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< Back May 17, 2019 GOV SIGNS HOUSE DEM BILLS TO MAKE MAJOR INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING (May 17) – A package of bills that will make substantial investments in Colorado’s affordable housing challenge were signed into law today in Westminster. Together, these bills account for a historic investment in affordable housing in Colorado. Affordable housing is one of the state’s most pressing issues and finding common-sense solutions to addressing the housing crunch has long been a priority for Democratic lawmakers. The first bill signed by the Governor was HB19-1228, Rep. Shannon Bird and Rep. Brianna Titone’s bill to boost the supply of affordable housing in the state by increasing the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which helps leverage private funding for affordable housing projects across the state. “The unique benefit of the tax credit is that it is part of a solution, rather than a band-aid, to concerns we have about keeping people out of poverty, breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty and giving a critical hand up – instead of a hand out,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “ I feel honored to have sponsored this important piece of legislation that will help ensure that more working families will have a safe, quality, affordable place to call home.” “We need to help ease the housing crunch. This bill will help seniors and hardworking people across our state,” Rep. Titone, D-Arvada said when the bill passed the House. “Access to affordable housing can help grow the middle class and our economy which will give back to Colorado in a lot of different ways. This bill has no district boundaries. Affordable housing is needed everywhere across the state.” Affordable Housing Tax Credit raises private sector equity needed to support the development and preservation of affordable rental housing. It currently is authorized to allocate only $5 million; HB19-1228 will increase the available tax credits to $10 million in 2020-24. The Affordable Housing Tax Credit supports key affordable housing needs such as workforce housing, homeless housing, and senior housing across Colorado. It’s one of the state’s most effective tools for increasing available affordable housing across the state. Colorado’s Between 2015-2018, the program supported 4,796 affordable rental units. The development of these homes is estimated to have generated over $1.9 billion in economic impact in Colorado. The Governor also signed HB19-1245, sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, which will contribute more funding to the Housing Development Grant Fund within the Department of Local Affairs. The funding could then be used to improve, preserve, or expand the supply of affordable housing in Colorado. “This new law is a significant and meaningful approach to address the state’s affordable housing crisis,” said Rep. Weissman. “Housing can strengthen a person’s ability to support a family, maintain a job and live a healthy life. This law is a calibrated approach that will benefit all of Coloradans – especially our most vulnerable families and individuals.” Under current law, a business can keep 3.3 percent of sales tax that it collects for administration purposes. With this new bill, vendors can retain up to four percent of the vendor fees up to a $1,000 monthly cap. This minor statutory change will result in roughly $23 million in revenue in the first year and $45-50 million per year afterwards. A third of these funds would be used to provide affordable housing to low income families. Next on the docket was HB19-1322, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, and Rep Perry Will, R-New Castle. This important new law will expand funding for affordable housing statewide. Under this bill, money will come from the State Treasurer from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund and be deposited into the Housing Development Grant Fund to supplement existing money. “This new bipartisan law is a responsible way to support affordable housing. It will allow our local communities to decide what is best for them and land support for important projects from the state,” said Rep. Roberts. “Housing is one of the most important issues across the state and this law focuses our rural communities who need help and ensures the state is a strong partner in the effort to support affordable housing projects.” The Governor also signed HB19-1319 sponsored by Rep. Bird. This new law creates incentives to assist land developers in providing affordable housing statewide, and also identify undeveloped land owned by the state that could be developed for affordable housing purposes. ### Previous Next

< Back November 12, 2019 REP. ESGAR TAKES HELM OF JBC DENVER, CO– Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) today took the gavel of the Joint Budget Committee after serving as the committee’s vice-chair during the last legislative session. The JBC is responsible for authoring the Long Bill, which sets the state’s annual budget and departments’ spending priorities. “I’m honored to have the privilege to lead the Joint Budget Committee as we work to craft a budget that balances our state’s many competing priorities,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo). “I’m committed to working with Governor Polis and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to write a balanced budget that invests in our state’s future, strengthens our economy so that it works for everyone and protects our Colorado way of life.” “Representative Esgar is a respected voice on budget issues in the legislature and is well known in Southern Colorado for fighting for her constituents and standing up for their priorities,” said Colorado House Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder). “She