Search Results

The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports.  < Back February 20, 2024 Legislation to Protect Youth in Sports Passed Committee DENVER, CO – The House Health and Human Services Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Representatives Jennifer Parenti and Jenny Willford to better protect youth and keep them safe when participating in private organized sports. “Youth sports are incredibly popular in Colorado at all ages and skill levels. This legislation expands the use of background checks, CPR and First Aid training to ensure our kids can learn, play and compete in the safest environment possible,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie . "An important part of protecting kids is working to ensure harm doesn’t happen in the first place.” “Keeping our youth safe while participating in non-school related sports is a top priority,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn . “This legislation would require youth sports organizations to run criminal background checks on coaches and other leading personnel as well as require personnel to receive First Aid certifications to keep our kids safe.” HB24-1080 , which passed committee by a vote of 9 to 3, would require private youth sports organizations to conduct criminal history record checks on personnel who work directly with youth athletes, in both a volunteer or paid position. This bill would also require paid directors, coaches, assistant coaches or athletic program personnel to be CPR and First Aid/AED certified to help youth in the case of an emergency. HB24-1080 aims to prevent childhood sexual assault and keep our youth safe while participating in out-of-school activities. Previous Next

< Back December 16, 2020 ER NURSE REP KYLE MULLICA RECEIVES COVID VACCINE DENVER, CO — This morning, House Democratic Caucus Co-Whip Rep. Kyle Mullica received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Denver. As an emergency room nurse, Rep. Mullica is a frontline health care provider with direct contact with COVID-19 patients and is among the first people in Colorado to receive the vaccine. “Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine today means I’ll be able to continue and expand my work in the ER,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “It also means that the end of this pandemic is finally within reach. The vaccine is not only safe and effective, it is the cornerstone of our plan to beat this pandemic once and for all. I’m grateful to all of my fellow frontline health care workers who have been on the front lines in hospitals across the country. It’s been a long year battling this virus, but the end is in sight.” Last session, Rep. Mullica was the sponsor of SB20-163, a bill signed into law earlier this year that aims to boost Colorado’s low immunization rates by streamlining our vaccine exemption process. In his role as an ER nurse, Rep. Mullica worked in the Cook County Jail in Illinois, where he cared for patients during a critical COVID-19 outbreak in April and May. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants and streamline the process of receiving a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. < Back June 5, 2024 Gov Signs Bills to Support New Immigrants, Streamline Their Driver’s License Process DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to grant funding to community-based organizations that provide crucial services to new immigrants and streamline the process of receiving a driver’s license or state identification card for new immigrants. “Diversity makes our Colorado communities stronger and we must set up new immigrants for success so they can create a better and safer life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB24-1280 and SB24-182. “By strengthening Colorado’s existing community-based resources and streamlining the eligibility process to receive a driver’s license, new immigrants will have a better chance of building a thriving life, just like the generations of immigrants before them did.” “Colorado’s immigrant communities make our state stronger,” said Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1280 “With the recent increase of new immigrants to our state, community organizations and local governments are struggling to keep up with the high demand for services. Increasing access to resources like employment and housing services will help new immigrants build successful lives in Colorado.” “Colorado has seen a significant increase in new immigrants, and counties and organizations across the state are struggling to keep up with the demand for necessary services and resources,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, sponsor of HB24-1280. “Resources like referrals to housing, employment assistance, and school enrollment support have a significant impact on new residents achieving stability here. Our law aims to better support the good work that community organizations are already doing to aid new immigrants as they transition to life in Colorado.” “Colorado has seen a recent influx of new immigrants, and they often arrive with very little and no knowledge or connections to help them integrate,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1280. “This critical bill will better resource existing community-based organizations so they can support new immigrants and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in Colorado.” HB24-1280 creates the Statewide Welcome, Reception, and Integration Grant Program to grant funds to community-based organizations that provide services to new immigrants within their first year in the United States. Grant money can be used for: Conducting an intake and assessment of needs, Providing cultural orientation and case management, Services or referrals to employment services, immigration legal assistance, housing-related services, transportation services, financial orientation, mental and physical health services, interpretation and translation services, and English as a second language courses, Distributing emergency and transitional supplies, and Assisting new immigrant parents to enroll their kids in public schools or summer programs. “For over a decade, I have worked to ensure immigrants have access to driver’s licenses,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of SB24-182. “I’m proud of our progress this year to remove barriers to these driver’s licenses – because it shouldn’t matter where you’re born, what matters is whether you know the rules of the road. Facilitating immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses will make us all safer – and I am proud to have worked with law enforcement and immigrant rights organizations to pass this bill into law.” “For undocumented people, the average wait time to get a driver's license is 12-30 months, yet they still need to drive to work or drive their kids to school,” said Rep. Tim Hernández, D-Denver. “This new law allows us to address the needs of newcomers that have been present for decades but have grown more pronounced with the recent arrival of migrants across the state. I’m thankful to have been a part of removing oppressive barriers for our community through this legislation.” “Right now, undocumented folks must wait years to become eligible for a driver’s license. On top of that, it’s often difficult to obtain the particular kinds of identifying information needed to receive a license,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB24-182. “With this new law, we’re removing unnecessary barriers for folks that are on our roads anyway, which increases the number of licensed drivers with car insurance – ultimately lowering insurance costs for all Colroadans. The most important thing we can do is make sure everyone on our roads knows the rules of roads, has access to the insurance coverage they need, and is able to obtain state identification – and this law does just that.” SB24-182 amends the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act to make it easier for new immigrants to obtain a driver's license or state identification card for residents who do not have legal resident status in the United States. This law changes the requirements to receive a driver's license or state identification card by: Removing a requirement to file a Colorado resident income tax return for the prior year, Removing a requirement to demonstrate residence in the state for the previous two years, Removing a requirement to provide a documented social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, and Creating a process by which people without the required documentation can prove they are eligible by alternative means of documentation. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. < Back May 28, 2024 Signed! Right to Repair Electronic Equipment DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone and Steven Woodrow and Senators Jeff Bridges and Nick Hinrichsen, would extend the current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions. “Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada . “This new law will give consumers more options to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. From tractors to mobility devices, I’m proud to carry another consumer-focused right to repair law through the legislature and save Coloradans money.” “Accidents happen, people drop their phones and break their screens every day, but because of ‘parts pairing’ and repair restrictions, owners aren’t allowed to fix their devices,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County . “Colorado has led the nation in expanding right to repair laws, from agricultural equipment to wheelchairs to now electronics. This legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, and our economy.” “Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver . “This law strengthens our state’s right to repair laws so that consumers can access the tools and tech they need. This law saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.” “Manufacturer-imposed repair restrictions affect a wide variety of products from tractors to cell phones, resulting in surging costs, monopolistic business practices, and thousands of electronic devices thrown out every day,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t repair something that’s yours, do you really own it? I would argue no, which is why this legislation is so important. Right to repair laws are essential for empowering consumers and ensuring a fair market.” HB24-1121 will require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics. Under this law, OEMs can charge a fee for physical tools but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This law aims to save electronics consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also prohibits parts pairing, a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts. Last year, Rep. Titone championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121. Previous Next

< Back January 9, 2023 Speaker McCluskie Delivers Opening Day Remarks DENVER, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, today delivered opening remarks for the First Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly. In concluding her remarks, the speaker said, “Coloradans have been through tough times, but we have a bright future ahead. Today, we reaffirm the foundational promise of good government – the contract we make when we stand up to serve that says we will always do what’s best for Colorado. Today, our work starts again – to make Colorado more affordable, to invest in our schools, to protect our air and water, to improve public safety, and to protect our freedoms. Today, with love, integrity, boundless energy, and eternal optimism, we take the next steps to help every Coloradan live their dream.” The full text of the speech as prepared for delivery is below: Good morning and welcome to Opening Day of the 74th General Assembly! As I take the gavel, I first begin by sharing my deep thanks to Speaker Alec Garnett who has been an exceptional leader to this body through a global pandemic. He has left his mark in policies that have saved lives and led Colorado through an upheaval and back to a thriving economy. We are forever better due to his leadership. Thank you to the Colorado Childrens’ Chorale for that heartwarming performance. I remember the days when my daughter Cait was a member of your ranks - what a positive impact your organization had on her success as a young woman. Music is a powerful universal language. Your commitment to including children from all backgrounds and all socioeconomic backgrounds is critical to helping young people grow into successful adults. Thank you Representative Jodeh for delivering such a meaningful and moving prayer to open this session. The perspective you have brought to this chamber as the first Muslim lawmaker in the House has touched all of us and made a tremendous impact on our state. As we begin our journey this year, I want to recognize the incredible people who work tirelessly to make the legislative session possible. Our aides and staff, our nonpartisan staff at the Office of Legislative Legal Services, Legislative Council Staff, Robin Jones, Kathy Hahn, and the clerks who manage our bill folders and check and then double check everything we do. Our custodial staff, Chris, Kim, Bruce, Travis, Francisco, and all the people who work late into the night after we’re here to get this building ready for each and every work day. Please join me in a round of applause for our exceptional staff! I want to welcome all the guests and dignitaries who have joined us today, Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, Speaker Crisanta Duran, and Representative Millie Hamner. Finally, there isn’t a single person in this building who doesn’t miss Hugh McKean right now. Representative Parks, our hearts are with you. How meaningful that you could finish out Hugh’s term and be here with us today to celebrate and remember him. Representative Parks has been leading the charge to raise awareness about heart health and early screenings, and we look forward to supporting that good work. Hugh embodied everything that it means to be a statesman. He went about his work in this building the right way, and everyone respected him for it. His wit and his joy filled this room, as did his booming voice and his laughter. Please join me and Minority Leader Lynch in a moment of silence and remembrance for our beloved Minority Leader Hugh McKean. Thank you, members. I also want to acknowledge Representative Stephanie Vigil. No one expects to enter office amidst a tragedy like the one that happened at Club Q in her district just weeks after she was elected. Our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific attack on Colorado’s LGBTQ community. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives that night: Raymond Green Vance; Kelly Loving; Daniel Aston; Derrick Rump; and Ashley Paugh. To the Colorado Springs community and LGBTQ Coloradans, I want you to know that we stand with you. To Richard Fierro, an American Hero, we are so grateful for your quick action to take down the shooter and prevent more lives from being taken. I also want to recognize the first responders who arrived at the scene, stabilized dozens of victims and saved countless lives. Hateful rhetoric targeting LGBTQ Coloradans, especially trans people, is on the rise in our state, and it cannot be tolerated. Colorado respects freedom and love and the right to be who you are. We have made tremendous progress, and we won’t stop now. Members, It is a historic time to serve in the People’s House. At nearly 40 percent, we have an exceptionally large class of new lawmakers. I can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make for the people of our state. Please stand and be recognized! We also have seasoned lawmakers returning who are today entering their final term in office. Please stand if you are beginning your last term in the state legislature. I would be remiss to not ask all of those who have served to be recognized. Can all of the veterans in the room raise your hand and be recognized. In 1895, Coloradans Clara Cressingham, Carrie Clyde Holly, and Frances Klock became the first women ever elected to a state legislature. How proud they would be to see us here today - This is the first time in Colorado History that the majority of the General Assembly is made up of women, and proudly, we are the second state in the nation where women make up a majority of the legislature. Let us recognize other historic firsts. Representative Brianna Titone, the Democratic Caucus Co-chair, is the first transgender lawmaker in the country to serve in a position of caucus leadership. Representative Junie Joseph is the first Haitian-American to serve in the legislature. Representative Elizabeth Velasco is the first Latina from the Western Slope. Representative Regina English is the first Black woman to represent El Paso County, and Jennifer Bacon is the first Black woman to serve as Assistant Majority Leader. For the first time, every Western Slope Democrat in the House, and there are now four of us, is a woman. And, for the first time, a woman from the Western Slope will serve as your speaker. The House has a new and diverse leadership team which for the first time will see women in the top three leadership positions. My appreciation to Majority Leader Duran and Assistant Majority Leader Bacon for their exceptional partnership and leadership to this body. We will each bring our own lived experiences to the table that will help us craft policies and solutions that advance women’s rights, civil liberties, health care and education, and economic opportunity for all. As teachers, community organizers, veterans, union members, business owners, urbanites and mountain dwellers, the lawmakers in the Democratic caucus have lived the experiences of Coloradans from all walks of life. Over 30 percent of our lawmakers are people of color. We are a body that is now closer to fully representing the rich diversity of voices we serve. We are a body that better understands the infinite iterations of the Colorado dream. Our expanded Democratic majority is a recognition that Coloradans agree with the path we've charted and support a policy agenda and approach to governance that reflects their priorities. While we were elected by voters from individual districts, we must now come together to serve every person in our state–those that voted for us and those that did not. With the 2022 campaign in the rear view mirror, it’s time to take what we've heard from our constituents and transition from public figures to public servants. It’s time to govern on behalf of everyone in our state. With fresh ideas, heartfelt convictions and a fierce determination to do what’s right for this state, we will lead our Colorado forward together. This morning, I will ask you to consider - How is the Colorado dream different for each person. What do our constituents need from us to live their Colorado dream? How can we help? My Colorado Dream started a long time ago on my parents’ family farms in North Dakota. I’ll never forget those summer visits walking the pastures, picking peas from the garden and playing dress up in the dairy house. My grandparents were teachers and farmers. Fairly common occupations for those raising families in rural parts of any state. My Grandmother Irene was an independent woman with big dreams of her own. She wrote countless stories of life on the farm and pursued a writing career. She was spirited, smart and encouraged me to use my voice, and be my own person. I believe any career is possible for a woman, because of the example she set for me. My Colorado Dream is realized here today as I stand before you, the first woman Speaker of the House from the Western Slope. The Colorado dream isn’t the same for everyone. Everyone has their own aspirations and hopes for their future. Some people strive to start or grow their own business. Many in our agriculture community want the security and reassurance of knowing they can pass on their family farm or ranch to their children. Lots of workers in our mountain towns, the people who drive our resort economies, just want to live in those same towns and enjoy the quality of life that makes them such wonderful places to live. Coloradans are trying to live their dream on our ranches, in our cities, on our rivers and mountains. It’s our job to support and celebrate those individual dreams. We must understand and deeply respect that lawmakers in this chamber will have different visions and ideas for what this looks like. To do this, we must contemplate what binds us all together - the basic needs that every individual has. Far too many people are struggling amidst the rising cost of living in our state. This year, we will redouble our efforts to make Colorado more affordable by reducing the costs of a family’s largest expenses, often housing, health care, and child care. They say, home is where your heart is,…it’s where we go for the Holidays,….and where we hang our hats. Housing is central to every person’s ability to live, work and play. That’s why we have taken landmark steps to build more affordable homes and expand our housing stock. We invested $40 million to build innovative, factory built homes that help families afford high-quality new builds while creating good paying jobs. We made the single largest investment in the state’s history in affordable housing by creating a $150 million revolving loan program, which will leverage private dollars to develop housing in rural and urban communities across the state And we established a $178 million grant program to provide funding directly to local governments and nonprofits to build homes for every budget. In addition, we passed the largest property tax reduction in the state’s history, strengthened the state affordable housing tax credit, created a housing tax credit for seniors, and directed hundreds of millions to help local communities address homelessness and preserve mobile home parks. Thank you Minority Leader Lynch and Representatives Ortiz, Bradfield, Bird, Woodrow, Boesenecker, Jodeh, and Snyder for your work to pass these bills and others into law. Housing is a state-wide concern, which is why this year we will pass policies to remove the unnecessary barriers that have made it more challenging to address our critical housing shortage. We will also work to ensure that these policies promote sustainable communities and help local governments preserve their affordable housing stock- especially for the elderly, those with disabilities and low and middle-income families for whom displacement is both traumatizing and destabilizing. Combined with our historic investments, these policies will unleash the development and preservation of tens of thousands of quality homes all across the state for hardworking Coloradans. We must also talk about health care when we talk about expenses hitting the family budget. I strongly believe that high-quality, accessible health care is essential for every Coloradan. Whether it’s a fall on the ski slope, an injury at the workplace, or an illness, life is filled with the unexpected and everyone deserves access to quality affordable health care in the communities where they live. We