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HB23-1202 would prevent fatal overdoses with a public health and local control approach DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent drug overdose deaths and connect people struggling with substance use disorder to treatment and services. < Back March 10, 2023 House Advances Life-Saving, Overdose Prevention Bill HB23-1202 would prevent fatal overdoses with a public health and local control approach DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to prevent drug overdose deaths and connect people struggling with substance use disorder to treatment and services. “Overdose prevention centers keep people alive,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Colorado’s preventable overdose crisis has reached dire levels. This bill takes a safe and effective public health approach to preventing overdose deaths and maximizing opportunities for health interventions. Our legislation is rooted in local control, harm reduction and most importantly – saving lives.” “Accidental overdoses are on the rise, and it’s incredibly heartbreaking and entirely preventable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “At overdose prevention centers, people live another day and can be connected with support and comprehensive wrap-around services. This legislation will reduce crime, public drug use, and drug litter. I’m proud it has the support of so many faith groups, medical professionals, local governments, mental health advocates, and so many more who are on the ground working to prevent drug overdose deaths.” HB23-1202 is rooted in local control and would give municipalities the power to authorize OPCs in their communities. OPCs are safe, supervised spaces for people to use previously obtained drugs, test for fentanyl, get counseling, connect to treatment, receive harm reduction services, and most importantly, stay alive. OPCs are a proven, impactful tool to reduce fatal overdoses and improve public health and safety. OPCs also connect those with a substance use disorder to counseling and harm reduction services. There have been zero recorded fatal overdoses at OPCs, which are staffed by on-site medical professionals who are trained and ready to respond. HB23-1202 is supported by the Harm Reduction Action Center, Colorado Municipal League, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Healthier Colorado, Colorado Providers Association, Mental Health Colorado, Colorado Freedom Fund, Together Colorado, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Nurses Association, Colorado Psychiatric Society, New Era Colorado, and ACLU Colorado among others. Previous Next

Colorado Democrats delivered results to support students, homeowners, renters and create safer communities. House Democrats responded to the most pressing needs in Colorado and delivered results . This session focused on gun violence prevention, protecting reproductive rights, record public school funding, improving air quality and reducing the cost of housing, health care and prescription drugs. DOWNLOAD ONE PAGERS PARA ESPAÑOL, PRIMA AQUÍ DOWNLOAD REPORT

The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back February 25, 2025 Bill to Reduce Firearm Theft and Illegal Sales, Improve Security at Gun Shows Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation to increase security measures at gun shows and strengthen existing gun violence prevention laws. HB25-1238, sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph and Sean Camacho, passed by a vote of 8-3. “From safe storage and waiting periods to reporting requirements for lost or stolen firearms, I’m proud of the work that Colorado Democrats have done to make our communities safer for all, and this bill ensures that these laws are implemented in gun shows where thousands of firearm and ammunition products are present,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “Gun shows can be helpful for Coloradans who are interested in learning more about firearms, and this legislation works to ensure that gun show promoters organize appropriate security for the event and vendors adhere to firearm laws that exist to keep our communities safe.” “One of the best ways we can prevent gun violence is by requiring firearm dealers and gun show promoters to utilize proven methods that keep guns out of the wrong hands, like running background checks, securely storing firearms and ammunition, and boosting security measures like video cameras,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “This legislation helps enforce responsible gun-selling practices and that makes gun shows more resilient to illegal sales or theft. With this bill, we’re bolstering Colorado’s gun violence prevention laws to keep our communities safe and save Colorado lives from senseless gun violence.” HB25-1238 would help reduce gun violence and theft by creating requirements for gun show promoters and vendors and strengthening existing state firearm laws. The bill would require a gun show promoter to create a security plan at least 14 days before the gun show and submit the plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the show. The security plan would include a list of gun show vendors who are expected to participate, an estimated number of attendees, the number of security personnel secured for the show, and a layout of the event that includes entrances and exits and locations of video camera security. The bill also requires the gun show promoter to: Obtain liability insurance for the gun show, Implement security measures at the gun show, Prohibit people under the age of 21 years old from entering the show unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or guardian, Verify that firearm sales adhere to the 3-day waiting period law, and Post certain notices at the gun show regarding state firearm laws. To participate in a gun show, a vendor would be required to certify to the gun show promoter that they meet the requirements to be a gun show vendor and will comply with federal, state, and local firearm laws during the gun show. Vendors would also be required to display copies of their federal firearms license and state firearms dealer permit and conduct a background check for each firearm transfer at a gun show. The bill would prohibit a vendor from participating in the gun show if they do not hold a federal firearms license or a valid state firearms dealer permit. If they have been convicted of a second offense of unlawful gun show vendor activity or have not completed a gun show certification, the vendor would also not be allowed to participate. The bill outlines requirements for displaying firearms, including: Keeping the firearms unloaded, Securely attaching firearms to a countertop or wall, Safeguarding ammunition enclosed in a display case, behind the vendor’s counter, or other strategies to restrict customer access without the help of a vendor, and Providing written information regarding safe storage and lost or stolen firearm reporting requirements in Colorado law with each firearm sale. The bill helps enforce recent laws that Colorado Democrats have passed to tackle gun violence, including implementing a minimum three-day waiting period , promoting responsible gun ownership by requiring firearms to be securely stored in residences and vehicles , creating a requirement to report lost or stolen firearms , requiring firearm dealers to hold a state license to ensure they have the education and tools to prevent gun violence, and strengthening Colorado’s gun background check system to prevent people convicted of violent crimes to access guns for five years. Previous Next

