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< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO LOWER THE COST OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Democrats working to lower the cost of health care (May 1) – Rep. Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ bill to reduce the price consumers pay for prescription medications passed in the House on second reading. The bill will allow the wholesale importation of prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for resale to Colorado pharmacies. “As a pharmacist, I know there are many Coloradans who are having to choose between feeding their families or the life-saving drugs they depend on,” said Rep. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We’ve seen drug price increases of nearly 500 percent that are drowning patients. The ability to import prescription drugs from Canada will help lower the cost of health care for hardworking families.” Rep. Jaquez Lewis is a licensed pharmacist. As amended in the House Health and Insurance committee, SB19-005 creates the “Colorado Wholesale Importation of Prescription Drugs Act” where the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will apply for a waiver under federal law to contract with a vendor. The vendor will design and implement a program to import prescription pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado pharmacies. The program design must ensure both drug safety and cost savings for Colorado consumers. “Republicans in Congress are failing to help lower the cost of health care, and this is a commonsense approach that can help Colorado cut the cost of medication,” Rep. Jaquez Lewis added. SB19-005 passed on a a voice-vote. A final vote will take place at a later date. If approved, the bill goes back to the Senate for approval of amendments. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill into law to help reduce the number of stolen guns in Colorado communities by increasing the penalty for certain firearm thefts. < Back June 2, 2025 Gov Signs Duran, Hinrichsen Bill to Crack Down on Gun Theft DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan bill into law to help reduce the number of stolen guns in Colorado communities by increasing the penalty for certain firearm thefts. “Whether a gun costs $100 or $10,000, it can cause tragic, irreversible loss, and the penalty for firearm theft should be the same across the board,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Colorado Democrats have passed numerous bills to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands, but firearm theft acts as a loophole to these gun violence prevention measures and threatens the safety of our communities. Our bipartisan law ensures that the price of the weapon does not dictate the penalty of the crime, helping drive down gun violence and address the epidemic of firearm theft.” “One of my top priorities as an elected official has been to pass legislation that ensures every Coloradan can live in a safe and thriving community,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Firearm theft of any kind increases the risk of violent crime for everyone, and we must do more to prevent such crimes before they occur. This bipartisan policy has been a multi-year effort, and I’m proud that this year we were able to get it across the finish line and see HB1062 signed into law.” Currently, the penalty for firearm theft can range from a petty offense to a class 2 felony, depending on the value of the stolen firearm. HB25-1062 , also sponsored by Representative Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, will make theft of any firearm a class 6 felony. Over 3,500 firearms were stolen in Colorado between 2019 and 2023. It is reported that 70-percent of those firearms were recovered, and criminal charges were filed.Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. This year, Colorado Democrats passed a law to help firearm dealers identify firearms that have been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. Previous Next

< Back August 10, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS LAW CHAMPIONED BY STORY, ROBERTS GOES INTO EFFECT New law will help communities better prepare for dangerous wildfires DENVER, CO – A new law, championed by Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, and Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, to ensure Colorado communities have the resources necessary to prepare for future wildfires, went into effect today. Many remote communities in Colorado face wildfire risk, but lack the necessary resources to fight fires. As a result, some fire districts rely on local, remote ponds in emergencies to quickly refill water tanks and suppress small fires, but first responders are not always able to use remote ponds for firefighting. SB22-114 preserves critical fire suppression ponds and ensures that communities at risk of dangerous wildfires are equipped with the resources necessary to suppress fires and keep residents safe. “The threat of wildfires continues to grow, and it’s important that we’re as prepared as possible to handle them,” said Story. “We worked hard this year to help prevent wildfires while making sure our neighbors have the tools and resources they need to rebuild and recover. This new law is just one of many policies we passed that will help us prepare for future emergencies and keep our communities safe.” “These days in Colorado, wildfire season lasts year round, which means we have to be prepared to respond at any moment and give our brave first responders every possible tool they need to do their jobs,” said Roberts. “That is why I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass this new law that will ensure firefighters have access to water to fight fires effectively and supported many efforts this year to add critical funding resources for wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response.” During the 2022 legislative session, Colorado Democrats passed several measures to support rebuilding efforts after disaster emergencies , improve insurance claims processes following wildfire disasters , and fund efforts to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires . SB22-206 establishes two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters. It allocates $15 million to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency, as well as $20 million to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures and $15.5 million for improved wildfire firefighting resources. Colorado Democrats also passed HB22-1379 , which invests $20 million in federal pandemic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. Previous Next