capped insulin costs,required prescription drug rebate savings to be passed along to consumers, put in place a plan to bring down the cost of the highest priced drugs, and created the Colorado Option, which is giving consumers new choices with better coverage at lower prices. Our state’s reinsurance program has lowered premiums on the individual market 24 percent from last year and savings were even higher– as much as 36 percent- in regions with persistently high health care costs, like Summit County and Grand Junction. Thank you to Senator Roberts, Representative Jodeh, Speaker Pro Tempore deGruy Kennedy and now Congresswoman Caraveo for your persistence to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs. Thanks to the work of this body, more Coloradans and businesses can afford to buy health care. Yet, for Coloradans all across the state, access to behavioral health care - like therapy or substance use counseling - is elusive. Too many people in our state can’t afford or don’t have access to the behavioral health care they need to thrive. With the determined efforts of Representative Amabile, we are increasing bed capacity for Coloradans with serious mental illness who have nowhere else to turn. Last year, legislation sponsored by Representatives Gonzales-Gutierrez and Ricks directed $90 million to communities across the state to ensure there is no wrong door to behavioral health care. Thanks to Representative Michaelson Jenet, our youth - who are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis of their own - can now get free counseling through the popular and successful iMatter program. I’ve spent a significant part of my career working in Summit School District, and to this day, I am passionate about ensuring every child receives a world-class education that prepares them for the future of their dreams. Everywhere we look, education is the fertile ground– the incubator from which the Colorado dream grows. Thanks to the work of Representatives McLachlan, Young, Kipp and so many others, I’m proud that we have reduced the budget stabilization factor to the lowest point since it was created nearly 15 years ago and continue our march for more funding in public schools. Because of this work, school districts in Colorado are seeing nearly $550 dollars more per student on average this year . With the incredible work of Majority Leader Esgar, our partners in higher education, organized labor, and business, we expanded skills training programs that prepare traditional and non-traditional students for the jobs of the future. We’re launching the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Development Initiative with $85 million to ensure we’re training and educating our workforce for critical regional economic needs. This session, we are committed to making yet another meaningful investment in public schools, higher education, and workforce development. And let’s take a moment to also acknowledge needs for affordable child care. For many parents across our state, the Colorado dream is being able to raise your child while also pursuing a career. Data shows that nearly one-third of the median family’s budget goes to child care, a figure that’s even higher in our rural counties. Not only is this simply unsustainable for families, it strains our workforce by making it harder for new parents to return to work and reduces what they can spend in our local economies. I’m excited to say that this year, affordable child care and early childhood education will be a reality for more parents in Colorado. Starting this fall, every four-year-old in Colorado will have access to free universal preschool. Thanks to Representative Sirota and former Speaker Garnett for leading this effort. So far, over 850 providers across the state have signed up with the Department of Early Childhood Education to provide a total of nearly 29,000 slots for early childhood education. These efforts will give more Colorado kids a head start while saving parents money and helping them get back to work. In nearly everyone’s version of the Colorado dream, the beauty of this state is almost always front and center, but we all know you cannot live your dream if you cannot breathe the air outside your home. You cannot live your dream if the forests and land your dream relies on burns to the ground or your crops wither under your feet. And your dream will not last if we do not protect the environment and this incredible place we call home. Millions of Coloradans are living each summer amidst rising pollution and poor air quality as climate change continues to take its toll. We have invested record funding to meet our climate challenges, improve our air and prevent devastating wildfires. This session, we will continue this work by investing in transit options, building smarter and closer to where people work, and cracking down on violators that pollute our air and threaten our health. Water. Out my front door I see flowing rivers, mountain lakes and crystal white snow - these visions capture the spirit of the West - what it means to be a Coloradan. Agriculture communities, wildlife, the future of our public lands, our environment, ski areas, growing cities, suburbs, and every person and family in our state depends on water. Water should unite us, not divide us. The Colorado River has declined 20 percent over the last 20 years, leaving our state and the entire West facing the worst drought conditions in twelve hundred years. Climate change, increased demands, and population growth will continue to put more pressure on our water supply. With Representatives McCormick and Catlin leading the way, this is the year that we make water the centerpiece of our conservation efforts. We will work collaboratively to develop policy solutions that protect this precious resource. The General Assembly has recently invested millions in the Colorado Water Plan, drought mitigation, watershed protection, and water conservation, and yet our water faces unprecedented threats that no one has seen or experienced before. The rule of law will remain a foundation of how we manage water rights. We will aim to modernize Colorado’s water management system to supply our growing state with the water we need to drink, grow food, and protect our rivers and streams for the benefit of our wildlife, the environment, and our outdoor economy. We will seek new federal funding to restore our rivers, advance conservation programs, address drought in the Colorado River Basin - and boldly secure our water future. Just as we are committed to protecting our environment, we are committed to protecting the people of our great state. The Colorado dream is built on safety and security. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, in their schools, on the playground, at the grocery store, without the fear of gun violence striking at any time. We directed funding to improve public safety by increasing resources for programs that reduce recidivism and prevent crime before it happens. We passed six bills to prevent gun violence by tightening background checks, creating the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and by encouraging responsible gun ownership like safely storing firearms and reporting them when they are lost or stolen. We must focus on data-informed strategies about why crime occurs to begin with–lack of opportunity, lack of access to mental health care, inadequate reentry services that instead lead to cycles of incarceration. The data is clear: the measures we’ve passed in recent years such as the Red Flag Law have saved lives and prevented crime. There were over 380 total red flag cases and 241 successful petitions granted in 2022, likely saving many, many lives. Our efforts to reduce gun violence this session will focus on expanding how and when a red flag petition can be filed so that more key moments can be acted upon to interrupt potential acts of violence. Furthermore, we will increase waiting periods and the age limits to purchase a firearm. Feeling safe means different things to different people. Some Coloradans worry about their property or the loss of vibrancy in commercial districts impacting their businesses. Some people have concerns about their physical safety or the safety of their children or friends. Many people of color in Colorado still have legitimate fears about their safety when they interact with law enforcement. Freedom and safety are intertwined conditions that forge the foundation of nearly every Coloradan’s individual dream. To become a victim of crime shatters the sense of safety and the sense of freedom that we all want to live our lives. We have made critical investments in crime victim services and will continue that work this session under the leadership of Majority Leader Duran. As we work to improve public safety, we will increase our focus on protecting communities that too often have been the targets of violence because of their gender, their religion, who they love, or where they come from. We will advance policies that affirm the rights of Coloradans to live free from violence and threats. Finally, the Colorado Dream is built on freedom. Freedom to love who you love, to marry who you want to marry. Colorado celebrates love of all kinds. It is also knowing you always have the freedom to make your own decisions about reproductive health and abortion care–free from government interference. I’m proud to say that the Reproductive Health Equity Act is now law in Colorado. Thanks to the work of Rep. Froelich, Majority Leader Esgar, and the lawmakers who supported this law, we protected the right to an abortion in Colorado. Now that we have cemented the right to an abortion in state law, we will take steps to protect access to abortion care by protecting providers, expanding our health care workforce, and ensuring patients have the accurate medical information they need to make their own personal decisions without the interference of politicians or misleading pregnancy centers. Earlier, I asked you to consider what we can do to help Coloradans live their individual dreams. The roadmap is before us. Much of our important progress has been accomplished because Democrats and Republicans came together, rolled up their sleeves and delivered commonsense results for their constituents. There have been powerful examples of the lawmakers in this room putting people above partisanship. As this session begins, I want us all to pursue that same goal. Let’s put people above politics, and progress above partisanship to continue delivering results for all Coloradans. We were sent here not only to act, but to listen. Just as each of us listened as candidates, we are now called upon to listen as elected officials. But I hope we will always consider the respectful voices that come to the Capitol to advocate for their beliefs and the people in our state. Lawmaking is hard, and the process can be painful. No matter the challenge or frustration, My expectation is that we legislate inclusively and hear out all the voices that have an interest in our policy work. The outcome may not always reflect everyone’s wishes. I understand that isn’t always possible, but authentic engagement matters to the process and outcome. It’s clear that the policies we pass are stronger and longer-lasting when we consider the voices of Coloradans from every corner and community in the state. As we craft our legislation, offer amendments, and vote on bills, I want us all to recognize not only the historic diversity of this body, but also the importance of centering policies that are anti-racist and which combat antisemitism and hatred targeted at Colorado’s LGBTQ community. It is not enough just to listen and hear people from diverse backgrounds, we must advance policies that reflect the experiences and priorities they bring to this chamber. We will have difficult conversations about what it means to pass anti-racist legislation as historic inequities continue to hold back people of color and marginalized communities while denying too many Coloradans their fair shot. So as I urge lawmakers of both parties to push for pragmatic and inclusive solutions, I want to challenge members to see, truly see , the diversity of this body, and more importantly how that diversity must be put into action to build a state that supports the dreams of all Coloradans. Today, we recognize that we can and must forge a path forward where everyone can reach their dreams. For our ranchers who need sustainable water and good roads to get their products to market, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color living here, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For our small business owners, resort employees, ski instructors, rafters, hikers, campers and everyone who relies on our water, outdoors, and beautiful public spaces, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For LGBTQ Coloradans seeking safety, acceptance, hope, love, and the freedom to live life as you want, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For our students, teachers and parents who want higher pay for educators and more resources in their classrooms, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For all the women and girls in this room and in our state looking ahead to a brighter future, fair wages, more rights and freedoms and equal opportunity, your Colorado dream will be our focus. For anyone struggling to find an affordable place to live, a health care plan that doesn’t break the bank, or accessible high-quality child care options, your Colorado dream will be our focus. Coloradans have been through tough times, but we have a bright future ahead. Today, we reaffirm the foundational promise of good government–the contract we make when we stand up to serve that says we will always do what’s best for Colorado. Today, our work starts again. To make Colorado more affordable, to invest in our schools, to protect our air and water, to improve public safety, and protect our freedoms. Today, with love, integrity, boundless energy, and eternal optimism, we take the next steps to help every Coloradan live their dream. It is my honor and privilege to open the First Session of the 74th General Assembly. Let’s get to work. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. < Back May 3, 2024 McCluskie’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Colorado Water, Combat Drought Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed bipartisan legislation to protect Colorado’s water supply. Sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, SB24-197 would implement several recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force, including tactics to address the worsening drought conditions on the Colorado River. SB24-197 passed by a vote of 63 to 0. “By implementing recommendations from the Colorado River Drought Task Force, we’re taking steps now to secure Colorado’s water future,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon . “Drought conditions in the high country have jeopardized our way of life, and this bipartisan legislation addresses some of the challenges facing our water supply while preserving it for agriculture, outdoor recreation and household needs. To protect our water for generations to come, we need to tackle supply challenges head-on, and this bill works alongside community and industry leaders to protect this vital resource for all.” SB24-197 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Caitlin, R-Montrose, would implement some recommendations made by the Colorado River