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< Back April 28, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE RESTAURANTS MONEY AND REVITALIZE COMMUNITIES ADVANCE DENVER, CO – House committees today advanced two bills that will allow restaurants to save money by keeping some of the sales tax they collect and invest in community revitalization projects that create jobs and support local economies. “Despite the end of public health orders, restaurants are still struggling with workforce challenges and increased costs, so we are redoubling our efforts to save them money each month,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “This legislation will save almost 9,000 restaurants and retailers close to $40 million this summer, which they can use to cover expenses, expand their business, pay their workers more and reduce costs for consumers.” “Today, House committees passed two of my bills, which will save restaurants and retailers money and revitalize communities in every part of our state,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “HB22-1406 will allow restaurants to keep some of the sales tax they collect to provide them relief from rising costs and workforce challenges. The Community Revitalization Grant Program has funded amazing projects from Ridgway to Denver that have created and sustained jobs and boosted local economies. Because of the success of these grants, we’re dedicating an additional $20 million which will go directly to building vibrant spaces that drive economic opportunity.” “All you have to do is look at the incredible projects that are coming online across the state to see the amazing success of the Community Revitalization Program that we created last year through bipartisan legislation,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This program has proven so successful that we are dedicating an additional $20 million this year to help jumpstart new projects that will revitalize communities and mainstreets in every part of Colorado.” HB22-1406 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Dylan Roberts, passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 9-2. The bill will save nearly 9,000 restaurants and retailers nearly $40 million by allowing them to keep some of the sales tax they collect. HB22-1409 , sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Brianna Titone, passed the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee by a vote of 11-1. The bill directs an additional $20 million to the Community Revitalization Grant Program, which the legislature created last year as part of Democrats’ Colorado Comeback State Stimulus plan. The program provides gap funding for projects in creative districts, historic districts, mainstreets or neighborhood commercial centers to create workforce housing, commercial spaces, and child care centers to support the state’s economic recovery. Projects that have already received funding can be found here . Previous Next

< Back Rep. Amabile: Filing a wildfire insurance claim shouldn’t be another trauma Mar 23, 2022 See more The following op-ed was published in The Colorado Sun. Many Coloradans who lost their homes and all of their personal belongings in fire disasters are living another nightmare as they seek reimbursement from their homeowner’s insurance policies. Most of these folks chose policies based on what their mortgage holder required and insurance agent recommended. They paid their premiums in good faith, some for decades. But many have found the claims process to be an unanticipated and onerous ordeal. We started to hear from constituents after the fires of 2020. One Grand County resident lost her home in the Cameron Peak fire. She had been paying premiums to her insurance company for nearly 35 years. Her personal property was insured for $161,000. Under current law, the insurance company would pay out an automatic 30%, but to get more she would have to complete a contents inventory. So she did. She and her husband, both in their late 60s, worked diligently to remember all of their worldly possessions. They placed a value on each item, recalled when they bought it and who they bought it from, searched for receipts, and declared what condition each item was in. As required, they used the insurance company’s software system to document all of this. Every day for the last year, they have entered items and answered all of these questions. The insurance company contacted them recently to say that the items had been entered into its system incorrectly. They would need to start over. This couple is agonizing over whether to just walk away with 30% or keep fighting for the full value of their policy. Right now, they feel they just can’t fight anymore. We have heard many variations of this story, with seniors and other vulnerable people struggling the most. It’s heartbreaking. Even people who hire attorneys to negotiate on their behalf feel they are on the losing end of what should be a straightforward business transaction. Not all insurance companies operate the same and not all experiences of wildfire victims have been so disturbingly unfair. But based on the stories we’ve heard and the complaints registered with the Commissioner of Insurance, too many are still agonizing over insurance settlements. Although many homeowners may actually have been underuninsured, the process of claims adjustment should be easier for victims of these horrible events. In Grand County, where the East Troublesome fire took 366 homes more than a year ago, many people still have not been paid by their insurance companies. Many of those who have received payments feel they are much too low; not even close to covering what was lost. People are tired, traumatized, and giving up. It’s unfair to the victims and doesn’t speak well for the laws and regulations of our state that support wildfire disaster victims. Unfortunately, we can expect repeats of those horrific events. That’s why we’ve introduced a measure, House Bill 1111, in this year’s General Assembly to address insurance claims in a declared wildfire disaster. The bill requires that insurance companies automatically pay out a higher percentage of the contents coverage residents have insured in their policies without requiring an inventory. From there, claimants can pursue the full amount with an inventory. An analysis by Colorado’s Division of Insurance showed