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< Back March 31, 2021 BILL ADVANCES TO HIRE FORMER SWIFT CREW MEMBERS DENVER, CO– The House today gave preliminary approval to SB21-012, legislation sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts that would allow the state to hire back former members of Colorado’s State Wildland Inmate Fire Team. “This bill is a win-win for Colorado: it creates jobs and protects our communities from increasingly devastating wildfires that impact my district and communities all across the state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This bill allows Colorado to hire former inmate wildland firefighters. These SWIFT crew members put everything on the line to protect lives and property, and it just makes common sense to continue to utilize their skills and help them find solid employment.” SB21-012, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, would allow the wildland fire management section in the Department of Public Safety to more easily hire former inmates with wildland firefighting experience. The bill also requires the department to develop materials to increase awareness of wildland firefighting career opportunities for Coloradans who have experience fighting fires through the inmate disaster relief program. Previous Next

Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce < Back May 31, 2024 Gov Signs Family Affordability Tax Credit, Bill to Support the Care Workforce Laws will slash childhood poverty, boost incomes of middle and lower-income Coloradans, and boost the care worker workforce DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create the Family Affordability Tax Credit to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and create a state income tax credit for care workers to address the care worker workforce shortage. Beginning tax year 2024, HB24-1311 creates the refundable Family Affordability Tax Credit. This credit will be available to parents with children 16 and younger with a maximum of $3,200 for each child under 6, and a maximum of $2,400 for each child ages 6 to 16. The credit will be adjusted for income, inflation, economic growth, and unemployment. “This historic effort will significantly reduce childhood poverty in Colorado, boost the incomes of hardworking families, and help millions of Coloradans who are feeling the greatest impacts of the cost of living in our state,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB24-1311. “Tax credit policies that benefit children and families, who could see up to thousands of dollars back under this law, will ensure our tax code works for more Coloradans and help address childhood poverty. I’m proud to have carried this law to help Coloradans afford essentials like rent payments and groceries and boost the incomes of thousands of families across the state.” “Looking out for Colorado families means making sure they don’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent or affording other necessities,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield . “It’s no understatement to say that this is one of the more impactful pieces of legislation we’ll pass this year. I am extremely pleased to see this bill get signed into law, because it will cut child poverty in half while making it that much easier for working families to get by in our state.” “There are over 133,000 Colorado kids living in poverty, and this law, coupled with the Earned Income Tax Credit, will dramatically cut our child poverty rate,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, sponsor of HB24-1311. “These tax credits boost the incomes of our lower and middle-income families so they can keep their children safe and healthy by accessing quality health care, school supplies, and fresh food. Our law will increase tax credits for Colorado parents and put millions of dollars back into the pockets of families with children.” “Working Coloradans need our support, and I am pleased to say that we have an opportunity to make a real, transformative difference for kids and families,” said Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver. “This bill will provide direct relief for families in our community while making our tax code more equitable, and will help give more Colorado families the resources they need to thrive.” The Governor also signed HB24-1312 which creates a state income tax credit for child care workers and direct care workers to boost incomes and address workforce shortages. Taxpayers must have an income of $75,000 or less for single filers or $100,000 or less for joint filers to be eligible for this state income tax credit. “Care workers are essential in providing care to our loved ones like our children and our parents, and they often do not receive the benefits and recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This workforce is critical in supporting Coloradans in all industries and they are a crucial component of a thriving economy. This tax credit will allow us to recruit and retain these important care workers while boosting their incomes by over a thousand dollars so they can better afford their bills while staying in the care worker industry.” “Robust access to care work increases workforce participation, creates better care for those receiving it, and supports the emotional and physical health of family members who are providing unpaid care work,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Care workers are essential but aren’t treated that way. This new law is an important first step to valuing care work appropriately in Colorado.” “Whether you receive support after an accident or have someone who helps your aging relatives, we have all benefited from the work and support that care workers provide,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “This law is a small token of appreciation that we can give care workers, especially our Family, Friend and Neighbor child care providers, so they can continue the important work that they do and encourage our care workforce to grow.” “Forty percent of Colorado’s care workers rely on public assistance – we must do more to support them,” said Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of HB24-1312. “HB-1312 supports the care workforce across their entire lifetimes and provides economic support to all care workers, not just one group. This law will have far-reaching positive impacts on both the stability of this industry and the well-being of Colorado’s families, communities and economy.” For tax years 2025 through 2028, this law creates a refundable state income tax credit of $1,200 for: Direct care workers who are employed by a long-term care employer or provide community-based services and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, Child care workers who are employed or licensed by an early childhood education program or a licensed family child care home and provided at least 720 hours of care in the relevant tax year, or Informal family, friend, or neighbor child care providers who provided at least 720 hours of care to children 5 and under, and are registered with the Department of Early Childhood’s Professional Development Information System. Previous Next