< Back May 19, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! BILLS TO PREPARE COLORADO YOUTH FOR SUCCESS AND IMPROVE SCHOOL SAFETY BECOME LAW Legislation aims to reduce youth recidivism, increase access to behavioral health care & improve school security HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that aim to support Colorado youth by using early interventions to keep kids out of the juvenile justice system, improving school safety and supporting students’ behavioral health. HB22-1003 , championed by Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez and Senators Coleman and Hinrichsen, will establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program to help keep kids out of the juvenile justice system. “Today, we’re making smart investments to increase community safety and improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This law directs funding toward collaborative, community-based programs that provide young Coloradans with the support and services they need. Community is the cornerstone to crime reduction and our law invests to uplift youth and build stronger neighborhoods.” “Part of preventing crime and creating safer communities involves investing in effective intervention and prevention programs to help stop criminal activity from happening in the first place,” said Senator James Coleman, D-Denver. “By investing in our communities, we can keep more youth out of the juvenile justice system and build a safer Colorado for all, while uplifting our youth so they have the support necessary to lead productive and meaningful lives.” “When it comes to public safety, we are investing in communities first,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “Our law will provide resources to community organizations that are working to prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place. Through targeted intervention and support programs, we can help youth be set up for success and build safer communities in the process.” “As we continue to move Pueblo and Colorado forward, we’re committed to making investments that reduce crime and improve public safety,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This bill will help local governments support our youth and reduce recidivism rates in our communities, which will ultimately give young people the support and resources they need and create safer communities across the board.” The Governor also signed HB22-1243 , championed by Representatives Exum, Sr. and Van Winkle as well as Senators Kolker and Hinrichsen, which invests $14 million to improve safety and support behavioral health in public schools. “Too many kids don’t know where to turn when they’re in a mental health crisis,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “We’re working hard to break down barriers that prevent people experiencing a crisis from getting support, and making sure every Colorado kid can get the lifesaving care they need. Together, we can work to end the stigma surrounding mental health, expand access to care, and save lives.” “Preparing our students for success means improving school safety and expanding access to behavioral health services,” said Rep. Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs. “This law takes a multi-faceted approach by providing funding to foster and build safer school environments, as well as extending the successful “I Matter” program, which provides free mental health counseling to Colorado’s youth. Together, these programs will foster healthy learning environments and safer schools across Colorado.” “As we work to build a safer and healthier Colorado for all, we need to ensure that our schools are better equipped to keep students safe and connect them to the appropriate behavioral health care they need,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Our students have faced tremendous challenges over the last few years, and this bill will help them feel safer in the classroom while ensuring they have increased access to resources that will help them care for their mental health and well-being.” Finally, the Governor signed HB22-1120 , sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, which would reauthorize and make updates to the School Security Disbursement Program, which provides grants for local schools to implement school safety strategies, including physical improvements as well as school emergency response training and student threat assessment training for all school staff. Previous Next

