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The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. < Back November 19, 2023 Bill to Combat Child Hunger Votes Through House Committee DENVER, CO – The House Appropriations Committee today passed legislation to combat child hunger by taking advantage of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program and providing students with nutrition assistance during summer break. “No child in Colorado should go hungry, which is why we’re taking advantage of federal funding to feed more kids across our state,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Colorado is stepping up to ensure more than 300,000 students have healthy food during the summer months through expanded EBT benefits. Our students deserve access to healthy, nutritious food even when they’re not in school, and this legislation sets our state on a path forward to combating child hunger.” “One in nine Colorado kids face hunger, and it only gets worse during the summer months without school meals, stretching families already strapped budgets,” said Rep. Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County . “The federal government recently expanded summer nutrition assistance funding, and we’re jumping on this opportunity in Colorado to feed more children during the summer months. This program is a proven method to reduce childhood hunger. Our legislation will feed more than 300,000 Colorado kids during the summer, making it easier for our students to receive the food they need to grow and learn.” SB23B-002 , which passed by a vote of 7-4 would allocate an estimated $35 million to expand EBT benefits, which would help families purchase groceries from SNAP retailers during the summer months when child hunger is most severe. Families with children eligible for the national free and reduced-price school meals program will receive $40 a month per eligible child for the summer benefit in 2024, to be adjusted for inflation in following years. The Summer EBT Program was established in December 2022 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, with the program beginning in the summer of 2024. By taking action now, Colorado is a national leader on this issue. Ten other states indicated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that they intend to do so next year, which would postpone their program’s start until 2025. Previous Next

The Governor today signed into law legislation that will better balance the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly during times of economic uncertainty. < Back August 28, 2025 Bill to Increase Oversight & Collaboration Between Executive & Legislative Branches During Revenue Shortfalls Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law legislation that will better balance the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly during times of economic uncertainty. Previously, the Governor had broad unilateral authority to suspend programs and services during a revenue shortfall via executive order. SB25B-001 now requires the Governor to notify the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) of executive orders to reduce spending and requires the JBC to promptly meet with the executive branch to discuss the plan. Earlier today, JBC met to hear from Governor Polis and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting on his executive order to suspend certain spending during the current fiscal year. “Strong collaboration between the executive and legislative branches helps to create a more efficient government,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “This new law improves collaboration during times when it is arguably most important, times when the state faces revenue shortfalls that require spending reductions. This is a step in the right direction to ensuring the General Assembly has a stronger voice in these critical decision-making processes.” “When Congressional Republicans passed Trump’s tax bill last month, it immediately blew a billion-dollar hole in this year’s state budget, putting us in a position to make difficult spending cuts,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “The law signed today strengthens collaboration by bringing the Joint Budget Committee to the table, when previously the Governor had sole power to make cuts to programs and services during a revenue shortfall. With this law, we can encourage a more balanced approach to fill the revenue hole that was caused by the reckless federal GOP budget.” “In times of economic uncertainty, the executive and legislative branches must work together to do what’s best for the people of Colorado,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The Joint Budget Committee works year round to ensure that we’re budgeting responsibly, and it is only right that we have a seat at the table when the Governor is making spending reductions. This legislation is critical to ensuring that collaboration and updating spending reduction triggers to better reflect the current size of our reserves, which Democrats have worked hard to build up since the COVID pandemic.” “Because of Trump’s corporate giveaways, we are forced to make cuts to our budget. This legislation will help us make well-informed, data-driven decisions to minimize the harm caused by Congressional Republicans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Creating a responsible and thoughtful process to reduce state spending is a much better approach than the legislature rebalancing the budget on the fly, without any analysis from our nonpartisan staff, data or input from the Joint Budget Committee. We’re balancing the Governor’s authority, improving transparency and