< Back May 26, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! SLATE OF BIPARTISAN EDUCATION BILLS TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS BECOME LAW ARVADA, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bipartisan bills into law that support foster youth seeking higher education opportunities, better enable Colorado students to train for high-demand jobs, and increase funding for special education. SB22-008 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Priola as well as Representatives McLachlan and McKean, helps college-bound students who have been in foster care afford the cost of attending college by requiring higher education institutions to waive their undergraduate fees and tuition. “Through no fault of their own, foster children typically face extraordinary challenges, and it’s our duty to help eliminate the ones that we can,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Of all the assets we can provide for foster children, education is the one they can leverage most effectively. In the end, everyone benefits.” “This law ensures that Colorado does right by the thousands of youth in our foster care system by covering the cost of their degrees,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “We are serious about setting every student up for success and that includes kids in our foster system. I’m incredibly proud of our bipartisan efforts to make it easier for foster youth to chase their dreams and attend a higher education institution in Colorado.” To increase the likelihood of student enrollment in postsecondary education, the law also designates navigators at school districts and universities to serve as points-of-contact to help students choose programs, navigate the grant and tuition assistance programs, and submit applications. Polis also signed SB22-192 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Simpson, and House Majority Leader Esgar and Representative Catlin, which streamlines educational pathways and better connects students with high-paying, in-demand jobs. “Expanding stackable credential pathways will set Colorado’s students up for success and help workers upskill and reskill to land the high-paying jobs they are seeking,” Zenzinger said. “Colorado students – adults and youth alike – need efficient and effective pathways to gain the experience and training necessary to earn a degree and, ultimately, a good-paying job. This new law will accelerate our economic recovery and help businesses fill the critical gaps in our state’s workforce.” “Sometimes life gets in the way of educational plans, so we’re revamping career pathways to be more efficient, flexible and attainable for Coloradans,” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan stackable credentials law makes it easier for students seeking high-demand careers to have their on-the-job training and previous experience count toward degrees and professional credentials as they upskill and reskill. Whether you’ve taken a break from school or switched careers entirely, this law works to make sure Coloradans can enter and re-enter the workforce easier.” SB22-192 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Student Success and Workforce Revitalization Task Force , which aims to make Colorado more affordable and create student success in today’s work environment. Finally, Polis signed SB22-127 , championed by Senators Zenzinger and Kirkmeyer as well as Representatives McCluskie and Larson, which increases funding for special education students by more than $80 million per year to help ensure that every Colorado student has the resources and support they need to thrive. “Every Colorado student deserves a quality, public education, but the current level of state support for schools just isn’t getting the job done,” said Zenzinger. “We’ve been working to fix that, and this new law will help us get critical resources to the classrooms that need them most while making sure every student, regardless of ability, has what they need to succeed.” “Education needs to be tailored to each and every student, which is why we allocated an additional $80 million for special education,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillion. “Investing more in special education along with record investments in K-12 public schools through this year’s School Finance Act fills funding gaps in Colorado’s education system and better prepares all of our students for success.” SB22-127 dramatically increases funding for more than 100,000 Colorado special education students, from about $220 million per year currently to more than $300 million per year moving forward. This increase brings down student-teacher ratios, decreases class sizes, and helps schools provide the tailored assistance and support special education students need to learn and receive the quality education they deserve. Previous Next

