Search Results

< Back July 1, 2025 GOP Megabill Slashes Medicaid & SNAP, Blows Massive Hole in State Budget DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statements after the US Senate passed the GOP megabill, which will kick Coloradans off their health insurance, increase costs and jeopardize services for the most vulnerable people. “Passage of the GOP megabill is nothing less than a complete betrayal of the American Dream and will cruelly strip health care from over 100,000 Coloradans and increase costs for working families,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “While I am relieved that our public lands are safe for now, the proposal to sell them to the highest bidder was an outrageous attack on our Western values. We are still evaluating the impact on our state, but it is clear that the GOP megabill could blow a billion dollar hole in our budget, making it nearly impossible to deliver on our commitments to our schools, colleges, universities, public safety and safety-net services for those most vulnerable among us.” “I urge my Republican colleagues in the General Assembly to stand up for rural communities and to tell Gabe Evans, Lauren Boebert, Jeff Hurd and Jeff Crank to oppose these cuts that jeopardize health care for rural Coloradans and threaten the viability of rural health clinics,” McCluskie continued. “From over $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid to hundreds of billions less in food assistance, vulnerable people will suffer so the GOP can hand out tax breaks to billionaires and the wealthiest corporations,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Coloradans believe in fairness, responsibility, and community. We don’t turn our backs on people in need—we invest in them. We don’t strip healthcare from rural hospitals—we fight to keep them open. We don’t cut food from children’s mouths—we feed and support them. Safety net hospitals and health providers in Colorado have repeatedly raised the alarm as cuts to Medicaid jeopardize the payments they need to stay afloat and the health care Coloradans rely on, especially people of color, children, veterans and seniors. We need all hands on deck right now to pressure the US House to kill this bill!” The most recent nonpartisan CBO analysis estimates that the GOP megabill will kick nearly 12 million Americans off their health care. It places a tax on energy, drives up utility costs, cuts food assistance and will force deep cuts to Medicaid and services for Colorado’s most vulnerable people, including veterans and many lower income families. Colorado Democrats—alongside health care providers, conservationists, and community leaders—have repeatedly asserted that this bill would be devastating to the American people and urged Congress not to pass it. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting estimated that the GOP megabill will decrease state revenues by as much as $500 million and increase costs to the state by as much as $650 million. Even without passage of the GOP megabill or an economic downturn, nonpartisan economic forecasters estimate the state will face a nearly $700 million deficit and that revenues could drop below the TABOR cap in each of the three years in the forecast window. Under these conditions, the state will not be able to replace the loss of federal funding under the GOP megabill and will be forced to consider difficult trade offs and cuts to core services. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2021 JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ADDRESSES COURT FEES FOR JUVENILES AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS DENVER, CO– The House Judiciary Committee today advanced two bills to support low income individuals who are drawn deeper into a cycle of debt and poverty due to their interactions with the criminal legal system. The bills, both sponsored by Rep. Leslie Herod, would eliminate court fees for juveniles in the justice system and end the practice of revoking or suspending driver’s licenses for offenses not related to dangerous driving. “Over the course of several years, we’ve taken a long, hard look at two of the ways in which the criminal legal system disproportionately impacts low-income Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “Ending burdensome court fees on juveniles and preventing the suspension of driver’s licenses for reasons that are unrelated to dangerous driving will go a long way toward interrupting the cycles of poverty that hold our communities back. A brush up with the criminal system shouldn’t leave a family bankrupt.” “Suspending someone’s driver’s license because they can’t afford to pay a fine isn’t the right solution to any problem,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield. “We need to protect public safety, but we need to do it in a way that is fair and just.” HB21-1314 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Matt Gray, would limit the circumstances when driver’s licenses and learners permits can be revoked to only those where public safety requires it. It prohibits the suspension or revocation of licenses for failure to appear in court or failure to pay, but does nothing to impact revocation for driving under the influence or other offenses that reflect dangerous driving. The bill passed committee by a vote of 8-3. Over 100,000 Coloradans have their licenses suspended for failure to appear in court or failure to pay. This is a counterproductive punishment that makes it harder for Coloradans to pay back their debts and moreover restricts their mobility, impacting their ability to get to work, appear in court, and care for their families. HB21-1315 , sponsored by Representative Leslie Herod, eliminates certain fees levied on individuals and families in the juvenile justice system. The average fees per case total about $300 in Colorado, and it is estimated that the state spends about 75% of juvenile fee revenue on collection. The bill passed by a vote of 6-4. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today passed two Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives and by improving our state parks. HB21-1330 , which is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and passed by a vote of 44-19, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is a proven program that helps students and workers enter into and successfully complete postsecondary degree or certified skills training programs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With this bill, we are going to invest $50 million into the COSI program so that more workers and students can learn the skill and tools they’ll need to fill good jobs, build thriving careers, and boost our state’s economy.” HB21-1326 , which is sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-10, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. “Coloradans love our state parks, and both residents and folks from out of state are visiting and recreating in our parks more and more every year,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “The growth in visitors has led to environmental and conservation issues, as well as strain on park infrastructure. This funding will both repair and maintain existing parks while also making necessary improvements to support the growth we have experienced and expect to continue.” Previous Next