that between 2015 and 2020, the 10 largest insurance companies in the state paid between 37% and 100% of the contents coverage provided for in homeowner insurance policies, averaging 65% across those 10 companies. Two companies paid below 40%. A standard higher payout percentage will move all of the companies to more fair adjustment processes. The bill provides other common-sense protections for people who have experienced a declared wildfire disaster. It gives people the option to use all available policy benefits to replace their homes by rebuilding or by buying in another location. It extends the time people have to rebuild, and the time people can collect additional living expenses. This is critical when the rebuilding process backs up. The House has passed the bill, but it still has a long way to go. We are going to work hard to see it through to the Governor’s desk. Unfortunately, the bill comes too late for Marshall fire victims who collectively lost nearly 1,100 homes in Boulder County. But it will help the Coloradans who most certainly have a major fire disaster in their future. Judy Amabile, of Boulder, represents House District 13, Steve Fenberg, of Boulder, represents Senate District 18, and Bob Rankin, of Carbondale, represents Senate District 8 in the Colorado General Assembly. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matthew Martinez to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. < Back March 4, 2024 Legislation to Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Emily Sirota and Matthew Martinez to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. HB24-1002 passed by a vote of 61 to 3. “With this bill, we’re boosting Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce,” said Rep. Emily Siorta, D-Denver . “Social workers are critical to the success of our state’s overall behavioral health care system, and we must do everything we can to attract and retain these skilled professionals. By creating a social work licensure compact, already licensed social workers can begin practicing in Colorado more quickly to give Coloradans the whole-person behavioral healthcare they need and deserve.” “We need to use every tool available to us to improve behavioral health care access for Coloradans,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bill would make it easier for licensed social workers in participating states to begin working in Colorado, which is particularly helpful for military spouses who often relocate. This bill removes barriers to entering Colorado’s behavioral health care workforce and helps streamline care for Coloradans across the state.” HB24-1002 would create new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill creates the "Social Work Licensure Compact", which creates an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers in member states can obtain and easily transfer a license from another member state. This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing behavioral health care access in Colorado. The “Social Work Licensure Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state, and to increase the number of providers to engage in meaningful behavioral health care for Coloradans. Colorado lawmakers have championed nine mobility compact laws over the years, including last year’s HB23-1064 to address Colorado’s teacher shortage. Previous Next

The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) yesterday voted to advance three bills that would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school, study the existing barriers to gender affirming care, and create a loan repayment program for school mental health professionals. < Back October 26, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Colorado Youth Advisory Committee Recommends Bills to Improve Dignity for Students, Get More Mental Health Professionals Into Schools DENVER, CO - The Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee (COYAC) yesterday voted to advance three bills that would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school, study the existing barriers to gender affirming care, and create a loan repayment program for school mental health professionals. Bill 1 would require public schools to address a student by their preferred name in school and in school-related publications without requiring the student to obtain a court-ordered name or gender change. The bill also establishes the Non-Legal Name Changes in Schools Task Force under the Department of Education to help examine existing school policies regarding non-legal name changes, and provide policy recommendations for school districts. “Prioritizing the health and well-being of all Colorado youth makes our families and communities more resilient. All kids should feel safe and accepted in order to grow, learn, and thrive, ” said COYAC Chair Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of Bills 1, 5, and 6. “We need to strengthen these protective factors, particularly for families of LGBTQ youth who have been met with hostility for raising their children in an accepting and affirming environment, and for youth who lack resources for mental health support. I'm proud of our student participants' hard work on these policies, and look forward to advancing what we've accomplished together. Our bills will provide clarity to schools when addressing students by their preferred names, increase mental health support with loan repayments to school mental health professionals, and map out access to gender affirming care across our great state. By implementing these improvements and sharing essential resources, we will better support Colorado kids so that all can thrive.” “Every year, legislators on the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Committee join bright, engaged students to collaborate on legislation that supports their future success,” said COYAC Vice Chair Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of all three bills. “This year, the bills we are advancing prioritize the mental health and well-being of students and address much needed staffing shortages for mental health professionals who work in schools. Students deserve to feel safe, confident and supported at school, and these bills mark meaningful steps towards making that a reality for every Colorado kid.