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The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Manny Rutinel that would make permanent the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. SB24-001 passed by a vote of 9-4. < Back April 2, 2024 House Committee Passes Bill to Make I Matter Youth Mental Health Program Permanent DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Manny Rutinel that would make permanent the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program. SB24-001 passed by a vote of 9-4. “The I Matter Program has been critical in connecting Colorado youth to no-cost therapy, and I’m proud to carry this legislation to make it a permanent program in our state,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This program has helped over 11,000 kids receive therapeutic services for anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other mental health challenges. With this legislation, we can ensure that kids in every corner of our state can seek the care and resources they need.” “Mental health care is often difficult for families to afford or coordinate, which is why we must pass this bill to continue the no-cost mental health care services provided by the I Matter program,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Access to mental health services should not be dependent on your family’s income. Our bill breaks down barriers that prevent kids from accessing the mental health care they need, so our kids can learn, grow, and thrive.” The popular I Matter connects youth with a licensed mental health therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program is currently set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. SB24-001 makes that program permanent, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no cost to them or their families. The I Matter program was established in the 2021 legislative session and expanded by HB22-1243 . The legislature also passed a law in 2023 allowing school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools to support student’s access to mental health care. I Matter has served over 11,000 Colorado youth since 2021 and provided over 50,000 sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report , youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis signed into law today a bipartisan bill to make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible. < Back June 6, 2024 Bipartisan Bill to Expand Bilingual Early Childhood Programs Signed Into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed into law today a bipartisan bill to make early childhood education in Colorado more inclusive and accessible. HB24-1009 , sponsored by Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, expands bilingual early childhood programs and facilities with a new bilingual licensing unit in the Department of Early Childhood. “Coloradans across our state are searching for high-quality, affordable bilingual early childhood programs and this law will help more Spanish-speaking providers get licensed,” said Joseph. “This law improves bilingual outreach within the Department of Early Childhood Education to better support Spanish-speaking providers seeking professional licensure. Bilingual early childhood programs make education more accessible, inclusive, and culturally-centered for some of our youngest learners.” “Every Colorado family deserves access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education, but those resources aren’t available to every family who needs them,” Ginal said. “This new law will help improve bilingual outreach to help Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, which will make our early childhood system more accessible and inclusive. Bilingual early childhood programs will help children grow and learn, and give more families access to the early childhood services they deserve.” “Early childhood education is the foundation to preparing our students for a lifetime of success,” said McLachlan. “This important law makes bilingual early childhood programs more accessible in Colorado by improving outreach and connection with Spanish-speaking providers. When children have access to education in their primary language, they can grow, learn and succeed, and this law helps address some of the accessibility issues our state has when it comes to bilingual early childhood programs.” Also sponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, the new law expands licensed child care options across the state by improving outreach and helping Spanish-speaking providers get licensed, while providing more linguistically relevant child care options for children and families. Previous Next

Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. < Back December 6, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Fenberg, McCluskie Make Appointments to the Commission on Property Tax DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg and House Speaker Julie McCluskie today announced legislative appointments to the new bipartisan commission to address rising property taxes. The Commission on Property Tax, created through HB23B-1003 , will bring leaders from across the state together to identify long-term property tax solutions. “Property tax spikes have hit Colorado homeowners hard, especially economically vulnerable folks like seniors and those on fixed incomes,” President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “That's why we created this important, bipartisan Commission, and I know my appointments will work hard to find long-term, comprehensive solutions to address property taxes in Colorado. I am excited about the possibilities this opportunity presents, and will be closely watching to ensure we find a responsible, long-term solution that will keep Colorado affordable for years to come." “To establish long-term property tax solutions, we need to bring all voices to the table so we can lay the groundwork for our ultimate goal of making Colorado more affordable for everyone,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The appointments I made to the bipartisan Commission on Property Tax bring a wealth of knowledge to this policy space and are well-aligned with the different needs of Coloradans living around the state, including in our mountain towns and low-income communities. Addressing the rising cost of living is a top priority for Colorado Democrats and this commission is an important step toward making it easier to not only live in our beautiful state, but thrive.” President Fenberg’s Appointments: Senator Chris Hansen Commissioner Andy Kerr Kevin Vick Speaker McCluskie’s Appointments: Speaker Pro Tempore Chris deGruy Kennedy Summit County Commissioner Tamara Pogue Jonathan Cappelli The Commission on Property Tax was created through HB23B-1003 and will outline plans for long and short-term property tax relief and to evaluate property tax ballot initiatives filings for the 2024 election. The bipartisan Commission includes legislators, county commissioners from across the state, a property tax administrator and different local government, business, and community leaders representing constituencies impacted by property tax revenue. The goal of the Commission on Property Tax is to map out potential long-term solutions to property taxes that have been rising since Coloradans voted to repeal the Gallagher Amendment in 2020. Under HB23B-1003, the Commission will convene by the week of December 18, 2023, and deliver an initial report to the General Assembly and Governor by March 15, 2024. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2020 BIPARTISAN OCCUPATIONAL CREDENTIALING BILL MOVES FORWARD DENVER, CO — Representative Shannon Bird’s bipartisan bill to streamline Colorado’s credentialing system for dozens of professions today passed the House by a unanimous vote. “I’m committed to taking responsible steps to get our small businesses up and running, our economy back on track, and Coloradans back to work,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill will remove red tape and ensure qualified job seekers and health care professionals are able to practice their professions without undue burdens. The Occupational Credential Portability Program created by this bill will be yet another tool in our toolbox as we work to ensure Colorado’s strong economy bounces back as soon and as safely as possible.” HB20-1326 creates the Occupational Credential Portability Program in the Department of Regulatory Agencies to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The bill will apply to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. Previous Next