will be an excellent JBC chair this session, and I know she will continue to produce results for Coloradans in all parts of our state.” The JBC is meeting this week to receive testimony on state departments’ budget requests. Tomorrow, Governor Polis will present his budget to the committee. The committee will continue to hold hearings and craft the state’s budget as the legislative session convenes in January. Rep. Esgar represents parts of Pueblo, Pueblo West, Beulah, Rye and Colorado City. The granddaughter of steelworkers, she was born and raised in Pueblo. Rep. Esgar is a graduate of Pueblo City Schools and Colorado State University-Pueblo. She has worked as a television news producer and a community organizer focusing on poverty and communities of color in Pueblo. Rep. Esgar is known for her work on issues of equality, education, justice, and poverty. She lives with her wife, Heather Palm, in Pueblo. Previous Next

< Back July 13, 2021 REPS. MICHAELSON JENET, HEROD NAMED AMONG TOP 25 MOST POWERFUL WOMEN IN BUSINESS DENVER, CO — The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce has named Representatives Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Leslie Herod among their 2021 Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business , an annual gala that recognizes women for leadership in business and to the community. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce after a historic legislative session that saw us focus on Colorado’s economic recovery and make tremendous strides to improve our behavioral health system,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Chair of the House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee. “The laws we passed this session will boost Colorado’s workforce, improve access to child care and provide economic assistance to businesses across the state, creating jobs and forging a recovery where women are positioned to thrive. We know that a healthy and productive workforce is critical for the Colorado Comeback, so we worked hard last session to bolster access to behavioral health care for everyone in our state. I’m proud of our efforts to invest in the health of our communities and help more Coloradans get the care they need to thrive as our economy recovers.” “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce in a year when the legislature worked so hard to help small businesses build back stronger after the enormous challenges of the pandemic,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, Member of the Joint Budget Committee and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “This year, I was proud to be the lead sponsor of legislation to continue the successful work of the Energize Gap Fund and support our creative arts industries. As a member of the JBC, it was also a privilege to be able to help fund other pro-business initiatives like the startup loan program, which gives entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed and our economic gardening program, which will help businesses grow sustainably. Passing all of these bills was just common sense: small businesses are the backbone of our economy and will be the key to our recovery.” Previous Next

< Back September 8, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM TO AWARD LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR TO MCCLUSKIE, SNYDER, BUCKNER AND KOLKER The lawmakers will be recognized for their outstanding support of the community college system during the 2022 legislative session DENVER, CO – Representatives Julie McCluskie and Marc Snyder, and Senators Janet Buckner and Chris Kolker will be awarded the Colorado Community College System’s (CCCS) Legislator of the Year Award at the upcoming CCCS state board meeting. CCCS announced the honorees in a press release , describing the annual award as recognizing “legislators who make extraordinary efforts to understand issues facing community colleges and champion their open-access mission.” "Every Coloradan should have a pathway toward educational opportunities that set them up for success and this session, we worked diligently to boost higher education funding, develop regional talent pipelines and carve out new postsecondary credential programs," said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. "Higher education is transformational for so many learners, and I'm proud to continue my work as a strong supporter of Colorado's community colleges." Rep. McCluskie, who chairs the Joint Budget Committee, earned the Legislative Champion Award for “her work to support higher education funding ; launch a regional workforce development innovation grant ; and expand access to state financial aid.” “Education is the single best way to help Coloradans get the training they need to land a job and provide for their families, which is why it’s critical we do everything we can to support our community colleges,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “I am honored to receive this recognition for my bill to help more students enter the nursing profession while giving Colorado hospitals a larger and better-trained pool of employees to hire from, and will continue supporting Colorado’s community colleges to help even more students thrive.” Sen. Buckner earned the award for championing SB22-003 , “which allows CCCS colleges to offer a streamlined, cost-effective pathway for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). These programs will help the state meet demand for bachelor’s-prepared nurses.” “Community colleges are a critical resource in our state for both students seeking higher education and employers in need of well-trained workers,” said Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “I am proud to receive this honor for our work to support Colorado’s community colleges, and will continue