< Back March 11, 2020 COMMITTEE VOTES TO EXTEND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT PROGRAM DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Business Affairs and Labor advanced Representatives Daneya Esgar and Tracy Kraft-Tharp’s bill to support businesses coming to Colorado and incentivize economic growth by extending the successful Transferable Tax Credit program for three years. “I fought hard to create this critical tool for businesses three years ago, and with it we were able to deliver results for Pueblo and keep jobs in our town,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Now we’re ensuring that this successful business development program will continue to keep and create jobs for Colorado for years to come.” “The Transferable Tax Credit program has a track record of success, and I’m proud that we voted to extend it today,” said Business Affairs and Labor Committee Chair Rep. Kraft-Tharp. “We need to do everything we can to bring more jobs to Colorado and keep our state’s economy strong. This program will continue to do exactly that.” HB20-1298 would extend the Office of Economic Development and International Trade’s (OEDIT) performance-based Transferable Tax Credit (TTC) program for three years. The TTC program allows companies that make major capital investments in Colorado of at least $100 million to transfer certain OEDIT tax credits that they would not be able to use otherwise. These are tax credits that are earned in the course of making that investment and they include Colorado’s Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and the Enterprise Zone (EZ) investment tax, EZ new employee credit, and EZ R&D credit. Since inception, the Transferable Tax Credit program has only been used in two extremely unique economic development opportunities that created and kept well-paying jobs in Colorado and will benefit our economy for decades. The first was the retention of EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel in Pueblo, where the company plans to spend more than $400M to build a steel mill that will be the center of a local manufacturing ecosystem. The second was the relocation of VF Corp’s headquarters from North Carolina to Denver, which will create an estimated 800 new jobs in the Denver area. Previous Next

The House today passed two bills that will prevent overdose deaths and support successful recovery from substance use disorders. < Back May 6, 2024 House Passes Bills to Reduce Overdose Deaths, Support Successful Recovery DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bills that will prevent overdose deaths and support successful recovery from substance use disorders. SB24-048 , sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Mike Lynch, would support successful recovery from substance use disorders by helping establish recovery friendly workplaces, living facilities, and creating a grant program to support organizations providing services to Coloradans in recovery. SB24-048 passed the House by a vote of 49 to 12. “Continuing successful recovery from a substance use disorder is incredibly challenging, which is why we are stepping up to help Coloradans who have completed treatment to better support them,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill is part of a package of legislation that will help prevent and reduce substance use disorders, increase access to treatment, aid in harm reduction, and help Coloradans successfully experience and stay in recovery.” SB24-047 , sponsored by Representative Mary Young and Elisabeth Epps, would boost substance use disorder prevention efforts by updating the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to improve data collection and access, and implements the substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral practice statewide for adolescents to those who would benefit in Colorado schools. SB24-047 passed the House by a vote of 45 to 16. “This bill will save lives, help prevent Coloradans from developing a substance use disorder, and creates additional tools,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Reducing overdose deaths and saving lives requires a broad approach that considers prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery service. We need to ensure our youth and adults have the resources necessary to prevent a disorder – and this bill puts prevention first so everyone can lead healthy lives.” “We have lost, and continue to lose, our neighbors to preventable drug overdose deaths and substance use disorders,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “We must do much more to prevent chaotic substance misuse in Colorado, all while helping people access the critical support they need to stay alive. SB24-047 is compassionate, courageous, data-driven legislation which helps us do exactly that.” The Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Study Interim Committee put forward a number of proposals that help Coloradans access treatment, prevention, harm reduction efforts, and recovery services to save lives. This bill will enhance proven substance use disorder prevention efforts to increase access to preventative programs to keep Coloradans alive. Previous Next