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

< Back September 21, 2019 ON PUPPY MILL AWARENESS DAY, REP. DURAN & FIRST GENTLEMAN REIS DRAW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO PROTECT OUR CANINE FRIENDS Representative Monica Duran and First Gentleman Marlon Reis today spotlighted the inhumane conditions at puppy mills in Colorado and across the country. “I’m honored to be partnering with First Gentleman Reis to shed light on the abhorrent conditions at puppy mills,” said Rep. Duran, D-Wheat Ridge.“Every dog deserves to live in happiness and safety. Our furry friends demand very little in exchange for unconditional love and attention, and I look forward to taking action to address the inhumane treatment of animals in our state.” “Helping animals has long been the work that inspires me. In my advocacy on behalf of Colorado’s animals, I strive to turn good ideas into meaningful actions. I am proud to support efforts at the government level that help to ensure animals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve while providing for their overall wellbeing and happiness,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis. “We look forward to the day when cruel puppy mills have nowhere left to sell, and are thrilled to see Colorado lead the way and create more humane standards,” said Aubyn Royall, Colorado State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We thank both Representative Duran and our First Gentleman for their commitment to protecting consumers and animals.” Puppy Mill Awareness Day is a national day of action to raise awareness about puppy mills and to encourage advocates to make their voices heard in opposition to canine abuse. First Gentleman Reis and Representative Duran are exploring legislative proposals to ensure the health and safety of dogs and cats. Previous Next

< Back February 1, 2022 BILLS TO SAVE COLORADANS MONEY ON CHILD CARE AND AT THE DMV MOVE FORWARD DENVER, CO – Two bills that would save Coloradans money on renewing their driver’s licenses and on child care passed committee today. HB22-1004 will freeze DMV drivers’ license fees into the next fiscal year. HB22-1006 will expand the number of eligible child care facilities exempt from property taxes. “Freezing DMV renewal fees is just one of the many ways we’re working to save Coloradans money this legislative session,” said Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “We know hardworking families across the state are feeling squeezed from every angle. The high cost of living combined with fatigue and pandemic unpredictability is exhausting. Which is why we’re using every tool available to save them money where we can.” “This bill is a great example of our ongoing efforts to save Coloradans money, boost our economy and move our state forward,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB22-1004 . “By freezing DMV fees, Coloradans won’t be hit with an unexpected fee increase when they go to renew their license or state ID which means more money back in their pockets.” HB22-1004 , which passed the Transportation & Local Government Committee by a vote of 8 to 5, will save drivers money by freezing the license renewal fee for two years by transferring money to the licensing services cash fund. “Access to affordable, quality child care is top of mind for nearly every family in Colorado,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB22-1006 . “This Child Care Center Property Tax Exemption will increase the number of available spaces for child care facilities, driving down the cost of child care for both providers and families. We know the high cost of child care combined with pandemic pressures adds an extra layer of stress for families with children. This bill will help make child care more affordable, help families, and boost our economy.” HB22-1006 , which passed the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee by a vote of 11 to 1, will increase child care affordability by incentivizing additional property owners through a property tax exemption to lease space to non-profit child care centers. The legislation will boost the number of available rental spaces for non-profit child care centers that often serve children, families, rural communities, and communities furthest from opportunity. Right now, infant child care costs nearly 10% more than the average rent in Colorado. Increasing the amount of affordable, accessible child care providers gives hardworking families more options for quality care while saving Coloradans money on child care. Previous Next