Representatives Tisha Mauro and Matthew Martinez yesterday hosted a town hall with Pueblo school district officials on new laws that will increase K-12 public education funding for Pueblo schools and make college free for the first two years for families making under $90,000 per year. < Back August 8, 2024 Rep. Mauro, Rep. Martinez Host Town Hall on Increased EDU Funding for Pueblo, Southern Colorado PUEBLO, CO - Representatives Tisha Mauro and Matthew Martinez yesterday hosted a town hall with Pueblo school district officials on new laws that will increase K-12 public education funding for Pueblo schools and make college free for the first two years for families making under $90,000 per year. “This 2024 legislative session was monumental for Colorado students, educators, and schools as we eliminated the budget stabilization factor and increased public school funding for communities like Pueblo,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our new laws will help increase teacher pay in Pueblo, reduce the cost of higher education for families, and help every student have the resources in the classroom they need to thrive. I am proud of the work we accomplished this session for our students, and it was a pleasure to highlight these efforts alongside school officials and answer questions from community members.” “As an educator, I have experienced firsthand how the lack of funding in a classroom can impact students’ education, which is why I am so proud that we delivered historic wins for Colorado schools and students this session,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “The new, student-focused school finance formula and increased state support for K-12 education will mean that schools in the San Luis Valley, Pueblo, and Southern Colorado will have the resources they need to set up our students for success. I’m excited for Southern Colorado students and schools to finally receive the funding they deserve.” HB24-1448 significantly updated Colorado’s school finance formula for the first time in 30 years. It directs more funding to districts that serve higher numbers of low-income students, English Language Learners, at-risk, and special education students. The new formula will increase funding for Pueblo School District 70 by almost $1.5 million more per year, or $9 million after the program is fully implemented in six years. Pueblo School District 60 will receive $900,000 more per year, or $6 million more after implementation. SB24-188 increases total funding for public schools by more than $500 million to 9.7 billion and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that helps ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve. HB24-1340 supports two years of in-state college for students in families earning less than $90,000, making higher education more attainable for families. This law creates a refundable state income tax credit for Colorado students in their first two years of attendance (based on credit hours accumulated) at any public Colorado institution of higher education. The credit provides reimbursement for the full amount of tuition and fees paid after accounting for any scholarships or grants the student received. The credit can be claimed by a parent or other taxpayer if the student is their dependent, and is available for the 2024-25 school year through 2031-32. Previous Next

< Back April 26, 2022 HOUSE COMMITTEE CLEARS BIPARTISAN BILLS TO IMPROVE YOUTH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ACCESS TO FOOD Legislation directs more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to improve outcomes for Colorado youth through behavioral health programs and healthy food access DENVER, CO – The House Public and Behavioral Health and Human Services Committee passed three bipartisan bills to improve outcomes for Colorado’s youth and most vulnerable residents. These bills invest more than $27 million in federal pandemic relief funds to expand behavioral health programs for children and improve youth access to healthy food. “Our neighbors have not been immune to the rising cost of groceries, which is why we are investing federal funds to make it easier for Coloradans in the most vulnerable communities to access healthy, nutritious foods,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1380. “The Community Food Access Program is the right move for better connecting low-income Coloradans with the services they need while supporting small businesses in the process.” Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380 , sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals. This bill invests $8 million to create the Community Food Access Program to support small food retailers and small farmers to ensure underserved communities have access to healthy, fresh foods through a consortium and grant program. The program supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, and one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen Colorado’s food value chain. The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit programs; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients. HB22-1380 passed committee by a unanimous vote. “We are tackling Colorado’s youth behavioral health crisis from multiple angles,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of SB22-147. “During my career as a school psychologist, I experienced firsthand the behavioral health improvement possible when students and their families had access to the right services. This substantial investment of federal relief funds will expand youth access to critical behavioral health care.” Behavioral Health Care Services for Youth and Families: SB22-147 , sponsored by Representatives Mary Young and Rod Pelton, aims to improve access to behavioral health care services for youth and families by utilizing $11.1 million of federal relief funds distributed through three programs. $4.6 million will support the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program (CoPPCAP) which provides support and assistance to primary care providers and pediatricians to help identify and treat children with behavioral health needs. $5 million will go toward increasing the number of school health professionals who can provide behavioral health services to students, while $1.5 million will expand school-based health centers in Colorado. SB22-147 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. “Stressful and traumatic conditions can have negative, long-term impacts on the behavioral health of our youngest kids,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, sponsor of HB22-1369. “We’re using federal relief dollars to invest in our youth’s behavioral health through the creation of early intervention and home-based prevention programs tailored towards children and their families experiencing chronic stress or trauma.” Children’s Mental Health Programs: HB22-1369 , sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Rod Pelton, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home. This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences. HB22-1369 passed committee by a vote of 10-0. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker on a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. < Back March 27, 2025 Legislation to Strengthen Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Advances DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation sponsored by Representative Yara Zokaie and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker on a preliminary vote to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws. “Under threat of the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “When someone is wronged, we have a duty to create a pathway to justice. I’m sponsoring this legislation to uphold our shared values of fairness, dignity, and equality under Colorado law and better protect Coloradans who experience discrimination.” “This bill addresses unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “From housing discrimination to inaccessible building entrances, Coloradans with disabilities have faced barriers to access for far too long. This legislation provides crucial recourse to people with disabilities and other victims of discrimination to ensure they can receive the justice they deserve.” HB25-1239 expands protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. This bill would allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the bill, victims would be able to pursue attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party. Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury are limited to $50,000, and a defendant is entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days after the complaint is filed and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly made or caused the violation. Previous Next

