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< Back May 6, 2021 BIPARTISAN BILL TO INVEST IN COLORADO’S JUST TRANSITION ADVANCES Majority Leader Esgar’s bipartisan bill to support coal workers and communities passes committee DENVER, CO– The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today advanced Majority Leader Daneya Esgar’s bill to invest millions into helping communities transition. This bill is part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bill passed by a vote of 10-3. “As market forces, consumer choices, and environmental policies move our economy toward renewable energy, we can’t leave workers and communities behind,” said Majority Leader Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “As a representative of Pueblo, I know firsthand how much support will be needed to help my community transition into the clean energy economy of the future. The bold investment we’re making today lays the groundwork for a smoother and more equitable transition.” The Office of Just Transition was created by the legislature in 2019 to support coal workers, employers, and communities as they plan for the future closings of coal plants and mines upon which their communities depend. As market shifts, consumer choices and environmental policies move our state toward renewable energy, the Office and the Just Transition Action Plan were created to ensure a smooth adjustment for our coal transition communities . HB21-1290 , also sponsored by Rep. Perry Will, R-Garfield County, would invest $15 million of state stimulus funds into the Office of Just Transition. Of that amount $8 million will go to the Just Transition Cash Fund and $7 million to the newly created Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program account within the fund. The bill requires the Office of Just Transition to use these funds to implement the Just Transition Action Plan and provide funding for existing programs that make targeted economic development investments in coal transition communities for business retention, creation, expansion and attraction; infrastructure investments; and strategies for attracting increased investment in these communities. In turn, the Coal Transition Worker Assistance Program’s share of the funding will be allocated to programs that directly assist coal transition workers, including apprenticeship programs, financial planning support, tuition reimbursements, job search assistance, on the job training, or other strategies to help workers transition to as prosperous a future as possible. Previous Next

The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin. < Back January 14, 2025 Bills to Increase Access to Medical Equipment, Psilocybin Medication Pass Committee DENVER, CO - The House Health & Human Services Committee today passed legislation that would streamline access to durable medical equipment and create guidelines for the legalization of medical psilocybin . “As a former first responder, I know how important it is for Coloradans to access the medical treatment they need to live comfortably, which is why I’m carrying this bill to make it easier for people to receive life-saving equipment like wheelchairs and CPAPs,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB25-1016. “This bill would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment to their patients, cutting out the middle man and streamlining access to essential medical equipment, especially in rural areas where people have to travel further to see a provider.” HB25-1016 , which passed by a vote of 13-0, would allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, like ventilators and wheelchairs, without requiring a prescription from a licensed physician leading to increased access to medical care and treatment. HB25-1063 , sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, would make a prescription medication that includes crystalline polymorph psilocybin legal to prescribe, dispense, distribute, possess, use, and market in Colorado upon its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Coloradans have shown support for natural psychedelic treatment options when they passed Prop 122, and this bill would help prepare Colorado’s medical industry to start prescribing synthesized psilocybin for Coloradans with certain mental health conditions,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB25-1063. “Research shows that this type of medication can have positive long-term impacts on people suffering from treatment-resistant depression or post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). This bipartisan bill creates guidelines for medical psilocybin treatments in the case that it is approved at the federal level to give Coloradans more controlled treatment options for depression, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and other conditions.” Colorado became the second state in the nation to legalize psychedelic therapy when voters passed Proposition 122 in 2022. In June 2023, the FDA published guidance for researchers investigating the use of psychedelic therapy for medical treatment, stating that psilocybin and other psychedelic drugs have shown promising results when used to treat mood, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and substance use disorders. A Johns Hopkins study found that psilocybin-assisted therapy can relieve major depressive disorder symptoms in some adults for at least a year. HB25-1063 passed by a vote of 12-1. Previous Next

HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $65 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments < Back May 11, 2023 Signed! Legislation to Save People Money and Expand Clean Energy HB23-1272 saves Coloradans money with approximately $65 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments AURORA, CO – Today, legislation to implement tax incentives to reduce the costs of adopting clean energy technologies for Colorado residents and businesses was signed by Governor Jared Polis. HB23-1272 , sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenber, D-Boulder, Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Reps. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, is part of a package of legislation to incentivize the adoption of clean energy technologies and build upon federal initiatives to save Coloradans money, create good-paying jobs, and help the state meet its climate goals. The bill includes incentives to advance and adopt clean transportation methods, high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Tax incentives in the bill are expected to average around $65 million each year with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. “Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” said Fenberg. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we passed this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.” “This legislation is pivotal in helping Colorado reach its climate goals while significantly lowering energy costs for businesses and families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “From electric vehicles to heat pumps, this law creates clean energy tax incentives to improve our air quality and save Coloradans money. Colorado Democrats are committed to investing in innovative, clean energy solutions across the board to help power our economy and heat and cool our homes.” “Many Coloradans want to make the switch to electric vehicles or install heat pumps, but costs stand in the way,” Cutter said. “With these tax credits, we will lower the prices of clean energy technologies for Colorado families and business owners, helping us to improve our air quality, meet our climate goals, and bolster our economy. I’m proud to see this important legislation signed into law.” “Under this law, more Coloradans can take advantage of clean energy technology in their homes, vehicles and businesses,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder . “A wide range of tax credits will soon be available to businesses and every day Coloradans that will save them money on energy efficient upgrades and streamline our transition to a clean energy economy in Colorado. With smart investments and strong clean technology adoption, we can move Colorado forward, reduce costs for consumers and protect our environment.” HB23-1272 : Extends and expands electric vehicle tax credits and creates an additional $2,500 credit for electric vehicles under $35,000. Continues the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on the truck’s weight starting in 2024. Creates a $450 consumer credit for qualified e-bike purchases while supporting local retailers. Designs a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits vary based on the type and use of the heat pump. Extends incentives for industrial and manufacturing facilities in Colorado to reduce air pollution through various qualifying efficiency, onsite energy generation, carbon capture, electrification, and other eligible measures. Creates the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-3 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility. The law compliments and builds on incentives included in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and helps Colorado residents and businesses maximize their ability to utilize federal investments. Previous Next

< Back March 3, 2020 HOUSE DEMS STAND WITH MOBILE HOME OWNERS House passes landmark legislation to create a pathway for residents to purchase their mobile home parks if they’re put up for sale or redevelopment DENVER, CO — The House today passed HB20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, which would provide mobile home park residents a path forward to purchase the land under their homes if park owners decide to sell or redevelop the park. The vote was 41-24, with GOP members refusing to stand with the right of mobile home owners to protect their hard earned assets. “Owning a home has long been a trusted pathway to economic security, but mobile home owners who have put their life’s savings into their property could lose everything with the stroke of a pen,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “Most Coloradans who live in mobile home parks don’t own the land under their homes, and park owners can sell it out from under them at any time, forcing park residents to uproot their lives, often with little notice.” “The Right to Purchase Act would give mobile home owners a path forward to purchase the land they live on in the event a mobile home park owner decides to sell or redevelop a park,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “At a time when housing costs are growing rapidly, we should be working to give more Coloradans a fair shot at owning their home and securing the investments they’ve made. This bill will help Coloradans stay in the affordable homes where they’ve built their lives.” Over 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, and they are the single largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. Park owners can sell the land they live on or redevelop it without even notifying residents or giving them the opportunity to make an offer on the real estate. HB 20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would create a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 90 days notice if a park is for sale or if they intend to redevelop the land. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. HB20-1201 and HB20-1196, a separate bill to provide new protections for mobile home owners, are supported by: 9 to 5 Colorado, Adams County, B-Konnected, Boulder County, Call to Action-CO, CatholicNetwork, City of Aurora, City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Disability Law, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Poverty Law Project, Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Senior Lobby, Colorado Village Collaboration, GES Coalition, The Denver Foundation, Disability Law Colorado, Elevation Land Trust, Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters of Colorado, Livewell Colorado, Mile High Connects, Prosperity Now, Rodefei Tzedek, United for a New Economy, Westwood Unidos, Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Together Colorado, The Chaffee Housing Trust. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation to allow school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools to help determine the mental well-being of students and continue the successful I Matter program. < Back March 17, 2023 House Advances Bill to Offer Youth Mental Health Screenings DENVER, CO - The House today advanced legislation to allow school districts to offer mental health screenings in schools to help determine the mental well-being of students and continue the successful I Matter program. “A recent study found that there has been a 103% increase in Colorado youth visiting Children’s Hospital Colorado due to behavioral health issues,” said Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City . “We’ve connected over 5,000 Colorado kids with free therapy sessions since the implementation of our I Matter program in the fall of 2022. This year’s bill aims to identify more adolescents who need this resource to prevent youth mental health issues from escalating to the point of seeking medical help.” HB23-1003 would permit public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders. The school would be required to notify parents of the date and time that the mental health screening is scheduled, the purpose, and