb the epidemic of gun violence that takes loved ones away from families far, far too often,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Today, the House delivered. While no single bill or initiative will put an end to gun violence, ensuring that violent criminals have a harder time obtaining a deadly weapon is a commonsense step that will undoubtedly save lives.” HB21-1298 , sponsored by Reps. Woodrow and Amabile, prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. These specific criminal offenses show a propensity for violence or illegal usage of a weapon and include charges like child abuse, hate crimes, cruelty to animals, sexual assault and third degree assault. The bill passed by a vote of 42-21. The bill also closes the “Charleston loophole”, which allows an individual who may not have otherwise passed a background check to obtain a firearm if the results of said background check take longer than three days to process. This bill avoids that by creating a state requirement for a firearms dealer to receive approval from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation prior to transferring a firearm. “Colorado has made great strides in the area of gun violence prevention in the past few years, and especially the past few months,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Today, we voted to establish an innovative office that will centralize these efforts to save lives and prevent gun violence in our communities. Having this office will make our efforts more efficient and effective, and will hopefully provide answers that will guide our path forward.” “The Office of Gun Violence Prevention is designed to respond to the public health crisis that is gun violence by taking cues from affected communities and providing all Coloradans with the type of educational and mental health support that could save lives” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “In addition to the mass shootings we see on the news all too often, gun violence rips communities of color apart every single day in acts of ‘everyday’ violence. I’m proud of the work we did today to reject the status quo and ensure that communities affected by gun violence are properly invested in making necessary change. ” HB21-1299 , sponsored by Reps. Bacon and Sullivan, establishes the Office of Gun Violence Prevention under the Department of Public Health and Environment. The Office would be responsible for conducting public awareness campaigns about gun violence prevention. It would educate the public about existing state resources and laws, including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources and how to store firearms securely. The bill passed by a vote of 40-23. The office would also fund proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence through competitive grants. Finally, the Office would be tasked with promoting research and presenting gun violence prevention tools and resources that would be available to the public and to create and maintain a database of research regarding gun violence in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 3, 2022 JOINT STATEMENT: RHEA SPONSORS CONDEMN DRAFT SCOTUS OPINION OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE DENVER, CO – Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, Representative Meg Froelich and Senator Julie Gonzales today released the following joint statement on the draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade: We are devastated, but not surprised. This Supreme Court decision, if issued as drafted, will imperil the lives of those seeking an abortion and threaten the health, safety, and reproductive freedom of millions of Americans. States across the country will continue to pass restrictive anti-abortion legislation or outright bans, making abortion nearly impossible for some and sending doctors to prison for providing abortion care. We are grateful for the Democratic lawmakers who joined with us to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act to protect the right to abortion care in Colorado, and who understand that politicians shouldn’t interfere with patients’ private medical decisions. Colorado will not go back to a time when patients were forced to seek out unsafe abortions, putting their health and lives at risk. We will continue fighting to keep abortion legal for all Coloradans and the countless individuals who will be forced to travel to our state for care, or carry unsafe pregnancies to term. Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, the Reproductive Health Equity Act updates Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish a fundamental right to choose to continue a pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion. At least 519 laws to restrict abortion care have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center . Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including: HB22-1079 , which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too. HB22-1047 , which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected abortion providers to imprisonment. HB22-1075 , which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers. Previous Next