updating spending reduction triggers to better serve the people of Colorado.” The bill balances the authority between the Governor and the General Assembly by ensuring the JBC is involved in decision-making processes early on and by adding guardrails to the executive branch’s existing authority to help ensure that they continue to meet and implement legislative directives. The bill also updates the triggers requiring spending reductions to more accurately reflect economic pressures and the current status of the reserve, which Democrats have worked to build up to 15 percent since the COVID pandemic when it fell below four percent. In addition to the triggers in existing law, the bill adds that if a revenue estimate indicates that the state is on track to use an amount of the reserve equal to three percent of the general fund appropriations for that fiscal year (e.g. around $490 million for FY26), the Governor must take action to reduce spending. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). < Back March 20, 2024 Bill to Create a State Office for Coloradans with Disabilities Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Chad Clifford that would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO). “With 20 percent of Coloradans living with at least one disability, lack of basic access can make it difficult to find or maintain a career that accommodates their needs and pays their bills,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’re creating a permanent state office that will advocate for stronger support for Coloradans with disabilities so they have the same access opportunities as able-bodied Coloradans. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation so we can continue breaking down barriers to success and create a more equitable Colorado for all.” “People with disabilities have higher rates of poverty and employment, which is why this legislation is crucial in helping Coloradans build a successful life for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By creating the Office of Opportunities of Coloradans with Disabilities, Coloradans will have better access to the good-paying jobs and education they deserve, so they have a fair shot at building a strong future.” HB24-1360 would create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The goal of this office would be to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for people with disabilities and promote successful economic, social, and community integration. The bill unanimously passed by a vote of 11-0. Rep. Ortiz has been a long-time champion for disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He has led the charge in passing multiple bills to ensure Coloradans with a disability have the opportunity for legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities task force, and trailblazing two right to repair laws for wheelchair users. Previous Next

< Back April 16, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES CUTTER’S MEDIA LITERACY BILL (Apr. 16) – The House approved a bill sponsored by Representative Lisa Cutter, D-Evergreen, that creates a media literacy advisory committee within the Department of Education. It’s important for Colorado students become more educated about the media and the role it plays in our society. “As a country, our decisions are only as good as the information we take in to form our opinions,” said Rep. Cutter. “The media landscape has changed dramatically in the last few decades. Colorado’s students are facing the largest and most complex information landscape in human history.” This effort will help enrich Colorado’s students and their overall learning experience. The bill creates a media literacy advisory committee within the state Department of Education that will work with a consultant to study media literacy, including best practices and available resources, and then report back with recommendations for the House and Senate Education Committees. Cutter hopes to sponsor legislation in the future using these recommendations to implement media literacy studies in elementary and secondary education. “The goal of this bill is to ultimately provide educators with the tools necessary to help our youth better understand the world around them and be equipped to navigate it more effectively,” Rep. Cutter added. At a March hearing on the bill, the Associated Press and Colorado Press Association testified in support of this bill, among others. A recent academic study shows that 82 percent of middle school students could not distinguish the difference between real news stories and advertisements. HB19-1110 passed the House Education committee on a bipartisan vote of 8-5. The House approved the bill on a vote of 40-23. The bill now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 26, 2021 BIOMASS UTILIZATION STUDY ADVANCES DENVER, CO– Representative Donald Valdez’s bipartisan bill to commission a study about biomass utilization and its benefits passed the House of second reading today. “Biomass has the potential to improve soil health, benefit watersheds, aid in carbon sequestration, and serve as a crucial forest fire prevention tool,” said Rep. Donald Valdez, D-La Jara. “This study will give us the data we need to make informed decisions about the future of biomass in Colorado. I’m proud of the bipartisan effort that led to commissioning this study, and will remain engaged as we move forward on this important issue of shared stewardship.” HB21-1180 requires the State Forest Service to conduct a study of biomass utilization. The study will consult various state agencies, local officials who serve communities in the wildland-urban interface, and other interested stakeholders to prepare a report that must be presented by March 1, 2022. The scope of the study includes identifying the potential costs and benefits of increasing biomass utilization throughout the state and any administrative or statutory changes needed to increase biomass utilization. Previous Next