working to expand opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce, and ensure every Coloradan is able to access the education they need to succeed.” Sen. Kolker earned the award for supporting “important technology projects at CCCS colleges, including funding for CCCS’s innovative Rural College Consortium – an interconnected platform that will virtually connect student support services and courses across CCCS’ rural colleges.” “For more than fifty years, Pikes Peak State College has made higher education accessible and created strong pathways to help Coloradans succeed after graduation," said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. "I am proud of our legislation to rename Pikes Peak State College, because it gave the college some well-earned recognition for their long-lasting impact in Colorado Springs and beyond." Rep. Marc Snyder earned the award for sponsoring “ legislation allowing Pikes Peak Community College to change its name to Pikes Peak State College, a community-led effort to recognize the college’s growing impact in the Colorado Springs region.” Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2019 GOV SIGNS BILL TO ENSURE CULTURALLY COMPETENT HISTORY IS PROVIDED TO STUDENTS (May 28) – Gov Polis signed a bill by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, and Rep. Bri Buentello, D-Pueblo, to ensure the inclusion of the history of American-Indians, Latinos, African-Americans and Asian-Americans in social studies courses in Colorado’s classrooms. “Our diversity is what makes our country and our state strong but for too long, individuals and communities that have moved or immigrated here and those that have been here for many centuries communities have been excluded from our teaching of history,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “With an increase in division among some of our communities, it will be beneficial for all children and youth to learn about each other’s background and to be able to see themselves in the history books.” HB19-1192 was signed at the Corky Gonzales Library in Denver. Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez is the granddaughter of Chicano leader Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales. Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, is the Senate co-prime sponsor. All three bill sponsors are Latinx women in their first year at the state legislature. “Teaching inclusive curriculum boosts test scores and student engagement,” said Rep. Buentello when the bill passed the House. “I’m proud to sponsor this bill to ensure that the history taught in our state is truly inclusive and tells our country’s full story.” This bill would establish a 16-member commission to provide recommendations to the Department of Education so that those standards and programs accurately reflect the history, culture, social contributions and civil government of the United States and Colorado, including the contributions and influence of American Indians, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans. Parents, teachers, administrators and school board members testified in support of the bill at the House Education committee hearing this year. ### Previous Next

< Back January 24, 2020 DANGEROUS GUN BILLS DEFEATED Dems praise bipartisan school safety measures, stop bills that would have allowed dangerous high capacity magazines that can shoot 50 or 100 rounds back on Colorado streets Democrats on the House State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today defeated HB20-1040 and HB20-1099, two dangerous gun bills that would have allowed armed teachers in Colorado schools and once again permitted high capacity magazine sales in the state. “These two bills would have endangered students’ lives and allowed weapons capable of quickly shooting a hundred rounds onto our streets,” said committee member Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver). “I worked hard on the School Safety Committee to craft bipartisan legislation to save students’ lives. We should focus on bills that will keep our students safe. Instead, we’re debating the same dangerous proposals year after year.” “We’ve seen too much devastation caused by high capacity magazines to go back to when these extremely dangerous accessories could be sold in our state,” said committee member Rep. Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins). “I’ve heard from many constituents and Coloradans across our state who fear gun violence and are deeply concerned for their safety. I also heard it when I was a school board member for seven years. Putting guns into classrooms won’t make them safer.” The National Association of School Resources Officers strongly opposes allowing guns in schools because in an active shooter situation, it could cause confusion and lead law enforcement to mistakenly identify someone not in uniform as an assailant. They also point out the wide discrepancy, often hundreds of hours in training requirements, between law enforcement and concealed carry permit holders. There have been multiple incidents where students have accessed firearms that adults brought on campus. Research shows that access to a firearm triples the risk of suicide and doubles the risk of a homicide occurring, all while we know young people in this age group are at some of the highest risks for behavioral health conditions and suicide. House Democrats have instead focused on bipartisan school safety reforms , developed from dozens of hours of expert testimony, that aim to save lives in school. These bills would enhance the Safe2Tell program, expand access to mental health in schools, and improve existing school safety initiatives. The second bill Democrats defeated would have allowed the sale of high capacity magazines, like the one used in the Aurora shooting, back on Colorado streets. Research from Everytown on mass shooting incidents where data was collected on magazine size found that 58 percent of these incidents involved firearms with high-capacity magazines. There were twice as many fatalities and 14 times as many injuries on shootings where high-capacity magazines are involved. In Dayton Ohio, an assailant shot 26 people in 32 seconds. Previous Next

Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. < Back June 2, 2023 SIGNED! Pair of Bills to Bolster Early Childhood Education DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bills to make new investments in Colorado’s early childhood education system. Sponsored by Senators Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, and Representatives Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-269 funds one-time bonus payments for early childhood care providers participating in Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). The bonuses must be used to implement the Universal Preschool Program, or to maintain or expand infant and toddler care capacity. “Access to quality early childhood education not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes for Colorado kids, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” Buckner said. “These one-time bonuses are a much deserved thank you to the early childhood care providers working to get Colorado’s Universal Preschool Program up and running. I look forward to watching UPK benefit Colorado’s youth this fall and for generations to come.” “Colorado’s universal preschool program is on the horizon, and we’re expressing our gratitude to the providers that will make it possible,” said Lukens. “This bipartisan law will help recruit more providers and will send preschool providers a bonus to help them renovate spaces, purchase new educational materials, and support their staff. Colorado couldn’t implement high-quality, free universal preschool without providers, and this law gives them a well-deserved thank you.” Providers may receive an additional bonus payment if they maintain or increase their capacity to serve infants and toddlers between April 1, 2022 and April 1, 2024, or are in low-capacity preschool areas. The bipartisan bill invests $2.5 million in the Colorado Universal Preschool Program Provider Participation Bonus Program, housed within the Department of Early Childhood . HB23-1290 , sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, refers a measure to the November 2023 ballot asking voters to allow the state to keep the excess revenue collected on tobacco and other tobacco products to fund UPK in Colorado. If approved by voters, the measure would allow the state to direct the nearly $24 million in excess revenue to support Colorado’s early childhood learners, instead of refunding that amount to the tobacco industry. "Preschool programs play a vital role in Colorado's communities by laying a strong foundation for children and providing essential child care services for working parents," Moreno said. "This bill presents an opportunity for voters to redirect much-needed funds towards Colorado's early education system, instead of returning them to tobacco distributors and wholesalers. With the potential to infuse nearly $24 million into preschool programs, HB23-1290 represents a wise investment in the future of our children and our state." “Overwhelming support for statewide universal preschool is no surprise, because it will create educational opportunities for our youngest learners, save families money, and help parents get back to work,” said McCluskie. “Universal preschool is one of the smartest investments we can make as a state, and I’m proud Coloradans agree. The revenue collected from the tax on nicotine products has come in higher than originally predicted, and this legislation confirms voters’ commitment to using these funds to provide preschool to all four-year-olds in the state.” “In 2020, voters overwhelmingly supported taxing tobacco and nicotine products to fund Colorado’s transformational Universal Preschool Program and boost learning opportunities for our youngest Coloradans,” said Fields. “This bill gives voters the chance to build on that progress and utilize existing funding to support even more families seeking preschool programs.” “Universal preschool will be here in just a few months, and the funds collected from the voter-approved Proposition EE made it possible for the state to provide free, early childhood education to our youngest learners,” said Sirota. “Studies show that preschool and early childhood education prepare kids for a lifetime of educational success. This legislation reaffirms Coloradans’ commitment to our families by asking them if the state may keep revenue collected from the special tax on nicotine and direct it toward UPK, rather than returning it to the tobacco industry.” In 2020 Colorado voters approved Proposition EE , which created new excise taxes on cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine products to fund a number of priorities, including UPK. The new tax rates are designed to phase in over the next few fiscal years through 2027. When originally approved by voters, it was estimated that Proposition EE would raise $186.5 million in new tax revenue in its first year. Actual revenue from the new tobacco taxes exceeded the predicted amount by nearly $24 million. Previous Next