< Back February 26, 2020 HOUSE VOTES TO REPEAL DEATH PENALTY DENVER, CO– The House today voted 38-27 on SB20-100 to repeal the death penalty in Colorado. The bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature. “The death penalty is applied inconsistently and it is the one punishment in our entire justice system that can’t be undone or corrected,” said bill sponsor Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Brighton. “Across the nation, over 165 people have been wrongly convicted and sentenced to death since 1973. It’s time to end the death penalty in Colorado and set an example for other states to follow.” “I, like many of my colleagues who supported this bill today, believe that our state should no longer take part in capital punishment,” said bill sponsor Rep. Jeni James Arndt, D-Fort Collins. “I do not believe the state should hold the power of life and death.” “Today, the House sent legislation to the governor to repeal the death penalty in Colorado,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Humans are not infallible, and no system of justice can ever be perfect. The finality of the death penalty means that a mistake could not be corrected, and the potential for injustice is too great to bear.” “Rarely are we asked to decide an issue that is as momentous, impactful, and as hard as this, and I have empathy and understanding for my colleagues who may find a different answer,” said Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver . “I have been humbled and moved by the testimony and debate that we have heard. My hope is for a society where we spend our resources on rehabilitation, not on appeals; on treating drug addictions, and not administering lethal injections.” The House debated SB20-100 for 12 hours Monday night and into Tuesday morning. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, since 1973, more than 165 people have been wrongly sentenced to death and later exonerated. Of those exonerated, 87 were black. The bill previously passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 19-13. ### Previous Next

The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. < Back February 27, 2025 House Passes Bill to Protect HOA Homeowner Equity, Keep Coloradans Safely Housed DENVER, CO - The House today passed a bill sponsored by Representative Naquetta Ricks and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon that would strengthen safeguards for HOA homeowners to help them retain the equity they built in their property and keep them safely housed. HB25-1043 passed by a vote of 38-24. “Homeownership is an important way to build generational wealth, but our current laws allow HOAs to strip away everything Coloradans worked hard for, which threatens the stability of hardworking families,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “If a homeowner suffers from a medical emergency, loses their job, or experiences other financial hardships that impact their HOA payments, their home can be foreclosed and sold for just cents on the dollar, and the owner’s hard-earned equity disappears instantly. This bill helps create critical safeguards to ensure better notice, transparency, and accountability around HOA foreclosures so Coloradans can stay safely housed and protect their equity.” “Colorado HOA homeowners, especially in my district, have had their biggest asset taken from them and sold at an auction for a fraction of its worth over sometimes very small amounts owed to the HOA,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It can be difficult to recover after a foreclosure, especially with high housing costs and no equity to fall back on from the foreclosed property. This bill would help prevent hardworking Coloradans from being senselessly displaced and ensure that homeowners can recover some equity from the house they paid for.” In cases where an HOA pursues a foreclosure against a unit owner, HB25-1043 would allow an owner to file a motion with the court to stay the sale of their home at auction for up to nine months, during which time an owner could sell their own home. Currently, an HOA may sell the unit at auction for only the cost of unpaid assessments and attorneys’ fees. Before taking legal action or referring an HOA homeowner to a collection agency, the bill would strengthen the requirement that an HOA have a written policy of sending a unit owner the HOA’s ledger verifying the amount owed within seven business days after a homeowner requests it. Under the bill, an HOA must also provide information about its ability to foreclose and force a sale of a unit through the HOA information and resource center before taking legal action against a unit owner. The bill also requires an HOA to provide homeowners with a notice regarding the right to participate in credit counseling at least 30 days before initiating a foreclosure. HOAs would be required to include additional information for the previous year when submitting their annual registration with the Department of Regulatory Affairs. This would include the number of unit owners who were late on payments of assessments, judgments obtained against unit owners, payment plans entered into with unit owners, and foreclosure actions filed by the HOA. Reps. Ricks and Bacon have passed numerous laws to protect HOA homeowners, including protections to prevent HOAs from easily foreclosing on homeowners because of late or unpaid HOA fines and fees and creating safeguards against foreclosure and protecting HOA residents from having to pay excessive attorney fees that can result from enforcement actions. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2019 COLEMAN, GONZALES-GUTIERREZ BILLS TO SUPPORT COLLEGE STUDENTS SIGNED INTO LAW (May 13) – Gov. Polis signed two bills sponsored by House Democrats at Metro State University today. First up was Rep. James Coleman’s bill, HB19-1187, which will help increase federal financial aid application completion rates. Colorado students missed out on as much as $50 million in financial aid last year due to students failing to complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms. “We are letting our hard-earned taxpayer dollars go to other states because our students are not filling out their FAFSA forms,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver. “This new law will help Colorado get a huge return on our investment in our students, ensure more students have the tools they need to succeed and make our higher-ed institutions stronger.” Finally, Polis signed a bill to expand state financial aid resources for ASSET students. HB19-1196, sponsored by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, will provide Advancing Students for a Strong Tomorrow (ASSET) students the ability to receive state financial aid. “Increasing the eligibility for state financial aid will help Colorado’s rural institutions that lack financial resources to supplement state financial aid for ASSET students,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Improving access to higher education by increasing financial assistance will erase our state’s equity gaps and serve as an investment in Colorado’s future.” Previous Next

The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 years old. < Back March 27, 2023 House Advances Bill to Raise Minimum Purchase Age of Firearms DENVER, CO - The House today advanced a bill on a preliminary vote to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 years old. “As someone who has lived under the threat of gun violence, I want to do everything I can to prevent other people from experiencing the trauma that I’ve had to endure,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “By raising the legal age to purchase a firearm to 21, we can save the lives of our children, friends and neighbors from preventable firearm-related injuries or death. This is a crucial step to reduce suicide rates that are far too high and prevent gun violence in our communities.” “As a teacher of over 30 years, I’ve experienced countless lockdowns and wondered how I could protect every single one of my students from an active shooter on my own,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial . “Developing brains are not fully ready to evaluate risks, regulate emotion or implement self-control, which means youth access to firearms is more likely to lead to violence. Our students, educators and school personnel deserve to be safe. While no single piece of legislation will end gun violence, this bill will make our schools and communities safer for us all.” Currently, individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169 would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21. The bill includes exceptions for 18-21 year olds to purchase a firearm who are on-duty peace officers or active military members. According to Everytown for Gun Safety , firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. Previous Next

Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk < Back November 1, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Water Resources Committee Advances Bills to Preserve Water Resources, Support Green Infrastructure Policies would restrict grass turf in new developments, study green infrastructure feasibility, and legalize raw milk DENVER, CO - The Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee today advanced bills to preserve water resources, build more efficient water systems, and ease restrictions on the sale of raw milk.Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water, with much of this being on non-native turf grass. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this new bill focuses on restricting its initial installation. Sponsored by Chair Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Vice Chair Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Sen. Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, Bill 6 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting local governments and homeowners’ associations from installing or planting nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties. Nonfunctional means areas like medians or parking lot perimeters which are seldom used; the policy makes no changes to the use of turf in functional areas like yards, sports fields and playgrounds. Additionally, the bill would impose the same restrictions on state facilities. “We have been hard at work this interim looking at ways to address Colorado’s water crisis and develop a number of solutions to conserve water and create more efficient systems,” said Roberts, sponsor of Bill 6. “Our new bill makes a simple change that will have major ripple effects. By restricting the installation of grass turf in new developments and nonfunctional areas, we can significantly cut down on nonessential water use and ensure we’re using our water as efficiently as possible.”“Water is our state’s most precious resource, and this legislation encourages conservation and natural landscapes,” said McLachlan, sponsor of Bill 6. “This bill would not allow local governments and HOAs to install new water-intensive lawns, artificial lawns or invasive plant species in nonfunctional areas, such as parking lots, to protect Colorado’s ecosystem and cut back on water usage. We must all do our part in addressing the water crisis and promoting more natural spaces that mitigate the impacts of climate change.”“Native landscapes are important for supporting Colorado’s ecosystem, which is teeming with plants, insects and animals,” said McCormick, sponsor of Bills 6 and 9. “This bill would prohibit local governments and HOAs from installing invasive species, turf and astroturf in nonfunctional areas which would help encourage water-wise landscaping. Together, we’re working to save Coloradans’ money, water and preserve natural landscapes. Another policy we passed today explores using green infrastructure for traditional wastewater systems, which could include anything from planting more native plants and trees to protecting our state’s wetlands. Green infrastructure is just one of many tools we have to improve wildfire mitigation, boost water quality and encourage natural cityscapes.” Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, Rep. McCormick, Sen. Simpson, and House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington, Bill 9 would require the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in collaboration with the University of Colorado and Colorado State University, to study the feasibility of substituting green nature-based infrastructure for traditional centralized wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. The study would determine if green infrastructure, a planned and managed network of natural green spaces, is a feasible alternative for water providers, would attract new sources of environmental-focused funding for water quality compliance and for water infrastructure projects, and would create cost savings for CDPHE and local water providers.The study would be completed by December 31, 2025. After completing the study, CDPHE would establish at least one pilot program to demonstrate the use of green infrastructure as an alternative compliance program supported with environmental-focused funding. “Why use chemicals to treat wastewater if nature can do it just as well?” asked Bridges, sponsor of Bill 9. “Today’s bill will give water experts the resources they need to see if we can naturally improve water quality enough to keep our residents safe while cutting costs for our communities, especially our small rural towns.” The committee also advanced Bill 15 , sponsored by Roberts, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Sen. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, which would legalize the sale of raw cow or goat milk when it is sold directly to consumers at the point of production, the consumer’s residence, or at a farmer’s market or roadside market. To sell raw milk, a raw milk producer must be registered with the state and comply with handling, storage, labeling, and transportation requirements for the sale of raw milk issued through rulemaking. Raw milk producers may face a civil penalty or embargo for violations of the program’s requirements.The bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. ### Previous Next

< Back April 6, 2021 HOUSE PASSES RTD IMPROVEMENTS PACKAGE DENVER, CO– The House today passed HB21-1186, sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Tom Sullivan, which would boost RTD ridership by providing the transportation district with greater flexibility to lower fares and take advantage of new potential revenue streams. The vote was 38-24. “Today we passed important legislation to address critical challenges facing our transit system,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “This bill is the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort to identify how we can improve services and bring greater accountability to RTD. By providing RTD with necessary tools, this bill aims to boost ridership and ensure RTD is serving all of our communities.” “Every day, I join hundreds of thousands of Coloradans and take an RTD bus to work,” said Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Our communities rely on RTD and public transit to get to work, see friends, and travel throughout the metro area. After the devastating impacts of the pandemic, I’m excited to see how RTD will work to boost ridership, create new services, lower costs and bounce back stronger.” HB21-1186 acts on the recommendations offered by the RTD Accountability Committee report . It includes three provisions aimed at creating new revenue sources, boosting ridership, and improving RTD services. The bill repeals the requirement that 30 percent of RTD operating costs be covered by fare revenue, allowing RTD to reduce fares in order to boost ridership as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows RTD to develop District properties for retail, commercial or residential purposes to generate new revenue streams and attract a wider ridership. Finally, HB21-1186 allows RTD to contract with nonprofits and local governments to provide critical services and help lower the overall operating costs. Previous Next

Colorado’s federally recognized tribes joined the state legislature for third annual address < Back January 16, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Democrats Welcome Tribes for Annual Address DENVER, CO – The Colorado General Assembly today was joined by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and Southern Ute Indian Tribe for their annual State of the Tribes. Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe spoke to the legislature about their priorities, successes and challenges, and the importance of Colorado’s strong partnership between the Tribes and the state legislature. “We are honored to be joined by the leaders of Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes for the third annual State of the Tribes address,” said Senate President Coleman, D-Denver. “We are committed to partnering with the Tribes and following their lead on what is most needed in their communities. This address is a yearly reminder of our strong government-to-government relationship, and I look forward to working closely with Chairmen Manuel Heart and Melvin J. Baker during my time as Senate President.” “The State of the Tribes is an important tradition in the legislature and a crucial reminder of the needs and priorities of our Tribal communities as we kick off the legislative session,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I value collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe on many issues, most importantly on securing Colorado’s