< Back March 25, 2021 HOUSE ADVANCES BILL TO ALLOW HIRING OF FORMER INMATE FIREFIGHTERS DENVER, CO– The House Energy and Environment Committee today passed legislation that would allow former inmate wildland firefighters to join professional crews to help bolster Colorado’s wildfire response capabilities and foster opportunities for formerly incarcerated wildland firefighters. The bill passed unanimously. “Colorado’s State Wildland Inmate Fire Team (SWIFT) has performed life-saving work to protect our communities and halt devastating wildfires in my district and all across our state,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “With passage of this bill, Colorado can hire back former SWIFT crew members so they can continue protecting us from increasingly frequent wildfires. This bill is a win-win: helping people get jobs and protecting our communities. We owe it to the firefighters to open up this important post-incarceration career pathway and to invest in firefighting teams across our state.” HB21-012, sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, would allow the wildland fire management section in the Department of Public Safety to more easily hire former inmates with wildland firefighting experience. The bill also requires the department to develop materials to increase awareness of wildland firefighting career opportunities for Coloradans who have experience fighting fires through the inmate disaster relief program. Previous Next

< Back April 23, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: GA DEMS CALL OUT RISE OF HATRED DURING PANDEMIC, URGE ACTION House and Senate Democrats release public community letter on increase in anti-Semitic, hateful, and bigoted language; urge Coloradans not to be bystanders DENVER, CO– General Assembly Democrats today released a public community letter on the increase in anti-Semitic, bigoted and racist language during the spread of COVID-19. “We are seeing an unacceptable rise in hate speech in our communities in the wake of this outbreak, and as Colorado’s representatives, it is our obligation to speak up and show that this type of language has no place in our state,” said Jewish Caucus Chair Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “We are calling on Coloradans to join us in condemning bigotry and anti-Semitism and to work together in our communities to confront this danger.” The letter, which was organized by the Jewish Caucus, asks Coloradans to report hate crimes and embody the values we share: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. It is endorsed by the leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ legislative caucuses of the General Assembly. Coloradans can add their name to the letter here , and the full list of signatories and a Spanish translation of the letter can be found here . The full text of the letter is below: Dear Coloradans, We write to you as concerned citizens, advocates and as your neighbors. We are Colorado House and Senate Democrats and leaders of the Jewish, Black, Latino and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses. We endorse this letter because we are deeply concerned by the increase in bigotry and racism we are seeing and because we are compelled to speak up. We must come together as Coloradans, united to make sure that hate has no home in our state. To see the full list of signatories, please visit this website . The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak its havoc across the globe and to date, the crisis has cost us 42,514 American lives — 500 in Colorado alone. As we continue to take the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus and keep our communities safe, we the undersigned, pause for a moment to emphasize our shared commitment to ensuring that our communities and our state persevere through this crisis together, without turning on each other, and without resorting to hatred, bigotry or divisiveness. Our response to this pandemic requires that we follow CDC guidelines, listen to public health experts and practice proper social distancing. As we do so, it is imperative that we do not allow another sickness—racial and religious intolerance—to spread unchecked. In these unprecedented times, combating one pernicious disease is difficult enough. Though physically separated, we remain united and resolute: COVID-19 is no excuse for bigotry of any kind. We understand that this period of uncertainty has brought confusion and frustration to Coloradans of all backgrounds and identities. The virus has forced governments, including our state government, to make difficult decisions and take emergency action to save lives. We realize that this isn’t easy for anyone. We are endlessly thankful for the heroes who have stepped up to the challenge and made enormous sacrifices to support their fellow Coloradans. From our medical professionals, grocery store clerks and bus drivers, to all the folks staying at home, we have seen countless examples of Coloradans stepping up to contain the contagion in a spirit of kinship and togetherness. These acts of collective support, of selfless sacrifice and of everyday heroism provide a stark contrast to the examples of hateful and counterproductive behavior we have also seen on display. As such, we condemn—in the strongest possible terms—all acts of bigotry, xenophobia, racism, nativism, and antisemitism that have occurred in the wake of this outbreak. Tragically, some have used this pandemic as a cover and an excuse for abhorrent behavior. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans, conspiracy theories denigrating immigrants, statements that compare actions taken by the state’s first Jewish governor to the Gestapo—none of these are acceptable, none of it is Coloradan, and none of it will get us through this crisis any safer or any faster. While much has already been asked of the great people of our state, much more can be done to ensure we get through this crisis without sacrificing what it means to be a Coloradan. While we do the hard but necessary work of staying indoors, let’s make sure hate has no home in Colorado. We ask that as part of doing your part to combat the spread of COVID19, we all aim to speak up in the face of racism and antisemitism, report hate crimes and bigoted attacks, and embody the positive values we would like to see more of in our state: understanding, compassion, empathy, patience, charity and grace. We ask that you join us in making sure these core American values—which the vast majority of Coloradans display proudly every day—continue to guide us as we confront this common enemy. To add your name to the letter, please visit this website . Signed, Representative Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D-Commerce City), Jewish Caucus Chair Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver), Black Caucus Chair, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez (D-Denver), Latina Caucus Chair Representative Alex Valdez (D-Denver), LGBTQ Caucus Chair, Latino Caucus Chair Representative Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) Speaker KC Becker (D-Boulder) Representative Adrienne Benavidez (D-Brighton), Latina Caucus Representative Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) Representative Janet Buckner (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Bri Buentello (D-Pueblo), Latina Caucus Representative Yadira Caraveo (D-Thornton), Latina Caucus Representative James Coleman (D-Denver), Black Caucus Representative Lisa Cutter (D-Jefferson County) Representative Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge), Latina Caucus Representative Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Tony Exum, Sr. (D-Colorado Springs), Black Caucus Representative Meg Froelich (D-Englewood) Representative Alec Garnett (D-Denver) Representative Matt Gray (D-Broomfield) Representative Edie Hooton (D-Boulder) Representative Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora), Black Caucus Representative Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D- Boulder), Latina Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Lakewood) Representative Cathy Kipp (D-Fort Collins) Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp (D-Arvada) Representative Susan Lontine (D-Denver) Representative Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) Representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) Representative Jovan Melton (D-Aurora,) Black Caucus Representative Kyle Mullica (D-Northglenn) Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) Representative Jonathan Singer (D-Longmont), Jewish Caucus Representative Emily Sirota (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Marc Snyder (D-Manitou Springs) Representative Tom Sullivan (D-Centennial) Representative Kerry Tipper (D-Lakewood), Latina Caucus Representative Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), LGBTQ Caucus Representative Donald Valdez (D-La Jara), Latino Caucus Representative Mike Weissman (D-Aurora), Jewish Caucus Representative Steven Woodrow (D-Denver), Jewish Caucus Representative Mary Young (D-Greeley) Senate President Leroy Garcia Senator Jeff Bridges Senator Steve Fenberg Senator Rhonda Fields Senator Mike Foote Senator Joann Ginal Senator Julie Gonzales Senator Chris Hansen Senator Dominick Moreno Senator Brittany Peterson Senator Robert Rodriguez Senator Tammy Story Senator Nancy Todd Senator Angela Williams Senator Faith Winter Senator Rachel Zenzinger Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed by a vote of 60-4. < Back February 6, 2024 Amabile Suicide Prevention Bill Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. The bill passed by a vote of 60-4. “Colorado is in a mental health crisis, and the growing frequency of suicide by sodium nitrite products indicates that these products are too easily accessible,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Some private online sellers are marketing concentrated sodium nitrite products as a way to complete suicide, profiting off of the mental health struggles of our loved ones and neighbors. This bill brings much needed regulation to these products so we can keep it out of the hands of people most susceptible to it and focus instead on getting them help.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to complete suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, would regulate the sale or transfer of products that contain 10 percent or greater of sodium nitrite. Sellers would be required to verify that commercial businesses require the product before a transaction could be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators could see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