The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back April 3, 2024 Lindsay, Froelich Bill to Protect Renters from Unsafe Housing Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Mindy Lindsay and Meg Froelich that would update existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. SB24-094 passed by a vote of 8-3. “Every renter deserves for their home to be a safe place to live, yet loopholes in our tenant laws have left Coloradans in dangerous living situations,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “These unsafe living situations negatively impact the health and safety of renters, and our current laws fail to hold landlords accountable for providing necessary repairs. With this legislation, we’re clarifying our Warranty of Habitability laws to protect Colorado renters and ensure their right to safe and healthy housing.” “From broken elevators to no access to running water, Colorado renters have struggled with ongoing maintenance issues that make it difficult for families, elders, and Coloradans with a disability to live their day-to-day lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “No one should be forced to deal with these living situations. Our bill would ensure that renters have the right to timely repairs for mold, sewage leaks, and other serious issues to avoid preventable housing-related health conditions.” Colorado’s current “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice, most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions don’t receive the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. SB24-094 would modify existing warranty of habitability laws by: Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that impact a tenant’s life, safety, or health. Requiring landlords to include in leases that tenants are entitled to safe and healthy housing and cannot be retaliated against for requesting repairs. Protecting tenants against having to use their own rental insurance to pay for repairs that fall under the warranty of habitability, which drives up their premiums. Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units they provide with the unit when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices. Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law or otherwise seek monetary damages. Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities. Previous Next

< Back April 7, 2021 FROELICH BILLS TO DEFEND COLORADO FAMILIES ADVANCE UNANIMOUSLY Two proposals from Rep. Meg Froelich to support domestic violence survivors and parents in custody court were approved by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed two of Representative Meg Froelich’s bills to increase domestic violence training requirements and update child support statues. “Giving court personnel the training they need to identify and assess instances of domestic violence will make their jobs easier and hopefully save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The many tragic stories we heard in committee today demonstrate how critical it is for us to be better prepared to deal with domestic violence in the courts. I’m proud of the work the committee did today to stand up for families and ensure our statutes and courts are up-to-date and ready to serve Colorado.” HB21-1228 would clarify and increase domestic violence training requirements for court personnel who frequently deal with cases related to domestic matters, such as custody disputes. Training for all personnel includes both an initial training as well as an ongoing annual continuing education. The training would encompass domestic violence and its traumatic effects on children, adults and families. This bill is directly responsive to cases of domestic violence in Colorado, including the tragic murder of 10 year old Ty Tesoriero . The bill passed 13-0. HB21-1220 would update Colorado’s statutes by enacting the recommendations of the Colorado Child Support Commission regarding how child support is enforced and calculated. Among the changes made are provisions that would reduce the interest rate on unpaid child support, clarify which courts that have jurisdiction over child support matters, as well as technical amendments and provisions updating outdated language. The bill passed 13-0. Previous Next