information about the mental health screener. Parents would have the option to opt their child out of participating, although students over 12 years old could still decide themselves to participate, due to existing Colorado law . The screening would be conducted via a questionnaire and evaluated by a licensed screener. If a student is at-risk for attempting suicide, physical self-harm, harming others, or is in crisis, the licensed screener would immediately notify the parents as well as the school and the school would react according to school crisis response policy. If the licensed screener finds the student in need of further help, they will contact the parent about additional treatment options, including information or a referral to the I Matter program. The I Matter Program was created with the passage of HB21-1258 , sponsored by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, and expanded by HB22-1243 . The program received $15 million dollars in funding from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions to provide a mental health screening followed by six free therapy sessions to youth across the state and is available virtually and in person. Students use a screening tool through the program’s website to match them with licensed mental health professionals that best fit their needs, including bilingual services. If the student needs additional services or shows signs of needing immediate help, their assigned care navigator connects them to long-term mental health care providers or crisis support, including Colorado Crisis Services. Since the program started in October 2021, over 5,500 Colorado kids have utilized the free therapy services, with almost 44% attending at least four sessions. The participating 5,655 students come from 59 of the 64 counties across Colorado. Previous Next

< Back February 25, 2021 STATE AFFAIRS CELEBRATES WAR HEROES, FIGHTS HOUSING DISCRIMINATION DENVER, CO– The House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee today advanced two bills to grant free access to state parks to Purple Heart recipients and to remove a requirement to verify lawful presence in the United States for someone applying for state public housing assistance. HB21-1116 , a bipartisan bill sponsored by combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient Representative David Ortiz and Representative Richard Holtorf, would allow veterans displaying a Purple Heart special license plate to access any state park or recreation area free of charge. Any Purple Heart recipient who is a resident of Colorado could also obtain a free state parks pass from a Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office. The bill passed committee by a vote of 11-0. “Like me, so many of my brothers and sisters who served have found a permanent home in Colorado because of its stunning outdoor recreation opportunities and vibrant veterans community,” said Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). “I’m proud that today we took the first step towards extending a small sign of gratitude for those who were wounded and received the Purple Heart, so that they may now enjoy our state parks free of charge. They have more than earned this small token, and we believe Purple Heart recipients could benefit enormously from the mental wellness effects that outdoor recreation provides. I consider all of Colorado’s veterans to be my extended family, and I intend to look after them and represent them with honor throughout my time in the legislature.” Current law requires that individuals show proof of lawful presence in the United States to receive state public housing assistance. HB21-1054 , sponsored by Representative Dominique Jackson, removes this requirement and allows more families to secure an affordable place to live. In 2016, undocumented immigrants comprised 5 percent of the Colorado workforce and paid an estimated $272.8 million in federal taxes and $156.5 million in state and local taxes in 2018. As housing costs continue to rise across the state, this bill will help stabilize our local economies by ensuring essential workers can afford to live in the communities where they work. The bill passed committee by a vote of 7-4. “With so many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, it’s more important than ever that we extend affordable housing benefits to as many people as possible,” said Rep. Dominique Jackson (D-Aurora). “I refuse to allow immigration status to be what prevents a mother in Colorado from accessing the housing that will keep her family safe and stable. This bill removes a barrier that currently keeps taxpaying immigrant families from accessing housing, while also supporting our local economies, landlords, and employers by ensuring workers can find affordable places to live near their places of work.” The committee also passed HB21-1075 , Rep. Susan Lontine’s bill to replace the term “illegal alien” with the term “worker without authorization” in Colorado’s statutes, and adds a definition of the term “worker without authorization.” Previous Next

Bills will protect patients & providers, prohibit deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers, and ensure critical care remains affordable & accessible < Back March 9, 2023 JOINT RELEASE: Legislative Democrats Introduce Historic Package to Secure Safe Access to Protected Health Care DENVER, CO – Democratic lawmakers today introduced an historic package of bills that will allow all Coloradans safe access to the essential and affirming health care they need to thrive. Democrats introduced legislation that will improve protections for patients and providers, prohibit the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers, and close access gaps related to sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. “The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, which puts critical reproductive care for too many of our neighbors out of reach,” Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver said. “I am proud to be part of the coalition championing the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package. The bills we are introducing today will protect the rights and privacy of patients and providers who seek abortion or gender affirming care, prohibit deliberate health care misinformation in our communities, and make it easier and more affordable for folks to access the health care they need to thrive.” "This landmark package of legislation breaks down the barriers that too often prevent Coloradans from accessing our legal right to protected health care, abortion and gender affirming care,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Our comprehensive approach to protected health care improves access to safe, legal