< Back February 3, 2023 Willford’s Patient Consent for Intimate Exams Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Insurance Committee passed legislation today that requires licensed healthcare facilities to obtain a patient-signed consent form before health care professionals, medical residents, trainees and students perform intimate examinations. “Requiring a consent form for intimate exams needs to be standard practice for the safety and well-being of every patient,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Right now, patients are receiving pelvic exams they did not consent to while under sedation for a completely unrelated procedure; we need to put an end to this. Patients can be traumatized, betrayed and can suffer emotionally as they cope with unauthorized intimate exams, and my bill outlines rules for patient consent to protect Coloradans’ when they’re at their most vulnerable.” HB23-1077 passed committee unanimously and would require health care professionals, students, medical residents and trainees to obtain informed consent from sedated or unconscious patients before performing intimate examinations, unless in emergency situations. In addition to consent, health care professionals would only be able to perform intimate examinations if it is pertinent to the planned procedure. This bill would also create a process for obtaining patient consent and non-compliant medical and health care professionals would be subject to disciplinary action by their regulators or the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Across the country, medical students and residents are performing unauthorized intimate exams , including pelvic exams for educational purposes, on patients under medical sedation for unrelated surgeries. Patients are not able to consent to these procedures and can experience extreme physical and behavioral responses from the trauma of learning about this exam after it has happened. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that brings down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. < Back May 9, 2025 Democrats Save Coloradans Money with New Law that Cracks Down on Price Gouging DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that brings down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. “Price gouging hurts hardworking Coloradans and mom-and-pop businesses, which is why I sponsored this law that will hold bad actors accountable,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying rent, and as a mom to three young children, I have personally felt the pressure facing so many of our Colorado families. With this bill being signed into law today, Colorado Democrats are standing up against corporate price gouging to reduce the cost of everyday necessities.” “This bill is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.” “With corporate bad actors driving prices higher on groceries and everyday necessities, Colorado Democrats are taking action to stop price gouging and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “While the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain issues have impacted prices, bad-acting corporations have taken advantage of these factors to jack up prices just to increase their profits. While Republicans in the legislature sided with wealthy corporations, our majority passed this law to help tackle the rising cost of living, put an end to corporate price gouging and make Colorado a more affordable place to live for all.” HB25-1010 prohibits price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries, during a declared emergency. In this law, price gouging is defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public, like groceries and toiletries. A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Colorado Democrats passed a 2024 law , also sponsored by Rep. Brown and Sen. Weissman, to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster. The law was inspired after rents skyrocketed for Coloradans who lost their homes after the Marshall Fire, pricing vulnerable Coloradans out of their communities. Another law created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit Big Pharma price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs, helping lower out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Previous Next

< Back October 15, 2019 REP. TRACY KRAFT THARP WINS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Lawmaker was recognized for her efforts to foster economic development and promote small business growth DENVER, CO– Representative Tracy Kraft Tharp last Thursday received the Economic Development Council of Colorado’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her efforts to simplify tax rules for businesses and promote economic development. “Driving economic growth in our communities has been one of my top priorities, and I’m honored to have received this lifetime achievement award,” said Rep. Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada). “From simplifying our tax code to creating and bolstering tax credits that drive investment, the laws we’ve passed have had tremendous and positive impacts on Colorado businesses. I am grateful to the Economic Development Council of Colorado and proud of the accomplishments that we’ve secured. Just like a rising tide lifts all ships, a growing economy has improved the of Coloradans across the state. Let’s keep it that way.” Kraft Tharp Receives 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Economic Development Council of Colorado “The Economic Development Council of Colorado is proud to honor Representative Kraft-Tharp for this special recognition,” said Tammy Fields, Board Chair, Economic Development Council of Colorado. “Colorado is privileged to have legislators that demonstrate collaboration and strong leadership by advocating for important public policy which supports industry and economic development initiatives that strengthen Colorado’s economy.” Kraft Tharp was nominated for her work on several Colorado laws that simplified tax rules and promoted economic development and innovation. She was the prime sponsor of legislation to promote investment in advanced manufacturing companies, extend the state’s economic development commission and improve state sales and use tax rules. She also passed legislation to create a sales and use tax refund for clean technology and medical device firms with 35 employees or less (HB15-1180). In 2018, she sponsored and helped pass HB18-1350 , which expanded the state sales and use tax exemption to include products derived from scrap metal or end-of-life-cycle materials for remanufacturing or recycling into new metal stock. In 2017, Kraft Tharp sponsored HB17-1090 , which extended the Advanced Industry Investment Tax Credit, which allows a qualified investor to claim an income tax credit for investments in companies in the advanced manufacturing industry. In that same year, she sponsored legislation, HB17-1270 , which now allows state agencies additional discretion when imposing fines for minor violations on small businesses to take into account efforts they may have undertaken to cure the violation. With the Economic Development Commission set to expire, Kraft Tharp sponsored SB17-280 , which extended the commission until 2025 and provided $5 million for the Colorado office of economic development. Previous Next