< Back May 29, 2019 EFFORT TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING MOVES FORWARD Gov. Polis signed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett that would legalize sports betting in Colorado. The measure now heads to the 2019 ballot for voter approval. “Coloradans should have the option of betting on the Nuggets or the Broncos. This new funding will go toward protecting our precious water and we believe this is something everyone can support,” said Majority Leader Garnett, D-Denver. “I also hope this measure will help stamp out black market sports betting and thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support.” HB19-1327 provides a master license to local casinos who can then contract with brick and mortar and/or internet sports betting operators to provide sports betting in Colorado. A 10 percent tax on net sports betting proceeds will be placed in a Sports Betting Fund. That fund will go towards the Water Implementation Cash Fund to support Colorado Water Plan projects that will keep our drinking water safe, our farms and ranches thriving, and keep our rivers healthy. The measure, Proposition DD, will be on the November 2019 ballot. The portion of the bill that Gov. Polis signed authorizes casinos to open in-person sports books and creates the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. The Colorado Water Conservation Board will govern the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. Some of the eligible projects for these funds are water storage and supply projects, conversation and land use projects, engagement and innovation activities, agricultural projects and environmental and recreation projects. Organizations in support of this measure are the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, the Colorado Municipal League, the Colorado River District, the Environmental Defense Action Fund, Western Resource Advocates, and Denver Water. The bill was sponsored by Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The Senate sponsors are Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Sen. John Cooke, R-Greeley. Previous Next

Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. < Back September 28, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Gun Violence Prevention Laws Go Into Effect DENVER, CO – Two laws to prevent gun violence and save lives go into effect on October 1. HB23-1219 establishes a minimum three day waiting period to purchase a firearm, and SB23-168 creates new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice. “We know waiting periods are a successful tool proven to prevent suicide and firearm deaths,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “Establishing a three day waiting period creates breathing room and time to intervene before an act of violence is committed. Widely supported by gun owners, waiting periods can help us address gun violence and create safer Colorado communities.” “Previously, if you wanted to get your hands on a gun, you could do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1219. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this new law that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.” “I have experienced firsthand how a ‘cooling off’ period can save someone's life when they are in crisis and trying to purchase a firearm,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1219 . “My son is still with us today because his background check was delayed when he went to a local gun store, and I am forever grateful he did not have instant access to a firearm that day. This new law will help save lives from senseless and preventable gun violence and improve public safety by preventing someone in crisis from immediately acquiring a deadly weapon.” “A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB23-1219 said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am proud to take this meaningful step to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.” Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019 , the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide. Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 requires a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, before delivering a gun to the purchaser. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners. The law does not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military service member, who is set to deploy overseas, and their family. “With this law, we are ending the excessive legal protections enjoyed by the firearm industry and ensuring they can be held accountable when their actions cause harm to others,” said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, sponsor of SB23-168. “This law re-establishes pathways for victims of gun violence, and their families, to seek justice through the courts. It ensures the firearm industry can be held to the same standard as any other business that operates in our state and hopefully encourage them to be stronger partners in our efforts to reduce gun violence in our communities and create safer neighborhoods for everyone." “Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB23-168. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.” “Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, sponsor of SB23-168 said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.” “When it comes to seeking justice through the courts, victims of gun violence in Colorado have faced an uphill battle,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of SB23-168. “Prior to this law, the firearm industry had extreme and unjust legal protections that prevented families and victims from seeking accountability. Through this legislation, we’re removing these completely unwarranted legal protections and creating a new avenue for victims to seek the justice they deserve.” Prior to SB23-168 , firearm industry members enjoyed broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the firearm industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for firearm industry members and allows legitimate lawsuits against the firearm industry to move forward. After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. As a result, they ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter. Removing Colorado’s firearm industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice via civil actions and will give survivors the legal opportunity to hold firearm industry members accountable for their actions. Previous Next