“ “Every Colorado child deserves to live and learn with dignity, but right now too many kids have to deal with stigma and harassment. Tragically, 82 percent of trans youth have contemplated suicide at some point in their lives,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, sponsor of all three bills. “By letting kids go by their preferred name in class and increasing access to gender-affirming care, Bills 1 and 6 will give students and young people the support and security to be themselves in the classroom and throughout their lives. Bill 5 meanwhile will help school mental health professionals save money, and make it easier and more appealing to enter this critical profession. These bills are common sense steps that will help students across the state feel more comfortable and confident while they learn and grow.” Bill 5 is a bipartisan bill, also sponsored by Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, that would create the Licensed School Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program in the Department of Higher Education, and require the Commission on Higher Education to adopt program policies, review applications for loan repayment, and report annually on the program. Applicants must be licensed and have a masters or doctoral degree in a program that qualifies the applicant to be a mental health professional and must agree to work as a school mental health professional in Colorado for at least three consecutive academic years to qualify. Bill 6 directs the Department of Public Health and Environment to study the disparities and inadequacies in Colorado’s gender-affirming health care sector. The study will investigate the number of gender-affirming health care providers and facilities throughout the state, the availability of resources for these providers, the number of patients seeking this type of care, the prevalence and impact of non-prescribed treatments, and the availability of insurance coverage. The three bills will now go to the Legislative Council for approval before being introduced next session. Once introduced in the 2024 session, interim bills will follow the legislative process in the same manner as all other bills. Previous Next

< Back June 27, 2025 Leadership Condemns SCOTUS Attack on Constitutional Protections and Birthright Citizenship DENVER, CO – President James Coleman, Speaker Julie McCluskie, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and House Majority Leader Monica Duran today released the following statements on the US Supreme Court’s ruling lifting a national injunction that had blocked President Trump’s unlawful birthright citizenship order. All children born in Colorado will continue to be citizens under this ruling. Statement from President James Coleman, D-Denver, Chair of the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus: “Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our diverse democracy and a settled Constitutional right. It’s foundational to our American identity and ensures that we all receive equal treatment under the law. Allowing Trump’s executive order to move forward in any capacity is dangerous, an escalation of anti-immigrant rhetoric, and a direct attack on the Constitution itself. Here in Colorado, we will continue to forcefully oppose efforts to chip away at our constitutional rights that define us as a nation.” Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus: “I am the daughter of a first-generation Mexican American who marched for farmworkers’ rights alongside Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, and my grandparents were migrant farmworkers who came to this country with calloused hands and hopeful hearts. They believed in the promise that if you worked hard, you could build a better life for your children and the powerful idea that if you are born here, you belong here. “Birthright citizenship isn’t just a policy or a line in the Constitution, it is the assurance that every child born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ status or origin, has a rightful place here. It’s what allowed my family to dream beyond the fields to classrooms, careers and eventually the halls of the State Capitol. I refuse to let anyone erase our belonging, our dignity, and our contribution. “I know what it means to feel invisible, to be homeless, to be a survivor, to fight your way through systems that were never built with you in mind. And I also know the fierce pride that comes with rising from those challenges and using your voice to speak for those who are still fighting. We are the fabric of this country. And we’re not going anywhere.” Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus: “Today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court is a dangerous attack on our Constitutional rights and will undoubtedly create a confusing, patchwork set of laws from state to state. It both weakens our Constitution and undermines public trust in our institutions. We have worked hard to shore up the rights of Coloradans regardless of what chaos comes down from DC, and we will not shy away from doing so moving forward. We will do everything we can to protect our freedoms and ensure that Coloradans continue to live in a state that values fairness and equal protection under the law.” Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: “This dangerous ruling weakens Constitutional protections across the board for everyone in our country and creates a patchwork of citizenship rules that are unconstitutional, unworkable and a direct assault on the rule of law. No matter where we come from, all Coloradans want the same things: to put a roof over our family’s heads, put food on the table, and pursue the American Dream. Immigrants strengthen our communities and power our economy. In Colorado, we work to safeguard the Constitutional rights of all people, and we will continue to protect our rights, our liberties and the Colorado way of life.” Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 GOV. SIGNS MCLACHLAN-ROBERTS BILL TO PROTECT CLEAN WATER (Apr. 5) – This week, Gov. Jared Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan and Rep. Dylan Roberts’ bill to help prevent water pollution from future hardrock mining operations in Colorado. “This is good for our environment, and keeps a thriving mining industry moving forward,” said Rep. McLachlan, whose district was impacted by the 2015 Gold King Mine spill. “We can’t go back in time but we can ensure we have a brighter, safer future and one that protects our precious water.” “Mining is a part of our history and always has been. For a long time, it has shaped our economy, our water rights system, and our communities,” said Rep. Roberts. “However, water is our state’s most precious resource and must be protected. This new law will modernize our hard-rock mining laws to protect clean water and ensure that taxpayers are never left on the hook for a private company’s spills.” Mining operations have polluted more than 1,600 miles of Colorado rivers and streams, and our state is one of just seven that allow “self-bonding,” which allows mines to operate with insufficient recoverable assets, leaving taxpayers vulnerable to potential cleanup costs. HB19-1113 will ensure that when new mining permits are issued, sufficient and secure bonds are in place to ensure cleanup and better protect public health and the environment. The new law will end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and will explicitly include water quality protection in the calculation for the amount of bonding required. It will also require mining license applicants to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation, so that they can no longer just to do water treatment into perpetuity. Numerous small business owners, rafting outfitters, farmers, local elected officials and others from across western and southern Colorado testified at a House hearing in support of the bill and it passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. < Back March 25, 2025 Bill Advances to Crack Down on Rent Algorithms to Save Coloradans Money DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on rent algorithms that drive up housing prices. “Price fixing is wrong, anti-competitive, and costly for hardworking Coloradans who are already struggling to pay their bills,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “New price-setting rental algorithms have increased annual housing costs by $1,600 in Denver. Coloradans deserve better. With this legislation, Colorado Democrats are making Colorado a more affordable place to live by cracking down on this unjust practice and saving renters money on housing.” “The Biden Administration clearly stated that rent algorithm schemes violate anti-trust laws, so we’re taking action in Colorado to end these illegal practices to save Colorado renters money,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “For too long, corporate landlords have colluded together to drive up housing prices to pad their pockets, and we’re here to say enough is enough. This legislation stands up against bad actors to enforce our anti-trust laws, protecting hardworking Coloradans from predatory practices and saving them over $1,600 a year.” HB25-1004 would save Coloradans money on housing by restricting the sale or distribution of an algorithmic device with the intent that it be used by two or more landlords in the same or related market when setting a rent price. A recent report found that coordinated rents from algorithmic pricing increase rent prices by $136 per month for Denver renters, or close to $1,600 per year. In recent years, several lawsuits have been filed alleging that the use of algorithmic devices by landlords to set prices and other commercial terms in the residential housing market results in higher rents and a constrained housing supply for residential tenants. In January 2025, Colorado joined a federal lawsuit to sue six of the largest landlords in the US for participating in algorithmic pricing schemes that harm renters. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also joined a federal lawsuit in August 2024 against RealPage, Inc. for allegedly using illegal agreements with landlords to carry out a price-fixing scheme that has cost Coloradans millions of dollars in rent payments. Previous Next

The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act aims to reduce the "swipe" fees paid by Colorado businesses to credit card networks < Back March 13, 2025 Bipartisan Bill to Save Colorado Small Businesses Money Passes Committee DENVER, CO — The House Finance Committee today passed legislation to save small businesses money by cracking down on excessive card transaction fees that inflate prices for Coloradans. The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act prohibits payment card networks from fixing fees with credit card issuers, bans fees on taxes and tips and creates new accountability measures. “Every time you swipe your card at a local restaurant or business, major credit card companies are skimming off the top and passing the cost down to small businesses – this bill establishes reasonable swipe fee guidelines that protects consumers and small businesses,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Major credit card companies are engaged in anticompetitive fee fixing that’s costing Coloradans $2 billion each year. Our bill supports small businesses and restaurants by prohibiting fixed swipe fees, banning swipe fees on taxes and tips and establishing new consumer-focused measures that level the playing field between card companies and small businesses. Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this bipartisan bill is a big step forward to saving them money on credit card transaction fees.” HB25-1282 , The Swipe Fee Fairness and Consumer Safeguards Act , passed committee by a vote of 9-3 and is also sponsored by Representative Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock. The bill would reduce the "swipe" fees paid by Colorado businesses to credit card networks, also known as interchange fees. This bill would: Prohibit Fixing Fees: Payment card networks would not be allowed to fix or conspire to fix interchange fees with credit card issuers. Ban Fees on Taxes and Tips: Interchange fees could not be applied to the portions of a transaction attributable to sales tax or gratuity. This would end the practice of banks unfairly profiting from merchants collecting and remitting taxes to the state. Protect Consumers: Fees related to disputed transactions would not be charged until disputes are resolved. Cap Fees on Charitable Donation: Would limit interchange fees on charitable contributions to 0.2-percent for debit cards and 0.3-percent for credit cards. Crack Down on Bad Actors: Merchants, consumers, or affected entities could sue payment card networks for damages, including