Drought Task Force including: Expansion of the Environmental Instream Flow Temporary Loan Program to allow the owner of a decreed storage water right to loan water to the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to preserve or improve the natural environment. Expansion of Colorado’s Agricultural Water Rights Protection Program which creates opportunities for agricultural water rights holders to make water temporarily available for other uses while maintaining water in agriculture. Protection of Industrial Water Rights for Hayden & Craig’s Power Generation Systems through 2050, which will allow the electric utilities or another entity to look into the viability of future energy generation technologies that could advance Colorado’s clean energy and greenhouse gas emission goals while keeping energy-producing jobs in the region. Improved access to Water Plan Implementation Grants for Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Nations which would allow the CWCB to waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grants to Tribal Nations and enterprises. In response to drought conditions, lawmakers passed SB23-295 , which created the Colorado River Drought Task Force . Last summer, the task force worked to develop water policy recommendations to be a guideline for new legislation, including SB24-197. Previous Next

< Back May 13, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO RESTRICT LAW ENFORCEMENT’S USE OF KETAMINE DENVER, CO– The House today advanced Representatives Leslie Herod and Yadira Caraveo’s bill to define the appropriate use of ketamine in law enforcement interactions. The bill passed on second reading. “For too long, ketamine has been misused during law enforcement interactions and outside of medical settings, and it has had dangerous, even deadly, consequences for Coloradans,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver . “This bill represents a bold step forward in our efforts to improve policing in our state and ensure all Coloradans feel safe and protected by law enforcement.” “Ketamine is not a drug that should be used lightly or without being able to verify basic medical information like a patient’s weight, medical history, and other relevant factors.” said Doctor Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton. “Colorado has already lost far too many lives due to the misuse of this powerful drug. My hope is that by passing this bill we’ll prevent the type of tragedy that took the life of Elijah McClain and so many more from ever happening again.” HB21-1251 limits the use of ketamine to subdue an individual in pre-hospital settings. The federal government has scheduled ketamine as a controlled substance due to its associated risk factors, and emergency medical service providers, here referred to as ‘paramedics,’ must seek waivers to administer ketamine since the drug is outside of their standard scope of practice. Studies show that rates of intubation for people injected with ketamine in a prehospital setting are dramatically higher than when it’s administered in an emergency department. The bill prohibits law enforcement from compelling, directing or unduly influencing a paramedic to chemically incapacitate someone by administering ketamine. For a paramedic to administer ketamine in a prehospital setting with law enforcement present, the paramedic must weigh an individual to ensure accurate dosage and if that’s not possible, at least two people present at the scene must agree with their weight estimation. The paramedic must be trained in the administration of ketamine and must attempt to obtain verbal authorization from a medical director before administering it. Lastly, there must be equipment on site to immediately monitor the person’s vital signs and provide urgent transport to a hospital. Among other changes, the bill requires a law enforcement officer to intervene and report to the POST board if they see another officer using ketamine on someone, which under the bill would constitute excessive use of force and could lead to permanent revocation of an officer’s POST certification if the incident results in death. Absent a justifiable medical emergency, a paramedic would be prohibited from using ketamine to sedate someone to aid in their arrest or restraint for alleged or suspected criminal conduct Previous Next

< Back April 20, 2021 YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IS ON THE WAY Committee approves Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s bill to invest $9 million into ensuring Colorado’s youth get the mental health support they need DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today advanced Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s bipartisan bill to dedicate $9 million to provide Colorado’s youth with free mental health screenings and follow-up therapy sessions if needed. The bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $700 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed committee by a vote of 12-1. “Colorado’s young people had enough to worry about before a global pandemic upended the way we live, learn, and work,” said Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “As we work to safely reopen our economy, vaccinate our way into herd immunity, and try to get life back to a semblance of normalcy, we have to deal with the youth mental health crisis head-on. This bill is a truly transformational and innovative way to get our kids the mental health support they need as we return to in-person learning.” HB21-1258 would create a temporary youth mental health services program in the Office of Behavioral Health within the Department of Human Services to facilitate access to mental health services for identified needs, including those that may have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program would provide any young person age 18 and under with an online mental health screening and would then reimburse providers for up to three mental health sessions. This support is intended to prepare children for the return to in-person learning and a review of stress management tools, and to make a plan for ongoing treatment when necessary. We estimate that this program can support up to 25,537 children . Previous Next

HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills < Back May 19, 2023 Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Environmental Damage from Landfills Becomes Law HB23-1194 invests $15 million to help local communities mitigate environmental risks of closed landfills DENVER, CO – Gov. Polis today signed bipartisan legislation to help local communities mitigate environmental damage caused by landfills. HB23-1194 invests $15 million toward a statewide grant program to support communities to reduce environmental and public health risks surrounding closed landfills. “I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation today to keep rural Coloradans safe from health hazards caused by closed landfills,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango . “No Coloradan should have to worry about health and safety issues stemming from landfills, and many local governments lack the financial resources to properly remediate them. This law, which responds to concerns from communities in Southwest Colorado, ensures our landfills will comply with state and federal laws to keep everyone safe from contaminants that damage our water, soil and ecosystems.” HB23-1194 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Rose Pugliese, helps local governments by supporting the environmental remediation and management of closed landfills. Specifically, this bill allocates $15 million to create the Closed Landfill Remediation Grant Program Fund to help communities mitigate hazardous environments caused by older landfills that are no longer accepting new waste. This bipartisan legislation will keep Colorado communities safe and healthy by mitigating the harmful environmental effects of closed landfills. Some environmental risk factors that can be caused by closed landfills include groundwater, soil and farmland contamination, hazardous gas accumulation and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Previous Next