water future and uplifting the unique challenges of Tribal water access. I’m grateful for the leadership of Chairman Manuel Heart and Chairman Melvin J. Baker and I look forward to future conversations on how we can continue to collaborate on policies that impact the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes.” “It is crucial that we as legislators listen to and take action on the priorities of our Tribal partners, always recognizing the foundational principles of mutual recognition and respect of sovereignty,” said Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “It is my honor to partner with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute Tribes on legislation to strengthen our partnership. The Chairmen mentioned several bills that I am proud to lead on, including the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, strengthening the Indian Child Welfare Act, and enforcing Tribal court orders. I am also sponsoring legislation to protect wild bison and make the Indian Affairs Interim Committee permanent. I look forward to our continued collaboration this year and in years ahead.” "Today, we had the great privilege of welcoming back the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to address the General Assembly,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “As we work to strengthen our government-to-government relationship, addresses like this one allow us to learn more about the issues faced by Tribal communities. This year, through the American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee, we created a dedicated space to elevate tribal concerns and seek solutions. Reflecting on this third annual address, I look forward to continuing our great work and keeping an open line of communication between the sovereignty of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the state of Colorado.” “The State of the Tribes, now three years running, has become a highlight of the start of the legislative session,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “It reaffirms our commitment to an open and collaborative relationship between the legislature and our Tribal partners and is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate, listen to, and learn from Colorado’s Native American communities. The legislation I’m sponsoring that was mentioned during today’s address, SB25-009, will ensure the state recognizes decisions by Tribal courts, helping to honor the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and improving public safety.” “I’d like to thank the leaders of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for joining us at the capitol today – their remarks provided valuable and important insight,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango. “The annual address helps not only strengthen our relationship, but highlights the priorities of the Tribal communities. It’s important to remember, the Ute people were here long before Colorado’s statehood, and their voices and concerns deserve to be heard. I’d like to extend my gratitude to Chairman Melvin J. Baker and Chairman Manuel Heart for joining us for the third annual address as we foster a united pathway forward.” This year, the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee advanced three bills to extend the interim committee for an additional five years, reclassify bison as big game and recognize Tribal legal authority in arrest warrants and civil commitments. SB25-009 , sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, would change Colorado state law to ensure that a state court gives full faith and credit to an arrest warrant and civil commitment issued by a Tribal court of a federally recognized Tribe with a reservation within the exterior boundaries of the state. Civil commitment orders include orders from law enforcement agencies, behavioral health facilities and health care providers. In 2022, SB22-105 , sponsored by former Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and former Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, created the annual Tribal Governments address to the General Assembly. Previous Next

Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. < Back January 17, 2025 Western Slope Lawmakers Celebrate Federal Investment to Secure Shoshone Water Rights DENVER, CO – Western Slope lawmakers today celebrated the federal government’s $40 million investment to secure and protect the Shoshone Water Rights. Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Water Rights provide an invaluable freshwater resource for Western Slope residents, agriculture, tourism, local economies and the Colorado Way of Life. “Today is an exciting day for Colorado’s water future!,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “From agriculture and outdoor recreation to protecting natural habitats and supporting local economies — securing our water future is essential. Last year, we stepped up to allocate $20 million to purchase the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure the flow of fresh water in the high country. I’m grateful for the collaboration of local leaders and governments, including the Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition, Governor Polis and our federal delegation, that helped secure critical funding. This is a historic opportunity to protect Colorado River water, and I applaud the Biden Administration for delivering the final piece of the funding needed for this deal.” “Permanently protecting the Shoshone water rights is absolutely critical for the future of water security on the Western Slope and for the entire state, and today’s announcement of a $40 million federal investment that will close the financial gap to secure the