< Back January 17, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES RENEWABLE ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION BILLS (Jan. 17) – The House Energy and Environment Committee approved two renewable energy and water conservation related bills today, the first step in the House Democrats’ commitment to protecting our unique quality of life. “Deploying more renewable energy in Colorado is good for our economy and good for our planet,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “It will put more money back into the pockets of Coloradans and ensure we protect our unique environment and quality of life.” HB19-1003 will expand access to renewable energy for communities and individuals across Colorado. It will update Colorado’s community solar statute to allow customers to benefit from clean, low-cost energy even if they don’t have a rooftop solar option. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 7-3 and now heads to Appropriations Committee. The committee also approved Rep. Brianna Titone’s first bill this session on water conservation. HB19-1050 will help promote water-efficient landscaping on property subject to management by local supervisory entities. “In many homeowners associations, water is about a third of their budget,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “It is very important that we are being responsible with the usage of our water, especially on the Front Range and in our rural communities who have been hit hard by the ongoing drought.” Even as Colorado and other western states suffer from drought and severe water shortages, members of homeowners associations as well as residents of some metropolitan special districts often pay exorbitant water bills to satisfy requirements in their by-laws. By-laws can be written in a way that makes changing them time-consuming, burdensome, and cost prohibitive for an association or district. Allowing homeowner associations and special district boards to modify their master landscaping plans, will save water and lower costs. HB19-1050 passed by a bipartisan vote of 8-2. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. Previous Next

House Democrats today elected Representative Elizabeth Velasco to serve as co-whip on the majority leadership team for the 75th General Assembly. < Back January 10, 2025 House Democrats Elect Representative Elizabeth Velasco to Leadership Team for 75th General Assembly DENVER, CO - House Democrats today elected Representative Elizabeth Velasco to serve as co-whip on the majority leadership team for the 75th General Assembly. “I am proud to welcome Representative Velasco to the leadership team to join me in uplifting Western Slope voices in the House,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Rep. Velasco is a strong advocate for Colorado’s rural communities and has worked to bolster Colorado’s emergency response systems, improve wildfire-related grants, and generate new funding for land and wildlife habitat conservation and restoration. Her dedication to her communities is evident in the thoughtful and effective legislation she has passed in her first term as a legislator. I’m thankful for Sen. Iman Jodeh’s hard work and dedication to serving our caucus, and I look forward to working alongside Rep. Velasco as she carries forward the work to make our communities a more affordable and safer place for all.” “Representative Velasco has demonstrated great leadership during her time in our caucus, passing legislation that saves Coloradans money, protects our freedoms, and prevents senseless gun violence, and her new role on the leadership team will help us accomplish more for the people of Colorado,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As the first immigrant lawmaker from Mexico, Rep. Velasco will work tirelessly to protect our immigrant communities, safeguard our air and water and prioritize working families at the legislature.” “I’m honored to have been elected to the leadership team by my caucus, and I am committed to helping us pass legislation that advances our priorities and protects the rights and freedoms of Coloradans,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “As a Western Slope legislator, I will work to ensure voices in my community are heard by championing legislation that will protect Colorado’s waters, combat wildfire threats, and make our state a more affordable place to live. Being the first Mexican-born state representative to serve in Colorado, I know how important immigrants are in communities across our state and the struggles they face. I’m thankful that the Colorado House Democrats have put their trust in me to help guide our caucus as we build on our successes of reducing health care costs, supporting our ranchers and agriculture workers, and protecting the freedoms of all Coloradans.” Rep. Velasco succeeds Iman Jodeh, who was selected for the Colorado State Senate District 29 seat on January 6, 2025. Rep. Velasco joins co-whip Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista, who was elected to the leadership team in November 2024. Rep. Velasco was elected to the State House in 2022 to represent House District 57, which encompasses Western Slope communities in Eagle, Garfield, and Pitkin counties. She is the first Mexican-born state representative in Colorado history, the first Latina legislator from the Western Slope, and the first open LGBTQ legislator in Western Colorado. Her accomplishments include making Colorado communities more resilient to wildfire damage , preventing gun violence by strengthening firearm storage requirements, boosting funding for community organizations that provide the tools immigrants need to build a life in Colorado, and improving water quality and tenant protections in mobile home parks. She serves as the Chair of the Wildfire Matters Interim Committee, Vice Chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee and a member of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources and House Appropriations committees. Previous Next