< Back October 1, 2020 REPRESENTATIVES PRAISE PARDONS FOR MARIJUANA CONVICTIONS DENVER, CO – Representatives James Coleman, D-Denver, Leslie Herod, D-Denver, and Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, today released the following statements after Governor Jared Polis announced pardons for 2,732 Coloradans with state-level marijuana convictions, utilizing expanded authority granted through HB20-1424 . “Today, our state has taken a major step forward in securing justice for the thousands of Coloradans who have been living with a conviction on their record for a crime that no longer exists in our state,” said Rep. Coleman, D-Denver, the House sponsor of the legislation. “For too long, these convictions continued the injustices perpetrated under the discriminatory policy of marijuana prohibition, making it harder for Coloradans with convictions to find housing, employment or access critical services. Governor Polis’ decision to grant these pardons will finally bring justice to Coloradans who have been denied opportunity and have continued to be punished for possession of small amounts of marijuana long after the state rolled back its prohibition.” “This pardon is long overdue and will make a real difference in the lives of countless Coloradans,” said Colorado Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who also championed the change. “Far too many people in our state have continued to suffer the consequences of a small mistake made decades ago while others profit off of the booming and legitimized cannabis industry. I’m proud to have played a part in the justice being served today.” “These convictions for marijuana possession, which disproportionately fell on people of color, have persisted on Coloradans’ records despite being in opposition to our fundamental values of fairness, justice and opportunity for all,” said Rep. Singer, D-Longmont, who advocated for creating the pardon authority under HB20-1424. “I’m proud our state is moving forward and righting this wrong.” Under HB20-1424, the governor has expanded authority to pardon a class of persons convicted of possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana. The conviction must be for a state-level offense. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or life-long illnesses. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. < Back January 28, 2025 Legislation to Streamline Access to Youth Behavioral, Complex Health Care Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representative Rebekah Stewart that would combine two waiver programs to create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver, streamlining access to services for behavioral health conditions or life-long illnesses. HB25-1003 passed unanimously by a vote of 13-0. “Colorado Democrats have championed programs that help families as they work to support their children with behavioral health conditions and life-long illnesses, and this legislation would help streamline the process to receive these services,” said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood. “These waivers allow children to live at home while receiving care, and expand the critical services they have access to. This is something that all Colorado kids deserve. With our bipartisan legislation, we’re making health care and in-home support more accessible for Colorado youth and their families.” HB25-1003 , also sponsored by Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, would create the Children with Complex Health Needs waiver by merging the Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (CHCBS) and the Children with Life Limiting Illness (CLLI) waivers. This would help streamline waivers to better support Colorado’s youth with complex health needs. The CHCBS provides home and community-based services for families with children with significant medical needs so they can continue to live at home and prevent institutionalization. The CLLI provides in-home services and treatments for families with children with a complex health need, including respite care and pain management. Colorado Democrats have passed legislation in recent years to improve access to behavioral and mental health care, including creating the I Matter program to offer no-cost mental health services to students, training for first responders and community leaders to identify and respond to symptoms of mental illness or substance use disorders, and expanding mental health care coverage for Colorado youth. Previous Next

The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act would allow insurance companies to extend discounts to consumers < Back March 19, 2025 Committee Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Insurance DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on insurance. “We’re working to save Coloradans money on their insurance, and this bill ensures consumers can receive certain no-cost or discounted add-ons offered by insurance companies,” said Rep. Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton. “Whether it’s a security camera or flood detection system, there are many no-cost promotions or discounts offered to consumers through their insurance company. This bill updates Colorado’s anti-rebate law to ensure Coloradans can receive promotions, discounts and add-ons that save them money and provide peace of mind.” The Insurance Rebate Reform Model Act ( SB25-058 ) passed committee by a vote of 13-0. This bill aims to save Coloradans money on insurance by allowing insurance companies to extend certain discounts or rebates to consumers. Under current law, discounting the price of insurance below what is stated in the contract is considered a deceptive trade practice. This bill would update the regulatory framework to extend specific discounts while maintaining critical consumer protections. Under the bill, insurance companies would be able to offer discounts or rebates to consumers, if they relate to insurance coverage. In addition, the discounts or rebates must mitigate loss, enhance health or promote financial or wellness literacy. For example, a no-cost or discounted service tacked on to consumer insurance could be an electric system that protects against flood or fire, security cameras and motion detectors. The goal of SB25-058 is to ensure that consumers can benefit from no-cost or discounted insurance add-ons offered by insurance companies that will help keep them safer. Previous Next