right is monumental win for Colorado,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Last year, the state legislature made a bipartisan $20 million investment in this effort, and our local partners have offered over $56 million. I want to extend my gratitude to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and the Biden administration for their advocacy to get us across the finish line.” "Permanent protection of the Shoshone water rights is a multi-generational investment in our farms and ranches, and our thriving rural economies,” said Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. “Today's announcement builds upon decades of work by our predecessors to protect the river as we have known it for more than a century." “One key piece to protecting Colorado’s water future has been the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights and today, the federal government announced they’ll invest $40 million to seal the deal,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “Securing one of Colorado’s oldest water rights protects the Colorado way of life on the Western Slope. The Colorado River powers local economies, preserves natural habitats and supports tourism. As a lawmaker from the Western Slope, I’m committed to preserving our freshwater resources that keep our communities powered and thriving.” “The federal government’s investment to secure the Shoshone Water Rights is a huge win for Colorado water,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Last year, we worked diligently to allocate $20 million in crucial funding for the securement of the Shoshone Water Rights because we understood the necessity of protecting Colorado’s water future now. I’m thrilled the federal government has decided to fulfill the Colorado River District’s funding request. Securing our water future is essential for everything from agriculture to local development, and I’m proud Colorado will be well-positioned to secure this deal.” “Securing Shoshone’s water rights is critical to farms, ranches, outdoor recreation, and communities that depend on the Colorado River!,” said Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta . “Western Colorado is very thankful for the Federal investment in protecting the largest and most senior water right on the main stem of the Colorado River. These water rights will ensure year-round flows for healthy riparian habitats and good faith in compact compliance.” Located in Glenwood Springs, the Shoshone Hydropower Plant holds one of Colorado’s oldest Colorado River water rights. The Shoshone ensures a steady flow of fresh water used for electricity, agriculture, recreation and local economies, and reaches as far as Grand Junction and other Western Slope communities in between. Valued at $99 million, securing the Shoshone Water Rights is vital to Colorado’s water future. Last year, a bipartisan group of Western Slope lawmakers allocated $20 million in state funding toward the purchase of the Shoshone Water Rights. This in addition to the nearly $56 million already secured by Shoshone Water Rights Preservation Coalition; a combination of local leaders and governments. In November, the Colorado River District submitted a funding application to the federal government to help bridge a $40 million funding gap to purchase and protect Shoshone Water Rights, and both state and federal leaders pushed for its approval. Today, the federal government has committed to fulfilling the request. With these federal dollars, Colorado can permanently protect the Shoshone Water Rights and ensure fresh water from the Colorado River flows to the high county. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. < Back April 29, 2025 Mauro’s Bill to Invest in Jobs and Support Coal-Transitioning Communities Moves Forward DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation on a preliminary vote to make state funds more readily available to Colorado communities transitioning away from a coal-based economy. “As market forces shift communities like mine away from a coal-based economy, we’re stepping up to support our communities and create new jobs,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Colorado has invested millions to boost workers, invest in local economies and develop a workforce for the future. Our bill ensures that rural communities can take advantage of grant opportunities that spur the growth of good-paying jobs in renewable energy and invest in local economies.” SB25-037 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill makes existing funding available for coal transition workforce assistance programs for an additional three years to support communities' transition away from a coal-based economy. The bill directs the Just Transition Office in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to also prioritize investments in tier two communities, which are communities that are indirectly impacted by coal closures. This includes programs and grants that help communities with workforce assistance and the construction or maintenance of libraries, town halls, police and fire stations. SB25-037 aims to more effectively distribute state-supported grants and programs to communities whose economy was once or is partially reliant on coal. Additionally, this bill extends the reporting deadline for the study on advanced energy solutions in rural Colorado. Founded in 2019, the Office of Just Transition was established to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future. Market shifts, consumer choices and the advancement of renewable energy sources have required Colorado to step up and create action plans that allow for a smooth economic adjustment for coal transition communities. Previous Next