SB25-005 would update the 80-year-old Colorado Labor Peace Act to empower workers, increase wages and strengthen the middle class < Back May 5, 2025 Worker Protection Act Advances House DENVER, CO — The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to update Colorado’s labor law and support workers. SB25-005 is sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon. “Since the 1970s, we've seen income inequality skyrocket to levels we haven't seen since the 1920s as union membership has declined due to anti-union laws like the ones we have in Colorado,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Since the New Deal, we've had one silver bullet for growing the economy, and that's unions. To establish basic principles of workplace democracy and fairness, this bill would make it easier for workers to form and sustain unions. Passing this legislation affirms our support as Democrats for workers and their right to collective bargaining in the workplace.” “To strengthen the middle class, we need to uplift working people and empower unions to fight for them,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill gives workers the power to negotiate for a better life for themselves and their families and increase wages, benefits and workplace safety. Unionized workers currently earn more than non-unionized workers in the same industry; this bill is about standing up for workers and strengthening their collective voice.” The Worker Protection Act ( SB25-005 ) updates the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security clause in the collective bargaining process. Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. From the 40-hour work week to child labor laws, unions are incredibly beneficial to our economy, democracy and strengthening working families. Union workers earn 10.2 percent more than non-union workers with similar jobs and qualifications. Unions also play a role in boosting wages across the board – wages in states with anti-worker laws are 3.1 percent lower than in states with these laws. Unions also help reduce income inequality and bridge racial and gender pay gaps. Additionally, unions help increase homeownership and help Coloradans build wealth. For example, working class union households are 13 percent more likely to own a home, and non-white Hispanic households experience a 17 percent increase relative to non-union households. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. < Back May 19, 2025 SIGNED! Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses and Jobs to Colorado PUEBLO, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. “This law will drive more business to Colorado and create good-paying jobs by lowering electrical utility rates for businesses,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan law allows more businesses to save money with lower rates by increasing the eligible project size and the number of projects that can benefit from the Economic Development Rate. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses and boost local economies.” The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, which allows electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, will make adjustments to the Economic Development Rate ( EDR) Tariff to expand competitive electric rates to businesses by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses will have to undergo a societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community. Additionally, businesses would be required to have an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. Previous Next

SB25-005 would update the 80-year old Colorado Labor Peace Act < Back March 13, 2025 Worker Protection Act Passes House Committee DENVER, CO — The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation to update Colorado’s labor law and support workers. SB25-005, sponsored by Representative Javier Mabrey and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, passed the committee by a vote of 7-5. “Updating Colorado's labor laws will yield stronger workplaces and make it easier for workers to negotiate for better pay, benefits and safety on the job,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “I’d like to thank everyone working on this policy for their willingness to continue conversations as this bill moves forward. The status quo is simply not working for Coloradans, as too many people are struggling to get by and make ends meet. By addressing the obstacles posed by the second election, we can establish some basic principles of fairness and workplace democracy that will make it easier for workers to form and sustain unions, and to grow the middle class in Colorado.” “The bar to form a union is unreasonably high, and making it easier will help more Coloradans thrive and create a more level playing field between workers and employers,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Statistics show that unionized workers earn more than non-unionized workers in the same industry. This bill is about empowering workers to negotiate for the wages, benefits and workplace safety they deserve. I want to acknowledge that business leaders and labor advocates have a common goal to create a thriving Colorado economy that responds to our modern workforce needs, and I extend my gratitude for their willingness to move our state forward.” The Worker Protection Act ( SB25-005 ) would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act to make it easier for workers to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process. Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. Previous Next

HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 school year < Back May 23, 2025 SIGNED! 2025 School Finance Act HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 school year WESTMINSTER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to implement the new school funding formula and sustainably drive more funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. “It’s a great day for students, teachers and schools in Colorado! The bipartisan 2025 School Finance Act boosts funding by $256 million and turns on the new school finance formula that will drive more resources to the students who need them the most,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Despite nearly universal declining enrollment, the 2025 School Finance Act ensures that no district drops below the funding amount they received this school year. We’re deeply committed to investing in our K-12 public schools, and this year’s School Finance Act supports rural schools and our most vulnerable students while creating a sustainable pathway to significantly increase school funding.” “This is the first time since the 1990s that we’ve instituted a new funding formula for our schools,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “From boosting per-pupil funding to supporting underserved districts and at-risk students who need a helping hand, this year’s School Finance Act is good for families, teachers, and most importantly, students. It’s a strong investment in Colorado’s kids and public schools and ultimately, a strong investment in Colorado’s future.” “As a teacher, I know how important adequate funding is to create an environment where students can succeed,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The 2025 School Finance Act invests $256 million more in our public schools this year, meaning funding will rise by over $410 per student on average. The law implements the new school funding formula to better support every student in our public schools. Our law drives funding to our K-12 schools equitably and sustainably, so our students can maximize their learning potential.” Colorado lawmakers have worked diligently to drive record-breaking funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Since 2019, when voters gave Democrats the trifecta, total funding for schools has increased by over $3 billion, while Colorado schools have lost tens of thousands of students. Since the 2018-2019 school year, average per-pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. The 2025 School Finance Act will drive $256.7 million more to Colorado’s public schools than last school year, bringing the 2025-2026 school funding total to a record $10.035 billion despite Colorado facing a declining student enrollment environment. Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB25-1320 acknowledges unique challenges for rural and remote districts, increases education funding to keep up with inflation, and prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come. In last year’s School Finance Act, lawmakers delivered on their promise to pay off the Budget Stabilization Factor. At the same time, HB24-1448 modernized the school funding formula used to determine the total program funding for Colorado’s K-12 public school districts for the first time in 30 years. This legislation created a more student-centered formula designed to drive more resources to rural and underserved districts, as well as students living with a disability, at-risk students and English Language Learners. For the 2025-2026 school year, HB25-1320 will: Provide $83.2 million more for public schools next year than the old school finance formula Increase average per-pupil funding by $412, bringing the total per-pupil funding to $11,863, and Ensure that 157 of 178 districts will see an average 2.9 percent increase in funding, while the remaining 21 districts with significantly declining enrollment are held harmless. HB25-1320 implements the new school funding formula at 15 percent per year for six years, and then 10 percent for the final seventh year of implementation, while still maintaining the four-year averaging model for the 2025-26 school year. This new law also creates the “Kids Matter Fund” within the State Education Fund. Beginning July 1, 2026, the state treasurer will be required to transfer into the account 0.00065 percent of existing state revenue collected from federal taxable income each year. For the 2026-2027 school year, revenue will amount to an estimated $230 million for schools. The account will be used to protect per pupil funding and funding for programs, including special education. HB25-1320 is designed to give the legislature the flexibility to continue increasing school funding while adapting to changing budget realities. To maintain the financial health of the State Education Fund (SEF), HB25-1320 provides the flexibility to adjust the percentage of the formula implemented each year or the averaging components of the formula to ensure a healthy reserve in the fund’s balance. Previous Next

< 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