The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back March 18, 2024 Lukens and Velasco Bill to Improve Educator Safety Advances DENVER, CO - The House Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Megan Lukens and Elizabeth Velasco to improve educator safety in Colorado. HB24-1320 passed by a vote of 7-4. “As a teacher, I understand how important it is for students and educators to feel safe at school, which is why we are taking steps to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The idea for this bill came from educators who have reported seeing an increase in violence targeting educators. Keeping educators safe will encourage more teachers to enter and stay in the profession and foster the environment students need to learn.” “This legislation will help identify actions schools can take to keep educators safe so they can focus on teaching our students,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs. “I’m excited to focus on the role that unequal access to resources and restorative justice play in staff safety issues. Everyone deserves to be safe in school, including educators, and I know this is possible without contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline.” HB24-1320 seeks to generate recommendations on improving safety for educators and school staff through the creation of the Educator Safety Task Force. Representatives of the task force will represent school support professionals, teachers, administrators, nonprofits, and students and families from various communities who are impacted. In making their recommendations related to school safety, the task force will look at the impact of funding needs, wraparound supports, staffing, incidents of student behavior, and resource inequality. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. < Back June 3, 2025 Bill to Continue Healthy School Meals for All Program Becomes Law DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters regarding the continuation of the Healthy School Meals for All program. “Colorado children should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Rep. Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has improved the health and educational success of Colorado students. Now, Colorado voters will be able to decide if we continue this program to reduce childhood hunger or will have to scale it back. At a time when Congressional Republicans are considering deep cuts to nutrition assistance, we should be doing all we can to make sure our students have food to eat in school.” “Kids in school should be thinking about their next math test – not worrying about going hungry,” said Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “In 2022, voters approved the Healthy School Meals for All program, which made a significant positive impact on Colorado students and their families. This law will allow the voters to reaffirm their support for our state’s children and their educational success.” “Every single Colorado kid, regardless of their income, should be able to eat a healthy, filling breakfast and lunch without worrying about the cost,” said Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “The Healthy School Meals for All program has been extremely successful in Colorado – it has reduced the stigma associated with free and reduced lunch, helped Colorado kids succeed, and allowed families breathe a little easier with less strain on their budgets. This law empowers Colorado voters to decide on the future of this beneficial program.” HB25-1274 will refer two ballot measures to Colorado voters in the November 2025 election to determine whether or not to continue funding the program as is, increase funding for the program or scale it back. One ballot measure asks voters if they want the state to be able to retain and spend state revenue on the Healthy School Meals for All Program above the original estimate, which will otherwise need to be refunded to taxpayers who earn over $300,000 a year. The second ballot measure asks voters if they want to expand the program by further limiting tax deductions for those who earn over $300,000 a year. If at least one of the two measures is approved by Colorado voters, the law will extend the local school purchasing program, which is set to repeal after FY 2025-2026. In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition FF, creating the Healthy School Meals for All program to provide all Colorado students free breakfast and lunch. The program was funded by limiting income tax reductions for taxpayers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $300,000 or more. The 2025-2026 budget, approved by the Colorado General Assembly in April 2025, fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year. As Colorado works to expand access to healthy school meals for children, Congress is considering the GOP budget proposal that would significantly pare back SNAP benefits for children and families. Under this proposal, state and county costs across Colorado are expected to increase by approximately $260 million annually. The GOP budget proposal also heightens eligibility requirements for food assistance programs, making it more difficult for Coloradans over 55 and families with children between 8 and 18 years old to receive the support they need. Previous Next