< Back March 10, 2020 AIR TOXICS REGULATION PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– The House Committee on Energy and Environment today approved Representative Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Valdez’s bill to regulate air toxics emissions. The bill passed 7 to 4. “My constituents in Commerce City and Coloradans across the state have a right to know what factories, refineries, and coal plants are putting into the air,” said Rep. Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City . “We’re moving forward today to deliver environmental justice and protect the health and safety of our families while holding polluting corporations accountable.” “Today we’re standing up for our neighborhoods, our families, and our state,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “The toxic chemicals that this bill would regulate can cause ailments ranging from headaches and nausea to cancer and death. Since the bulk of the damage done by these chemicals is borne by those living closest to the facilities, it’s no surprise that communities of color are the hardest hit. Enough is enough– it’s time to take action.” HB20-1265 would regulate certain hazardous air toxics, including hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and other hazardous air pollutants specified by the Air Quality Control Commission in rulemaking. The bill would create a program to regulate these pollutants in a manner more strict than required by the Federal Clean Air Act. The bill would also require facilities emitting these chemicals to monitor their emissions of covered air toxics and set health-based emission limits for covered air pollutants. Finally, the program would be tasked with creating a real-time community alert system for informing communities when pollution “incidents” occur. The bill also requires facilities that frequently emit the air toxics specified by the legislation monitor their emissions of toxic air pollutants and create transparency by promptly and thoroughly providing information regarding a pollution incident. Previous Next

< Back December 18, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: ECONOMIC RECOVERY CONTINUES, BUT NOT FOR ALL DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the December economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates, but highlight continuing uncertainty and budgeting challenges ahead. “Today’s budget forecast shows a more positive outlook on our state’s recovery than previously expected, though significant challenges remain,” said JBC Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “While we have made strides in Colorado to provide much-needed relief to our communities, circumstances have improved for some, while others — particularly low-income earners — continue to suffer. Before we can truly bounce back from this devastating public health crisis, we will need to work diligently to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have the support and resources they need to equally recover.” “This forecast shows Colorado’s economy is starting to bounce back, but it’s clear low-wage workers in our state are hurting and still have a difficult road ahead,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Though we passed bipartisan legislation to help bridge the gap for those who are at the most risk of falling further behind, individuals, small businesses, restaurants and schools desperately need more federal assistance to get through the months ahead. We’re going to use every tool we have at the state level to help Colorado build back stronger. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a balanced state budget that supports our schools and critical services and gets Colorado moving again.” “Today’s economic forecasts were reassuring because we are seeing an overall upward trend in our economic recovery that continues to be better than expected,” said JBC member, Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “However, we are still far from pre-pandemic levels. CARES Act funds and our state-level COVID relief package have been helpful, but low-wage workers, the service industry, and many Colorado families are still in desperate need of economic relief, and all levels of government–particularly Congress–must do more to assist them.” “This has been a tough time for many Coloradans, particularly low-wage workers, and we’re going to do everything we can to help the people of our state recover and bounce back even stronger,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “I’ve heard from so many who are suffering right now. Coloradans who were already behind before are now further behind, even as our economy begins to turn around. We’ve targeted state assistance so that more Coloradans can have a fair shot to recover and bridge the gap until there is a vaccine and new federal aid. We’re going to continue prioritizing those who have been hit hardest by this pandemic, our communities of color, students and low-wage workers, and with additional state and federal resources, we will create jobs in Colorado and drive our economy forward.” The Legislative Council staff (LCS) December forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $12.15 billion in FY 2020-21 and $13.14 billion in FY 2021-2022 – a $775.7 million and $590.9 million increase from the September revenue forecast respectively. These upward revisions reflect a persistent improvement in the state’s economic outlook. However, Colorado’s recovery continues to be divergent in nature – reflecting a “K-shaped” rebound. This means that while some sectors and households are bouncing back to pre-recession levels, others continue to struggle. The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $12.48 billion for FY 2020-21, which OSPB revised upward by $222 million relative to its September estimate. For FY 2021-22, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $13.47 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $626 million relative to its September estimate. LCS and OSPB predict that revenue subject to TABOR will come in below the Referendum C cap during this forecast period, so TABOR refunds are not expected. Both LCS and OSPB also identified downside risks to the forecast including the possibility of long-term economic “scarring” as well as the short-term increase of COVID-19 cases. As stimulus programs expire, a pullback in consumption and investment is also a potential threat to economic instability. On the flip side, upside risks to the estimate were identified, driven by the anticipated COVID vaccine distribution, potential additional federal stimulus support, and sustained resiliency shown by innovations adopted across consumer and corporate behaviors. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bills to expand reverse mortgage protections and strengthen minimum housing standards for tenants after a natural disaster. Both bills passed by a vote of 9-4. < Back April 12, 2023 Housing Protections for Victims of Wildfires and Natural Disasters Advance in House DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed bills to expand reverse mortgage protections and strengthen minimum housing standards for tenants after a natural disaster. Both bills passed by a vote of 9-4. “Wildfires, floods and other natural disasters have devastated communities throughout Colorado, including mine, leaving many to continue to struggle financially or suffer from negative health outcomes from the aftermath,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1266 and HB23-1254. “These two bills expand tools that help homeowners rebuild after substantial damage and protect renters from having to endure living conditions that may cause short or long-term health issues due to damage stemming from a natural disaster. The last thing anyone should be worrying about when their community has been damaged in a wildfire is the long-term financial and health impacts.” “After a devastating natural disaster, our vulnerable communities need extra protections to help them repair,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB23-1266. “Seniors who have relied on reverse mortgages to afford everyday necessities shouldn’t be made financially unstable by a natural disaster outside of their control. Our bill creates a residency exception so seniors aren’t forced to live in an unsafe environment simply because they’ve taken out a reverse mortgage.” Reverse mortgages allow older homeowners to borrow from the equity of their home. Under current law, reverse mortgages may become due and payable if the homeowner does not reside in the home they are borrowing money from as a principal residence, with an exception for temporary absences up to one year.. HB23-1266 would create another exception to the residency requirement for homeowners when their property is uninhabitable due to a natural disaster or another major incident outside the control of the homeowner. This exception would allow a homeowner who is engaged in repairing the home and plans on reoccupying, listing for sale, or selling the house to live elsewhere for up to five years. “This law will better protect renters who end up living in a unit that causes negative health impacts due to wildfire damage or other environmental disasters,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1254. “Renters should be empowered to raise issues in their home that impact their health and safety without fear of retaliation, this bill provides that peace of mind.” Colorado’s “Warranty of Habitability” law requires a landlord to maintain their property to a standard that is considered safe and fit for habitation. A report conducted after the Marshall Fire called for the General Assembly to pass legislation to increase the standards to protect Colorado renters from unsafe living conditions. HB23-1254 bolsters renter protections in the state’s warranty of habitability by adding damage due to an environmental public health event to the list of conditions that make a property uninhabitable. It would also add additional protections for members of a vulnerable population, including allowing a tenant to terminate their lease if certain conditions are met. The bill also prevents a landlord from retaliating against a renter that makes a complaint about the living conditions. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money by exempting small businesses from paying the retail delivery fee (RDF). The bill passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 17, 2023 House Approves Bill to Save Small Businesses Money DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation to save Coloradans money by exempting small businesses from paying the retail delivery fee (RDF). The bill passed by a vote of 62-3. “Colorado’s bipartisan and historic transportation bill is saving driver’s money on car registrations and improving our roads, and soon it will reduce the time Coloradans spend in traffic and the money we spend fixing our cars,” Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “To alleviate some of the administrative burden of collecting and remitting the retail delivery fee, which funds critical transportation projects, we’re exempting qualifying small businesses from the fee and streamlining the process.” SB23-143 , also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, would exempt small businesses that have $500,000 or less in retail sales from paying the RDF. This would apply retroactively to July 1, 2022, to when the RDF was first imposed. Established by SB21-260 , the RDF is a 27-cent fee imposed on all deliveries made by motor vehicles to ensure that our transportation system accounts for all types of users. However, this legislation did not create distinctions for small businesses that have minimal impacts on Colorado’s roads. SB23-143 modifies the RDF to exempt small businesses and offers all businesses flexibility in how they implement the fee, including allowing businesses to pay the fee on behalf of their customers. Previous Next