< Back November 5, 2020 NEW HOUSE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TEAM ELECTED Garnett elected to serve as Speaker, Esgar as Majority Leader DENVER, CO — Colorado House Democrats today elected Rep. Alec Garnett, D-Denver, to serve as Speaker of the Colorado House; Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, to serve as Majority Leader; Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, to serve as Assistant Majority Leader; Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Chairs, and Reps. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, to serve as Majority Caucus Co-Whips. With 41 members, the caucus will continue to hold the largest Democratic majority since 1965. Speaker-designee Garnett served as the House Majority Leader in the 72nd General Assembly in which Democrats passed historic and ambitious legislation to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, protect our environment and lower the cost of health care. He represents HD-02, which includes parts of Denver and is the youngest House district in the state. His election will be official when the House convenes for the first day of the 2021 legislative session in January. “In this election, Coloradans continued to place their trust in Democratic leadership, and it is a privilege to lead our state forward to help Colorado build back stronger,” said Speaker-designate Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “House Democrats are committed to forging an economic recovery where every Coloradan has a fair shot at success. We will put students and teachers first and protect the Colorado we love by preserving our clean air and water. With a diverse caucus that is 68 percent women, we will fight for all our communities, regardless of party, and advance justice for those who too often have seen it denied.” House Democrats elected Rep. Esgar to serve as Majority Leader. Rep. Esgar is the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) and represents HD-46, which includes parts of Pueblo County. She led the JBC as it responsibly crafted a balanced state budget during the worst economic and public health crisis in a generation and has been a strong voice for Southern Colorado at the state capitol. She is a founding member and former chair of the Colorado LGBTQ legislative caucus. “We have a lot of hard work ahead, and I am humbled Coloradans have overwhelmingly chosen Democrats to continue leading in the House.” said House Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and bring my Southern Colorado values to the leadership table and to continue fighting for our essential and hardworking state employees. I’m excited to get to work for families and for Coloradans across our state to lower the cost of health care, build an economy that works for all, and always prioritize our students and teachers.” Rounding out the leadership team are: Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, as Assistant Majority Leader: Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Littleton, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, as Caucus Co-Chairs: Representatives Monica Duran, D-Wheat-Ridge, and Kyle Mullica, D-Northglenn, as Caucus Co-Whips: Previous Next

The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. < Back March 29, 2023 Hospital Community-Benefit Bill Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation to bolster community-based health care services across the state. It passed by a vote of 8-3. “Hospitals can claim state non-profit status, which exempts them from state sales and property taxes, but in return, they must allocate time and money on programs that benefit the community,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This legislation provides some parameters for how that money can be spent to increase access to the services communities need, improve community input in the process, and lower the cost of care. By strengthening guidelines for hospitals’ community benefit spending, Coloradans will receive health care services that better fit the needs of their communities.” HB23-1243 centers hospitals’ community benefit spending around local under-privileged communities by incorporating community feedback into the community benefit implementation plan and restricting the amount of out-of-state spending that can be counted as “community benefit” spending. The bill would also require each reporting hospital to seek feedback from their community during its annual proposed community benefit implementation plan, submit a detailed report about any discussions or decisions at the annual meeting, make the report public, and execute a community benefit plan that addresses the needs of the community as discussed in the annual meeting to better understand the impact of the spending has on the health of Coloradans. Under the bill, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) would be required to hold stakeholder meetings to ensure low-income residents, people of color, people with disabilities, and others are fairly represented in the hospital’s community benefit spending plan. HCPF would also create an annual report that summarizes the estimated federal and state tax exemptions of each reporting hospital, establish a minimum annual community investment requirement, and sets compliance requirements for hospitals. HCPF would be able to apply corrective action or fines for reporting hospitals that do not abide by the guidelines set by this bill. Additionally, the bill enhances existing public meeting requirements and ensures representation from the tribal council and Urban Indian Organization who have hospitals within their communities. Institutions of higher learning will also be represented to help bring meaningful input into discussions on spending. Previous Next