reproductive and gender affirming health care. Our rights are under attack across the country, and it’s important for Colorado to lead the way in not only protecting access to reproductive and gender-affirming health care, but to do everything in our power to break down the inequitable economic and social barriers that stand in the way of the care people need.” “Everyone should be able to seek life-saving reproductive and affirming care without interference or shame - it is a fundamental expression of the American values of freedom, privacy, and self-determination that we all hold dear,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Longmont. “These bills represent an important step forward in our goal to keep abortion safe, transparent, and accessible in Colorado, and will help improve the health and well-being of communities across our state.” “Abortion is legal in Colorado but legality does not equal accessibility. Lower income communities and Coloradans of color face larger barriers and a disproportionate lack of access to protected health care,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Today, we’re rolling out an historic reproductive health care package that will help break down systemic barriers that have made it harder for people of color in Colorado to receive the care they need. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve access to health care, protect patients and providers, and stop the spread of dangerous anti-abortion misinformation to secure reproductive justice for all.” Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills introduced Thursday include: Protecting Health Care Patients, Providers, and Assistors Sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, this bill establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care - including abortion and gender-affirming care - will not be recognized by the state of Colorado. It also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction, and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care. Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care Services Sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, this bill works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. It would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections and abortion care. The bill also expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code. It also makes it possible for patients to utilize Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation service to get to and from their abortion services, further breaking down accessibility barriers faced by many Colorado Medicaid patients. Finally, in order to protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality on shared insurance coverage, this bill further creates a state fund that providers can bill directly for their patient’s reproductive health care services. It also priotizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment. Prohibiting Deceptive Practices at Anti-Abortion Centers Sponsored by Sens. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Reps. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, and Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, this bill will protect Coloradans seeking reproductive health care by prohibiting the use of deceptive advertising by anti-abortion centers. It declares prescribing, offering, or facilitating a “medication abortion reversal” unprofessional conduct for licensed or certified health care providers. Previous Next

< Back February 20, 2020 PROTECTIONS FOR MOBILE HOME PARK RESIDENTS ADVANCE Bills would provide residents with a path forward to purchase the land under their homes; secure new privacy, billing and retaliation protections DENVER, CO — The House Committee on Transportation and Local Government today passed HB20-1196 and HB20-1201, critical legislation that will secure new protections for mobile home park residents and provide a path forward for residents to purchase the land under their homes. “Buying and owning a home is a huge achievement, but for nearly 100,000 Coloradans across the state, it’s not so simple,” said Rep. Hooton, D-Boulder. “With few exceptions, Coloradans who live in mobile home parks don’t own the land underneath. That means that with the stroke of a pen, hard working Colorado families can lose their most cherished asset- their home.” “If a park owner decides to sell the property that their residents live on, residents have to figure out the often impossible task of moving their homes or forego them altogether,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “The Right to Purchase Act would give homeowners a path forward to purchase the land that they have been living on so that they don’t have to go through the heartbreaking process of uprooting children from school and dismantling the stability that they have spent years building.” “From unwarranted evictions to retaliation against residents, park owners have had the upper hand over mobile home communities and the residents who call them home,” said Rep. McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Homeowners deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This bill will secure critical new rights for mobile home park residents such as protections against retaliation and the right to privacy.” Over 100,000 Coloradans live in mobile homes, and they are the single largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. Park residents, however, have been subject to arbitrary evictions and retaliation when they file complaints. Furthermore, park owners can sell the land they live on or redevelop it without even notifying residents or giving them the opportunity to make an offer on the real estate. HB 20-1196 , sponsored by Representatives Edie Hooton and Julie McCluskie, would define retaliation against residents and would outline a process to protect residents from retaliation when they complain about park owner violations. It prevents park owners from removing tenants over minor rule violations, protecting mobile home residents from unwarranted evictions that can destroy their lives. Furthermore, it requires transparency in utility billing so that residents can ensure that the money they pay for essential services goes towards what it is supposed to. The bill also secures a right to privacy for tenants, mandating that park owners provide adequate notice and obtain tenant consent before entering their homes. HB 20-1201, sponsored by Representatives Hooton and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would create a pathway for mobile home residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. The bill requires park owners to give residents 90 days notice if a park is for sale or if they intend to redevelop