Two bills would prevent false electors, add protections against deepfake media < Back March 8, 2024 Colorado Democrats Advance Election Protection Bills Two bills would prevent false electors, add protections against deepfake media DENVER, CO - The House today debated legislation to prevent false electors and add protections against deepfake media that falsely portray political candidates. “In 2020, our country experienced an attack on democracy when the former president and his supporters tried to overturn the election results,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1150. "Donald Trump organized an effort to replace the electoral college voters with imposter electors who would cast their vote for him instead of Biden, the actual winner. This scheme ultimately failed, but we must be firm that these efforts can never materialize again. Our bill is a proactive step to protect democracy in Colorado.” "Our nation has survived for centuries based on the people's faith in our democracy. I took my first oath to protect and defend that democracy when I was 17 years old and I continue to honor that oath today," said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of HB24-1150. “Schemes to undermine our presidential elections are a direct attack on that democracy and the values upon which our nation was founded. This legislation clarifies that those who participate in or conspire to create a false slate of electors are committing forgery and perjury and are therefore subject to prosecution under Colorado law. The legislature has a duty to the people of Colorado to send a strong message that elections matter and we will do everything in our power to protect the integrity of their votes.” HB24-1150 would make it a crime of perjury and forgery to create, serve, or conspire to create or serve in a false slate of presidential electors. Each crime would be punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and may include up to 364 days in prison. A person who is convicted of these crimes would be disqualified from serving in the Colorado General Assembly. After the 2020 election, Trump and his Republican allies attempted to recruit fake electors in key swing states in an attempt to overturn President Biden’s victory. John Eastman, an attorney and advisor to Trump, was one of 18 people indicted with the former president for their alleged effort to overturn Georgia’s election results in 2020. He is accused of attempting to pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to either delay Congress’ certification of electoral votes on January 6, 2021 or reject some states’ slate of electors to allow alternate electors who would support Trump. “Deepfakes of candidates for elected office are created to spread misinformation and disrupt our fair election process,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB24-1147. "Coloradans deserve to know if the videos they are watching are fake so they can make accurate, informed decisions. Artificial intelligence poses a real threat to our elections, and our legislation is crucial in protecting our democratic process.” “Deepfakes can have a major negative effective on the election process and are a real threat to our democracy,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1147. "Our legislation would safeguard our elections by requiring AI-generated deepfake content to include a disclaimer and establishing legal avenues for candidates who have been negatively impacted by deepfake technology. Colorado voters should know what candidates actually say and not be deceived by depictions of things they did not.” HB24-1147 would create new regulations for people who use artificial intelligence and deepfake-generated content that includes candidates for elected office. Deepfake media that includes a candidate for elected office would be required to include a disclaimer that the content is not real or truthful. Under the bill, a candidate who is the subject of an undisclosed deepfake communication can pursue civil action and file a complaint with the office the Secretary of State. In February 2024, deepfake audio of President Biden was sent via robocall in New Hampshire to discourage voters from participating in the primary election. Previous Next

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action < Back April 16, 2025 ICYMI: Committee Passes Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care DENVER, CO – The House Health & Human Services today passed legislation to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. SB25-196 passed by a vote of 9 to 4, all four House Republicans voted against the measure. “A routine cancer screening can save a life; we can’t jeopardize Coloradans' access to this essential preventive health care,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “In the wake of federal threats to cut fundamental health care coverage, we’re stepping up to protect preventive health care in Colorado. Preventive care today means avoiding costly emergency events in the future.” “Preventive care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes for patients and save money on health care,” said Rep. Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora. “Despite the resounding benefits of preventive health care, recent federal attempts to strip away preventive health care coverage means Coloradans could lose coverage if we don’t act now. This bill steps up to protect health care coverage in Colorado so everyone can lead longer, healthier lives.” SB25-196 would give state insurance agencies the authority to reinstate guidelines on preventive care from federal agencies that existed in January 2025 or comply with recommendations by the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care (NPATCH). This includes the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner of Insurance to consult the NPATCH in developing their recommendations about updates and modifications to the current list of preventive coverage. Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut $250 million from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has laid a strong foundation to a healthier future for Americans by making health care coverage more affordable and prioritizing no-cost clinical preventive services. The ACA covers more than 100 preventive health care services, annual check ups, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and some cancers. More than 44 million Americans rely on ACA health care coverage, including nearly 300,000 Coloradans . Previous Next