< Back March 14, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: HOUSE AND SENATE VOTE TO SUSPEND GENERAL ASSEMBLY DENVER, CO — The six members of the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council – House Speaker KC Becker, Senate President Leroy Garcia, House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, House Minority Leader Patrick Neville and Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, today released the following statements after the General Assembly voted to temporarily suspend the legislative session until March 30, 2020, in the interest of public health: “We have jointly decided to suspend the General Assembly in order to protect the public, our state employees and our colleagues. Medical experts have been clear that social distancing is the most important tool we have to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We must lead by example to protect vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immuno-compromised. When it is appropriate or necessary, we will come back and continue the work our constituents elected us to do.” “Today we made an important bipartisan decision to protect the health & safety of state employees and the community at large,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia, D-Pueblo . “I am proud that we were able to come together and rise to the occasion in solidarity. This is an unprecedented time in recent history and the decision to recess our session is not one we take lightly. But participation in the process is foundational to our democracy and we will not do the people’s work without their critical input.” “This decision was made with the recognition that there is a moral high ground that we must always consider when we are faced with unprecedented situations and decisions such as this,” said House Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “ We are closely monitoring the situation and are in close contact with state agencies, public health experts and the governor. We will continue to be informed by expert opinions and science, and we are closely watching the actions and recommendations of other states and the federal government. “The important work being done at the Capitol depends on both legislators and the public. With that in mind, we feel that it is in the best interest of all Coloradans to recess the session until citizens can safely participate in their democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This is an incredibly solemn moment for our state and frankly, the world. So I am grateful that we are acting in unity during this difficult time.” “We are entering unprecedented territory. To ensure the safety of the public as well as the General Assembly, it is necessary to take a brief two-week recess,” said House Minority Leader Patrick Neville, R-Castle Rock. “The situation surrounding COVID-19 has changed dramatically in the last week. In two weeks, we will reconvene and reevaluate where our state stands. There is still work that must be done, so we hope and pray that the situation around this public health crisis improves and we can once again safely return to the Capitol and complete the work of the people.” “I appreciate the bipartisan cooperation we have had in crafting the resolution to recess,” said Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, R-Douglas County. “This crisis has reminded us that while legislators have an important role in our state government, our being in session is not critical to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s better that we adjourn and relieve the public of the burden of advocating for or against legislation at the Capitol until this crisis subsides.” On Thursday evening, the legislature announced its plan following the Governor’s emergency declaration. Previous Next

< Back January 15, 2019 SIROTA’S CAMPAIGN FINANCE BILL PASSES COMMITTEE (Jan. 15) – Rep. Emily Sirota’s bill to limit contributions for county offices passed the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. “Colorado’s election system should provide a level playing field for all. Every candidate should have a shot – not just those with wealthy friends – but in county races, we often see contributions of $5,000 and $10,000, and sometimes up to $40,000 from wealthy individuals,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. HB19-1007 sets in place common sense campaign finance limits to protect the integrity of county-level elections such as those for sheriff, commissioner, clerk and recorder, assessor, and others. Colorado already has contribution limits for all statewide candidates for office, but there are no limits for county candidates. This bill levels the playing field by limiting individual contributions to county candidates to $2500 per cycle with proportional limits for partnerships, political committees, small donor committees, and political parties. The bill was approved on a vote of 6-3. The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee. HB19-1046, the bipartisan Freedom to Vote Act, sponsored by Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver and Rep. Dave Williams, R-Colorado Springs was also approved by the committee by a vote of 9-0. This bill concerns the waiver of fees that a delegate to a party assembly may be required to pay to participate in the party assembly. The bill now goes to the House floor. Previous Next