< Back July 1, 2021 SIGNED! FRONT RANGE RAIL AND JUST TRANSITION BILLS BECOME LAW DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed two bills into law to invest millions into helping communities transitioning away from coal and to lay the groundwork for the development of a passenger rail to connect Colorado from our Northern to our Southern borders. Both of these bills were sponsored by Majority Leader Daneya Esgar. “The two new laws created today have been longstanding priorities of my Southern Colorado constituents for years,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, sponsor of HB21-1290 and SB21-238. “Creating the framework for front range rail today will allow us to take advantage of federal transportation funds efficiently and keep Colorado connected from North to South. At the same time, making a major investment in the Office of Just Transition will go a long way toward supporting coal-dependent workers and families in communities like mine. I’m so proud of the work we did this session to create a more prosperous and connected Colorado for all.” The Office of Just Transition was created by the legislature in 2019 to support coal workers, employers and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants and mines upon which their communities depend. As market shifts, consumer choices and environmental policies move our state toward renewable energy, the Office and the Just Transition Action Plan was created to support coal transition communities. HB21-1290 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-New Castle, will invest $15 million of state stimulus funds into the Office of Just Transition. Of that amount $8 million will go to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the newly created Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program account within the fund. The new law requires the Office of Just Transition to use these funds to implement the Just Transition Action Plan and provide funding for existing programs that make targeted economic development investments in coal transition communities for business retention, creation, expansion and attraction; infrastructure investments; and strategies for attracting increased investment in these communities. The Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program’s share of the funding will be allocated to programs that directly assist coal transition workers, including apprenticeship programs, financial planning support, tuition reimbursements, job search assistance, on-the-job training, or other strategies to help impacted workers. “The framework created today gets us one step closer to making Front Range Rail a reality,” said Rep. Matt Gray, D-Broomfield, sponsor of SB21-238 . “In addition to keeping Colorado connected, a passenger rail between our Front Range communities will revitalize local economies, improve congestion on our highways and help us lower emissions. After today, Colorado will be uniquely prepared to receive federal transportation funds and put them to work for our constituents right away.” SB21-238 creates the Front Range Passenger Rail District and tasks it with conducting the necessary research, development, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the Front Range Passenger Rail system, which would connect Coloradans living and working along the I-25 corridor. The new law outlines funding options and authorizes the District to pursue a sales and use tax that would be subject to voter approval. The District will be overseen by a board of directors that are instructed to work closely with RTD and Amtrak to ensure the passenger rail and transit systems are compatible and work well for travelers. The law ensures Colorado will be in position to benefit from the federal government’s proposed investment in railroad development. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. < Back February 28, 2024 Jodeh, Bacon Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed a bill that would create clear policies and procedures for metropolitan districts to abide by, improving accountability and consistency when enforcing their policies on homeowners. HB24-1267 unanimously passed by a vote of 10-0. “No one deserves to be forced out of their home over a dead tree in their yard,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Fines and fees from metro districts over minor violations are ultimately resulting in Coloradans losing their homes due to thousands of dollars worth of charges and attorney fees that Coloradans can’t afford to pay. People with disabilities or elders that live on a fixed income are especially vulnerable. Our legislation would shift to have metro districts and homeowners to work together to settle disputes, protecting Coloradans from being displaced for frivolous reasons.” “When there is nothing protecting homeowners in metro districts from being consistently fined for small violations, like an unpainted trim or an oil stain in their driveway, they’re vulnerable to losing all of the equity and security they have invested in their home,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “It’s crucial that we keep Coloradans housed, and this bill would help prevent Colorado homeowners from losing their home over resolvable conflicts.” Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including: Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines, Prohibiting metro districts from foreclosing on liens based on delinquent fees and requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials, Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing, and Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases. HB24-1267 protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices. Previous Next

Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines < Back March 12, 2025 Judiciary Committee Passes SB25-003 Legislation will save lives by prohibiting the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, commonly known as “bump stocks”, and by creating a permit to purchase dangerous, semi-automatic military style firearms that can accept high capacity magazines DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker and Representative Meg Froelich that would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition to save lives. SB25-003 passed by a vote of 7-4. “Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used far too many times to terrorize Colorado communities,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “The trauma, grief, and loss due to mass shootings are felt deeply in our communities, and as a former public school teacher and a parent of three children, I worry daily about the safety of some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. It’s crucial that we pass this legislation to save lives and prevent future tragedies in Colorado.” “Semi-automatic weapons paired with high-capacity magazines result in a much greater loss of innocent lives, which is why we must properly enforce Colorado Democrats’ decade-old law to prohibit high-capacity magazines,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Coloradans deserve to grocery shop, go to school, and worship without worrying about being a victim in the next mass shooting. This gun violence prevention bill would require a permit and additional training to purchase the most deadly weapons on the market to ensure that all firearm purchasers have completed a rigorous safety training course, passed a thorough background check, and that they are not a danger to themselves or our communities.” SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. The bill would allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. Certification would last five years and could be renewed after taking a refresher course and being properly vetted by a local sheriff. The bill would not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines and almost all handguns. While SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill also would not impact possession of currently-owned firearms. In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, individuals seeking to bypass existing law can legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms. Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation that would prevent excessive increases in rent in the wake of a disaster. HB24-1259 passed by a vote of 43-18. < Back March 11, 2024 House Passes Bill to Prevent Price Gouging on Rent After a Disaster DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would prevent excessive increases in rent in the wake of a disaster. HB24-1259 passed by a vote of 43-18. “Many Coloradans saw rents skyrocket after the Marshall Fire, and those who had lost their homes were forced to juggle exorbitant rents while they tried to rebuild their lives,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Disasters, like wildfires, cause financial and emotional trauma, and no one deserves to be taken advantage of while they try to piece their life back together. This legislation adds essential protections for Coloradans so they don’t experience excessive rent increases in the aftermath of a disaster.” “After the Marshall Fire, hundreds of families suddenly had to find housing overnight because they lost everything they had, only to experience huge increases in rent because of the influx of renters in the market,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Disasters devastate communities and have a ripple effect on neighboring communities that now must house Coloradans post-disaster. This consumer protection legislation reigns in price-gouging of rent for a two-year period after a declared disaster, preventing disaster survivors from being taken advantage of." HB24-1259 would help protect Coloradans who have lost their home in a natural disaster from being taken advantage of by price gouging in rent. After a Governor- or Presidential-declared disaster that reduces the availability of housing, rent increases would be capped at the greater of 10% or the percentage rent increase in the previous year within the declared area for two years. The bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to price gouge when providing rental housing during this two-year period, allowing the Attorney General or a district attorney to pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Affected tenants would also be able to pursue civil action for violations. Previous Next

The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. < Back February 3, 2025 Bill to Strengthen Local Fence Construction Laws Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation to strengthen local fence construction laws in the San Luis Valley. HB25-1023 passed committee by a vote of 11-2. “To protect our environment and the Colorado Way of life in the San Luis Valley, we need to boost local control surrounding fence construction,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista . “When I visited the newly constructed fence in my community, I was appalled by the negative impact on our environment. Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood. This bill will require individuals to submit an application before construction to prioritize local voices and environmental protections.” “Communities in the San Luis Valley have long had the legal right to access lands they held before Colorado became a state, but a massive, private fence now encircles this property, preventing access and harming the environment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This bill would prevent further ecological damage and ensure access for animal grazing while making sure that Coloradans and their livestock can still traverse the land their families have called home for generations.” HB25-1023 would require individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. The bill would make local governments responsible for determining if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms. Additionally, local governments may pass an ordinance or resolution opting out of these requirements altogether. Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This bill takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley. Previous Next