Legislation will fund infrastructure projects like bicycle lanes, improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections < Back June 5, 2024 SIGNED! Bill to Better Protect Bicyclists and Pedestrians Becomes Law Legislation will fund infrastructure projects like bicycle lanes, improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections DENVER, CO – Legislation that will fund safe infrastructure improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians was signed into law by Governor Polis today. Sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, as well as Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, SB24-195 establishes a dedicated funding source for proven small infrastructure projects that improve safety for vulnerable road users, such as bicycle lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, and sidewalk and lighting improvements at dangerous intersections. The bill accomplishes these goals by dedicating $7 million annually from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Road Safety Fund for these projects, acknowledging the growing importance of this infrastructure in our transportation system. In addition, the bill directs CDOT to establish declining targets for vulnerable road user fatalities and serious bodily injuries and to report progress to the legislature in its annual performance plan. “Protecting Coloradans by preventing avoidable deaths and serious injuries is a moral imperative in its own right,” Winter said. “Quality sidewalks and protected bike lanes give people safe, dignified, and low-cost alternatives to driving, which will reduce traffic, improve air quality, cut climate pollution, and make our streets more vibrant community places.” “From e-biking and running in our neighborhoods to walking to work, Coloradans want our streets to be a safe place to walk and ride,” said Lindsay. “Our new law helps communities use proven methods, like protected bike lanes and speed cameras, to protect cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.” “Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths have spiked to a frightening degree, and we must take action,” said Cutter. “Our new law will support safety projects that are proven to reduce traffic deaths. When our streets are safer and friendlier, people will feel more comfortable traveling outside of a car.” “We have passed numerous laws recently to encourage alternatives to car transportation, and these laws are most effective when our roads are structured to protect all of our road users,” said Lindstedt. “With this new law, we’re securing funding for projects to protect bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users to allow Coloradans to more safely travel on our streets.” SB24-195 also streamlines CDOT’s ability to use speed cameras to improve safety on dangerous stretches of state highways like construction zones by clarifying authority and coordination with local governments. Authority to use speed cameras was expanded by SB23-200 to help limit speeding, a major cause of avoidable traffic crashes. Deaths and serious injuries on Colorado’s roads are on the rise, felt most acutely by vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths reached an all-time high in 2023 with 153 deaths, topping the previous high set just one year before. Previous Next

< Back March 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES MULLICA BILL TO INCREASE HEALTH CARE ACCESS IN SCHOOLS (Mar 5) – The House Education committee gave approval today to a bill sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to hire more school nurses in schools across Colorado, especially schools in rural areas and in disadvantaged communities. “ This bill is critical because it ensures our children have access to professional health care professionals in their schools. School nurses don’t just handle putting a bandaid on kids, they provide a diverse array of health care services to our children while also handling medical emergencies that occur during the school day,” said Rep. Mullica. “As a nurse, I see this first hand. We have a real issue when untrained school staff are administering medication to students with chronic illnesses. That’s dangerous for the staff and that’s especially dangerous for the students.” Rep. Mullica is a trained trauma nurse by profession. HB19-1203 would provide grants to improve the ratio of school nurses to students while also prioritizing nurses in rural areas and lower-income communities. This bill also allows school nurses to partner with local public health agencies so that nurse practitioners can also serve in schools. Currently, there are 632 nurses that serve 910,000 school-aged students. That’s roughly one nurse for every 1500 to 1700 students. HB19-1203 passed the House Education committee with unanimous bipartisan support and now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