Legislation passed today includes strengthening consumer protections during the ticket buying process and legalizing water-wise landscaping options for Coloradans living in HOAs < Back April 26, 2023 House Passes Bills to Combat Deceptive Ticket Sale Practices and Drought Legislation passed today includes strengthening consumer protections during the ticket buying process and legalizing water-wise landscaping options for Coloradans living in HOAs DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to protect Coloradans from deceptive ticket sale prices and combat drought through removing barriers to water-wise landscaping in Homeowner Associations (HOAs). “Between hidden fees and deceptive sales practices, it’s no secret that ticket purchasing can be a frustrating process to navigate ,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of SB23-060. “People travel from all over the country to visit our famous venues, and sometimes they’re turned away because they unknowingly purchased a counterfeit ticket on a third-party website. Our bill improves fans’ protections in the ticket purchasing process and prevents fraudulent tickets from ending up in the marketplace.” "We need to keep tickets in the hands of fans and this bill works to address the deceptive practices that lead to sky-high ticket prices which keeps Coloradans from seeing their favorite artists or teams," said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-060 and SB23-178. “I’m proud we also passed SB23-178, which will allow water-wise landscaping for homeowners in HOAs, saving them money and conserving water right in their backyard. Property owners should be able to swap their water-intensive lawn for beautiful native landscaping without HOAs standing in the way.” SB23-060 passed by a vot e of 49 to 16 and would implement new protections for consumers purchasing tickets online, including against “speculative ticketing”, a process where brokers sell tickets they do not yet possess. The bill would require a ticket reseller to have actual possession of a ticket before making it available for resale. It also requires online companies to clearly and transparently display “all-in prices”, which are inclusive of all service charges and other fees required to purchase the ticket. “As Colorado combats historic drought conditions, water-wise landscaping is a great place to cut back our freshwater usage,” said Rep. McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-178 . “Our legislation allows Coloradans living in HOAs the opportunity to have drought-tolerant landscaping options for their lawns, which supports biodiversity and saves Coloradans money. Beautiful yards don’t have to be water-intensive lawns, and this bill reduces barriers to having landscaping that’s eco-conscious and sustainable.” SB23-178 , passed by a vote of 48 to 17 and would reduce barriers facing Colorado homeowners in homeowners associations (HOAs) who wish to replace their lawns with water-wise landscaping. SB23-178 would promote water-wise landscaping, emphasizing native plants that better sustain Colorado’s local ecosystem while requiring little or no irrigation. The bill would require HOAs to select and pre-approve three water-wise landscape designs for homeowners to choose from. The bill would also prevent an HOA from requiring hardscape on more than 20 percent of a landscape area and prohibiting vegetable gardening in a homeowner’s front yard. About half of the water used in single-family homes in Denver goes toward “outdoor use,” according to Denver Water . Last year, the legislature passed legislation to create the Turf Replacement Program , which provides financial incentives for voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. SB23-178 complements that initiative by helping homeowners who may not need financial incentives but are hindered by HOA regulations. Previous Next

SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing < Back May 8, 2025 Signed! Bill to Reduce Housing Costs, Boost Stock of Factory-Built Housing SB25-002 will increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Representatives Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, to reduce housing costs by boosting the stock of affordable factory-built housing was signed into law today. SB25-002 will increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and other types of modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional, stick-built homes constructed on-site and can be assembled faster, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. “Right now, the people that keep our communities running – teachers, nurses, and firefighters – can’t afford to live where they work,” said Exum. “Expanding opportunities for them and their families to thrive and grow together in a stable, safe environment is vital to strong, lasting success for Colorado communities.” “Our law will improve coordination between state and regional partners and cut down on duplicative steps to build more affordable housing in our communities,” said Boesenecker. “Modular homes are a high-quality alternative to traditional housing construction materials, but are faster to assemble and cheaper to build. This law allows us to strategically use tools that have proven to create more affordable housing options for hardworking Coloradans.” "Every Coloradan should be able to afford to live where they work," said Bridges. "We have an affordability crisis here in Colorado, and while there's no silver bullet for housing, there are silver BBs. This is one of them. This legislation will increase Colorado's housing stock by bringing down construction costs, giving more folks the opportunity to live where they work, raise a family, and call Colorado home.” “Modular homes are a creative and proven solution to drive down housing costs and allow more Coloradans to realize their dream of homeownership,” said Stewart. “Construction costs, miscommunication and doubling up on regulation have been significant barriers to building affordable housing, and this law aims to streamline regulations to fully benefit from the potential of modular housing. With this new law, we can make high-quality housing more affordable across Colorado.” This bill directs the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. Previous Next

< Back January 28, 2020 STATE EMPLOYEE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING BILL ADVANCES Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs & Services Act would, for the first time, allow state employees to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits DENVER, CO — Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today released the following statement after HB20-1153, the Colorado Partnership for Quality Jobs and Services Act, passed the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs by a vote of 6-3: “This is a great step forward for the tens of thousands of hardworking Colorado state employees who deserve the essential right to collectively bargain for better pay and benefits. This bill is long overdue and will foster important partnerships between the state and front line state employees to improve state services. “House Democrats are committed to improving pay and benefits for our state employees, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal. It will help us fill the hundreds of state positions that are currently vacant while improving retention rates. I will always fight for our state employees, and I’m pleased to see this bill move forward.” The legislation would allow state employees to collectively bargain on pay and benefit issues and improve state services by fostering new partnerships between frontline workers and the state. The bill would not permit state employees to strike, which is similar to collective bargaining laws for state employees in the states that have them. Previous Next