< Back June 30, 2022 DEMOCRATS MOVE COLORADO FORWARD, DESPITE EGREGIOUS END TO SUPREME COURT TERM On reproductive health, climate, civil rights, and gun violence prevention, Democrats moved Colorado Forward and protected the Colorado Way of Life from an activist conservative Court intent on setting us back DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers in the Colorado House today released the following statements upon the conclusion of the Supreme Court’s latest term in which they issued egregious decisions overturning Roe v. Wade, blocking critical environmental protections, curtailing civil rights protections and limiting common-sense gun violence prevention measures. In Colorado, Democrats have passed legislation to codify abortion access, bolster civil rights protections, prevent gun violence to save lives, and achieve ambitious climate goals. “Colorado is leading the way. We’ve passed common sense gun violence prevention measures that save lives; enacted ambitious goals to protect our climate, public health, and our air and water; and we codified the right to an abortion in state law,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “Coloradans are rightfully upset that this Court continues to threaten the fundamental rights of all Americans, and I couldn’t be more proud of all the Democratic lawmakers who have fought to protect them.” “Abortion will remain safe and legal in Colorado,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Coloradans rights are still protected in state law despite unprecedented overreach from unaccountable Republican-appointed justices on the Supreme Court. I’m proud of the steps Democrats have taken to protect our Colorado way of life from a Court dead set on stripping away our rights.” “Republican-appointed justices have now eliminated the Constitutional right to an abortion, blocked the EPA from protecting the air we breathe, curtailed safeguards from civil rights violations, reversed life saving gun violence prevention measures, and are now poised to rip even more rights away,” said House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Colorado to protect our communities from the egregious Court decisions handed down in recent days. In Colorado, we’ve passed common-sense gun violence prevention measures, safeguards for civil rights, ambitious climate goals and strong protections for our air and water, and we won’t let our guard down.” Colorado Democrats protected abortion rights in state law: Sponsored by Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood and House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, the Reproductive Health Equity Act codified 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. Colorado Democrats set ambitious emissions reduction goals, ensuring Colorado leads the way in the battle to fight climate change and improve our air quality HB19-1261: Climate Change Action Plan, by former Speaker and current EPA Region 8 Administrator KC Becker and former Rep. Dominique Jackson This law set statewide goals to reduce carbon pollution within an established timeline and required the Air Quality Control Commission to promulgate rules to do so. This legislation made Colorado a national leader in fighting climate change and is a bold step in mitigating the catastrophic risks of this threat. HB21-1266: Environmental Justice for Disproportionately Impacted Communities, by Representatives Jackson & Weissman and Senators Winter & Buckner This law helped ensure Colorado will meet our emissions reduction goals while providing a voice to communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change. In enacting this law, Colorado Democrats directed more resources to communities in transition away from fossil fuels, eliminated the “polluter pay loophole” that exempted greenhouse gas emissions from pollution fees, and empowered Colorado’s air regulators with enforcement mechanisms to ensure emissions reductions in the energy and oil and gas sectors by 2030. Critical PUC Reforms to Reach Our Climate Goals The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) plays a critical role in transitioning our state to a renewable energy future and meeting our greenhouse gas reduction goals. These laws refocused the commission on addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice. They advance solar energy; transition Colorado to a regionally connected transmission system to increase reliability and decrease costs for consumers; establish energy saving targets for natural gas; encourage energy efficiency programs; ensure a pathway for utilities to reduce their emission by 2030; and support effective energy consumption management by utilities. SB21-261: Measures to Encourage Renewable Energy SB21-272: Measures To Modernize The Public Utilities Commission SB21-072: Measures to Modernize Electric Transmission Infrastructure HB21-1238: Measures to Modernize Gas Utility Standards Colorado Democrats passed common-sense gun violence prevention measures: HB19-1177: Extreme Risk Protection Orders , by Speaker Garnett & Representative Sullivan and Senator Pettersen The law gave family members and law enforcement a tool to petition a judge to temporarily remove firearms from someone who is a significant risk to themselves or others. ERPOs save lives by creating a way to act before warning signs escalate into tragedies. With the federal gun safety legislation signed into law this week encouraging states to adopt ERPO legislation, many states will be looking to Colorado for its model legislation. SB21-078: Lost Or Stolen Firearms , by Senators Jaquez Lewis & Danielson and Representatives Sullivan & Herod Lost and stolen guns are contributing to increasing numbers of crimes, both within Colorado and nationwide, and the lack of reporting data makes it difficult to prevent weapons from getting into the hands of people who are otherwise prohibited from owning them. SB21-078 helped rectify this situation by enacting a reporting requirement for lost or stolen guns. HB21-1106: Safe Storage Of Firearms , by Representatives Duran & Mullica and Senators Bridges & Hansen The vast majority of Colorado gun owners are responsible with their firearms. This law promotes responsible gun ownership by requiring that firearms be safely stored when there is the potential for children or unauthorized users to access the weapons, and created an educational campaign around how and why to properly store firearms. HB21-1255: Protection Order Issued Against Domestic Abuser , by Representatives Duran & Gray and Senators Jaquez Lewis & Pettersen This law strengthened procedures for the relinquishment of firearms by someone who has a domestic violence-related protection order issued against them, in order to better protect the safety of domestic violence victims. HB21-1298: Expand Firearm Transfer Background Check Requirements , by Representatives Amabile & Woodrow and Senators Gonzales & Pettersen This law prohibits a person who has been convicted of certain violent misdemeanor offenses from purchasing a firearm for five years. The law also closes the “Charleston loophole” to ensure that everyone who purchases a firearm has first passed a background check. HB21-1299: Office Of Gun Violence Prevention , by Representatives Sullivan & Bacon and Senators Fields & Hansen This law established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to educate the public about gun violence prevention through public awareness campaigns including how to file an Extreme Risk Protection Order, how to access mental health resources, and how to store firearms securely. The Office funds proven community-based violence intervention programs that are focused on interrupting cycles of gun violence and facilitate gun violence prevention research in Colorado. Previous Next