< Back May 20, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: INCENTIVES FOR AFFORDABLE, INNOVATIVE HOMES SIGNED INTO LAW Legislation invests $40 million of federal pandemic relief dollars to construct new, affordable, innovative homes that will save people money, increase housing supply and create jobs Grand Junction, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Representative Kyle Mullica and Senator Jeff Bridges that will jumpstart construction of new, affordable homes to save Coloradans money on housing, increase the housing supply and create jobs. HB22-1282 was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Task Force . “The legislation Governor Polis signed today will make housing more affordable in communities across our state and save people money on housing,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Nearly every community in our state is looking at how to reduce the cost of housing. This $40 million investment will attract and expand businesses that build high quality innovative homes that cost less. This will save families money on new homes, expand our supply of affordable homes, and create jobs all across Colorado.” “Hard working Colorado families deserve to have a home they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “But too many Coloradans are getting priced out of the neighborhoods where they work and currently live. This new law will create good-paying jobs while quickly increasing our housing stock with quality, affordable homes that will help drive down housing costs and get roofs over heads as quickly as possible. I am proud to champion this critical legislation as we continue fighting to make sure every Colorado family has a place they can afford to call home.” “This session, we made the largest investment in the state’s history to reduce the cost of housing, help develop more homes, and save families money,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force . “I’m proud Governor Polis signed HB22-1282, one of our Task Force recommendations, today to boost the construction of affordable, innovative homes, which will be manufactured right here in Colorado, create jobs, and support rural economies all while significantly increasing our supply of affordable homes.” HB22-1282 deploys $40 million to attract, encourage and support the construction of innovative forms of affordable housing to be built all across Colorado. Examples include modular, pre-fabricated, manufactured and other innovative forms of housing. The funding could be used to build or expand factories, hire additional workers, and expand manufacturers’ ability to produce and construct innovative homes. This will quickly boost the affordable housing stock in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, as well as increase the rate of homeownership in communities that have traditionally lacked access to this important wealth-building tool. The legislation will also create jobs by incentivizing new innovative housing companies to manufacture and place their homes in Colorado. Additionally, HB22-1282 will expand Colorado’s workforce by helping current housing manufacturing companies expand their capacity, operations and number of employees to meet affordable housing demands. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL TO MODERNIZE BEHAVIORAL COVERAGE LAWS More than one million Coloradans experience mental health or a substance use crisis each year (Apr. 5) – The House Public Health Care and Human Services committee passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Lisa Cutter. and Rep. Tom Sullivan that will modernize behavioral health insurance coverage laws to align with federal law and close loopholes to increase access to mental health services for Coloradans. “Kids as young as nine and ten are attempting suicide. This issue isn’t going away until we address it,” said Rep. Cutter, D-Evergreen. “Over one million Coloradans deal with a mental health issue, and over half of them aren’t getting the help they need. Imagine what the world would be like if your friends and family dealing with these issues were able to get the help they need.” HB19-1269: Strengthens prevention and screening laws to shift the current system away from expensive late-stage treatment to early prevention Enforces and makes transparent existing state and federal parity laws and increases consumer protections Eliminates gaps and loopholes in current law to ensure no more Coloradans fall through the cracks “This is something I’ve been involved in for the last six years and I am glad to be a part of this legislation,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “We know that recently a student from Cherry Creek high school died by suicide. This is not something we can wait on, we need to take action now.” Currently, state and federal laws require insurance carriers to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical care. However, many families are being denied coverage or are paying out-of-pocket costs for weeks or months for mental health care services because of loopholes in current law. HB19-1269 was unanimously approved by the House Public Health Care and Human Services committee. It now heads to the Appropriations committee. Previous Next

Legislation would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to improve public access and protect landowners < Back February 20, 2024 Bill to Improve Access to Outdoor Recreation Areas Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to expand public access to hiking, biking, climbing and other outdoor recreation on private lands. SB24-058, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Shannon Bird, would update the Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners from personal injury lawsuits. “From hiking and biking to backcountry skiing and backpacking, Colorado is known for its elite outdoor recreation,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This bill makes it easier for Colorado landowners to open their land to those eager to explore the great outdoors and maybe bag a 14er along the way.” “Many of Colorado’s world-class hiking trails and other outdoor recreation areas are privately owned, and although landowners are willing to allow outdoor recreation on their land, our current laws make it difficult for them to do so, ” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “This bill updates Colorado Recreational Use Statute to protect landowners and expand access to the beautiful trails and outdoor space that makes Colorado unique.” SB24-058 , passed committee by a vote of 9-1, and works to improve access to privately-owned outdoor recreation sites by protecting landowners from personal injury lawsuits. This bill would require landowners to display and maintain warning signs to disclose any dangerous conditions on the property that could lead to injury or death. The bill does not limit a private landowner from imposing restrictions or prohibitions on the use of their land. If passed, landowners who properly display warning signs would not face personal injury lawsuits. Those who access private land for recreation purposes must stay on designated trails, routes, areas or roadways to avoid trespassing charges. This bill aims to improve public access to outdoor recreation sites, including hiking and backpacking trails, popular long-distance races, mountain biking, backcountry skiing and more. In 2019, a Colorado court decision prompted the closure of many privately owned outdoor recreation sites, including popular 14ers , after property owners feared costly personal injury lawsuits. Previous Next