treble damages for bad faith conduct. HB25-1282 aims to support Colorado small businesses by lowering transaction fees and expanding opportunities to negotiate with card companies. Fairer fee practices also means consumers benefit from reduced costs on each transaction and card companies cannot charge disputing fees until the dispute is resolved and consumers are notified in writing. Coloradans pay $2 billion annually in swipe fees with no market competition to drive down costs. Additionally, Visa and Mastercard control more than 80-percent of the market for credit cards and debit cards. Price matching or fixed swipe fee rates between major card companies means merchants and consumers are paying more for tax and tip on card transactions. This bill would eliminate swipe fees on taxes and tips, cap swipe fees on charitable contributions, prohibit price fixing by card networks, and deliver much-needed relief to small businesses struggling under excessive fees. Colorado is one of more than seventeen states that are pursuing similar legislation to protect small businesses and fight back against inflated prices. 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 26, 2023 Bill to Save Educators Money, Address Teacher Shortage Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to save teachers money through loan forgiveness and stipends by expanding the pool of student educators who qualify for these state programs. “Colorado’s teacher shortage is dire and eliminating financial barriers to entering the profession is one of the proven ways to get more qualified teachers in classrooms,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins . “Under this new bill, more educators than before will be able to take advantage of loan forgiveness programs and student educator stipends. Our bill saves educators money and sets students across the state up for success.” “Addressing our teacher shortage means breaking down financial barriers to entering the profession,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Just this week, teachers voiced once again that they are facing critical challenges in the classroom and are feeling considerable burnout as a result. Building upon the work of last year, our bill expands the applicant pool of new teachers who can apply for loan forgiveness and stipends. Investing in our teachers creates stronger schools, more workforce retention and better prepared students.” HB23-1001 passed committee unanimously and is part of the Colorado House Democrats' first five bills. HB23-1001 builds upon last year’s work to save student educators money by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. This includes more than $52 million in federal pandemic relief funds for the student educator stipend program, the educator test stipend program, and the temporary educator loan forgiveness programs made possible through HB22-1220 . Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively that will improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. < Back June 6, 2024 ICYMI: Bill to Improve Gig Worker Rights, Boost Transparency Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law administratively that will improve flexibility, fairness, safety, and transparency for gig transportation network company (TNC) workers and consumers. “All workers deserve to know how much they get paid and what their job entails, but currently rideshare and delivery gig workers aren’t given that information,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rogriguez, D-Denver. “Our new law gives basic rights to TNC drivers and provides much-needed transparency for customers.” “Gig workers deserve to know how much they will get paid before they accept a job, and this law will give them better clarity so they can make informed workplace decisions,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Many gig workers rely on this industry as their main source of income, and providing better transparency in their workplace gives them more freedom and better support. This law improves gig workers’ rights while providing much-needed transparency and collecting data that will give us a better picture of the gig working industry to make future improvements for workers.” “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to craft this legislation, which increases transparency for drivers and the public as it relates to TNCs,” Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, said. “SB 75 will provide essential details, like pay, destination, and direction, that all app-based drivers deserve.” “The gig economy has exploded in recent years, and we must address the lack of worker protections and consumer transparency to ensure fair wages and autonomy,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This new law aims to address these issues by requiring companies to disclose the distance, direction, and fare of a ride to drivers before they accept it and share fare information with customers so they know how much of their rideshare fee is going to their driver. Without this information, drivers and customers are left in the dark and are vulnerable to being over-charged or underpaid.” Gig work has risen over the last decade, but many workers struggle to make ends meet or plan for their financial future due to the volatile nature of their earnings and unjust terminations. SB24-075 addresses a number of issues gig workers and consumers face by requiring the following: Companies must disclose terms and grounds for termination or deactivation of drivers and communicate their reconsideration process; Companies must disclose the fare, distance, and direction to all drivers before they accept a ride, which can prevent last-minute ride cancellations initiated by drivers; Companies must disclose fare information to customers, including the total amount paid and the amount the driver received; and Companies must disclose some ride and app activity-related information to the state of Colorado, such as total mileage driven, deactivations and reconsideration results, and more. The law aims to provide TNC drivers with transparent information about tasks and earnings while providing customers with the information needed to make decisions about how much to tip. Additionally, it protects drivers by giving them a basic level of transparency about how deactivations are considered and can be appealed. Previous Next