< Back May 5, 2022 COLORADO ELECTION SECURITY ACT ADVANCES GOP election conspiracy theories on full display as Republican lawmakers oppose bipartisan, common-sense measures to protect elections from insider threats DENVER, CO – The House today advanced the Colorado Election Security Act on a preliminary vote. “Colorado is taking steps to defend our elections from insider threats and “Big Lie” conspiracy theorists who have used their positions to jeopardize our elections,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver. “Our gold standard elections system leads the way nationally when it comes to voter access and election security. This common sense legislation strengthens our elections system and will hold people accountable when they break the law and tamper with election equipment. It also bars anyone convicted of an election crime from overseeing our elections.” “Conservative leaders in the legislature used the debate on this bill to attack our election system and spread baseless and unproven conspiracy theories,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood , chair of the House State, Civic, Military and Veterans Committee that held the initial hearing on the bill. “It’s important to pass this common sense legislation, which is supported by the county clerks, to prevent insider threats and protect our democracy. It’s a shame that GOP lawmakers refuse to support this bill and have become too blinded by partisan rhetoric to see that this bill is simply common sense and should have their support.” SB22-153 , the Colorado Election Security Act, is sponsored by Representative Lontine. The bill will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. Republicans ran an amendment that would allow county clerks to copy sensitive hard drives with voting information and provide them to whomever they wish–the exact actions Clerk Tina Peters has been accused of taking that led to her indictment. SB22-153 also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access. The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to protect Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizes anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice. The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code. Previous Next

The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. < Back April 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Legislation to Overhaul Judicial Discipline and Improve Transparency Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed two bipartisan bills and a resolution sponsored by Representative Mike Weissman, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch to improve judicial discipline and transparency in Colorado. The legislative package, which includes a resolution to refer a constitutional amendment to the ballot, is the result of recommendations by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline. “The passage of this legislation and constitutional amendment are the direct result of the constructive, deliberative work conducted by the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to increase transparency and restore trust in Colorado’s court system,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Aurora. “Our bipartisan measures work in tandem to modernize our state’s judicial discipline system, simplify the process for filing judicial complaints and prioritize those seeking justice. Independent oversight of the judicial branch strengthens our courts and gives Coloradans a direct avenue for reporting misconduct.” “I am glad to see that our hard work and bipartisan collaboration have come together for the people of Colorado on these bills. They aim to bring important reforms to Colorado's judicial system through a rare but necessary modification to the state constitution,” said Minority Leader Mike Lynch, R-Wellington . “This is a result of carefully thought-out remedies to address issues apparent in our judiciary system. Our legislation will provide much needed transparency and hopefully restore confidence where needed.” “Transparency and trust go hand-in-hand, and this modernization of Colorado’s judicial discipline process will increase clarity for all involved,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, D-Denver. “This bipartisan legislation creates a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for employees to report misconduct anonymously. The creation of an ombudsman office addresses staff issues in the department. While not all issues stem from judges, this bill expands state’s judicial discipline reporting system, which will help rebuild public trust in our courts.” In 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed SB22-201 , which created the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline to review and modernize judicial oversight in Colorado. Today, the House passed three measures to overhaul the state’s judicial discipline process, which to date has been largely conducted out of the public eye, with less information available to the public about discipline proceedings than is available in other states, and without mechanisms to provide timely updates to complainants themselves. HCR23-1001 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. If passed by voters in the November 2024 general election, this constitutional amendment would restore balance to Colorado’s judicial system by limiting the Supreme Court’s current power over discipline proceedings. Under this bipartisan constitutional amendment, complaints against judges would be addressed by the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline and a newly created Independent Judicial Discipline Adjudicative Board. The commission would handle initial proceedings and later, formal proceedings would be handled by the board, which will be comprised evenly of a judge, attorney, and civilian members. HB23-1019 , sponsored by Rep. Mike Weissman and Minority Leader Mike Lynch, passed the House unanimously. In an effort to increase judicial discipline transparency, this bill would require the Commission on Judicial Discipline to report and publicize aggregated information on the complaints it receives and investigations it conducts regarding judges and the type of discipline imposed or recommended. HB23-1019 allows Coloradans to submit a request for evaluation to the commission online and requires the commission to provide updates to complainants about the status of investigations into their complaints. HB23-1205 , sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Minority Leader Mike Lynch passed the House by vote of 53 to 10. This bill would create an external, independent Office of the Judicial Discipline Ombudsman so judicial department employees can seek guidance about workplace issues and possible situations of judicial or staff misconduct. Under this bill, the ombudsman office would create and maintain an anonymous reporting system for employees, investigate claims, and report grievance trends to the Commission on Judicial Discipline, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, law enforcement, and the judicial department. This legislation aims to create a safe, clear path outside of the judicial department for judicial employees to report misconduct, without fear of retaliation or their claims not being taken seriously. Previous Next