the land. This allows residents enough time to organize and obtain financing to make an offer. If residents are interested in a purchase, park owners must enter into good faith negotiations and provide residents with the information they need to prepare an offer. Under the bill, communities can assign purchase rights to a municipality, county, housing authority or relevant nonprofit. HB20-1196 passed by a vote of 7-4 with the Republican members of the committee opposing common sense protections for mobile home owners. HB20-1201 passed 7-4 with the Republican members of the committee standing in the way of providing the opportunity for mobile home residents to purchase the land they live on in the face of a mass eviction. HB20-1196 and HB20-1201 are supported by: 9 to 5 Colorado, Adams County, B-Konnected, Boulder County, Call to Action-CO, CatholicNetwork, City of Aurora, City of Boulder, City of Fort Collins, Colorado Center on Law and Policy, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Coalition of Manufactured Home Owners, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Colorado Disability Law, Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Poverty Law Project, Colorado Public Health Association, Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Senior Lobby, Colorado Village Collaboration, GES Coalition, The Denver Foundation, Disability Law Colorado, Elevation Land Trust, Interfaith Alliance, League of Women Voters of Colorado, Livewell Colorado, Mile High Connects, Prosperity Now, Rodefei Tzedek, United for a New Economy, Westwood Unidos, Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Together Colorado, The Chaffee Housing Trust. Previous Next

< Back April 21, 2022 JOINT RELEASE: $80 MILLION INVESTMENT FOR WATER COMPACTS AND WATERSHEDS PASS HOUSE COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Agriculture, Livestock and Water Committee today passed two bills that direct $80 million in economic relief funds to protect Colorado’s water supply, protect the state’s watersheds, and prevent wildfires. “The demands on our state’s water resources are reaching a critical level. That’s why we are taking urgent action to invest economic relief funds in the essential projects that will help water districts manage groundwater use and protect our agricultural community,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “Conserving and protecting Colorado’s water is critical for our economic recovery and the long-term resiliency and strength of our state. The legislation we advanced today will rightly direct $80 million towards interstate compact compliance, protecting our watersheds, and preventing and reducing the risk of wildfires.” “Access to clean and safe water is endangered every time wildfires threaten our communities and the landscapes that surround us,” said Sen. Donovan. “We must make sure our communities have the tools they need to mitigate wildfires and protect watersheds. These funds will better prepare us for the work that comes with protecting our water through preventative and restorative efforts.” “Increasingly devastating wildfires are impacting our watersheds, access to drinking water, and the water our agriculture producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “The investments we’re making will reduce the risk of wildfire, mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply, and ensure healthy watersheds to protect this essential resource. Our economy and way of life depends on our watersheds and our access to water. The legislation we advanced today will help protect our most precious resource.” Protecting Colorado’s Water: SB22-028, sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Marc Catlin and Senators Cleave Simpson and Jerry Sonnenberg, directs $60 million in economic relief funds to manage groundwater use and ensure the state meets its commitments under interstate water compacts. While Colorado is in compliance with all water compacts, several river and conservation districts have urgent needs in order to meet their obligations and ensure sustainable levels of groundwater remain available. This proposal uses one-time federal economic relief funds to help Colorado’s river and conservation districts meet their obligations. In the event that the funds are not spent in the next two years, any remaining funds will be directed to the Colorado Water Plan. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379 , sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires. HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes: $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience; $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department’s wildfire workforce development partnerships; $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” money and other federally available money for water projects. The bill passed the committee 11-0. Previous Next

The House today passed legislation to expand access to contraception, improve consumer protections for Colorado patients, protect hospitals and health care providers from instability in the health care market. < Back April 29, 2023 Bills to Expand Access to Contraception, Secure Health Insurance Coverage Passes House DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation to expand access to contraception, improve consumer protections for Colorado patients, protect hospitals and health care providers from instability in the health care market. SB23-284, sponsored by Representatives Iman Jodeh and Ron Weinberg, passed the House by a vote of 58 to 5. HB23-1303, sponsored by Representative Kyle Brown and Speaker Julie McCluskie, passed the House by a vote of 52 to 9. “Coloradans should be able to access their twelve month prescribed contraceptive medication at once, but insurers are making it more difficult,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB23-284. “This bill enforces the law that has been in statute since 2017. Allowing access to a twelve month supply of contraceptives at once ensures that Coloradans don’t face additional barriers to accessing their medication, such as not living close to a pharmacy, lacking reliable transportation or many other reasons. Under this legislation, insurance companies and PBM will now be required to comply with the law that they have managed to skirt since 2017.” SB23-284 would require both insurance plans and pharmacy benefit management companies (PBMs) to cover a year's supply of contraception, which can be dispensed at one time or in smaller amounts if requested. SB23-284 builds off HB17-1186 , a bipartisan bill that allowed Coloradans to access 12 months of birth control. However, legal loopholes have allowed insurers and PBMs to not comply with the law. SB23-284 ties up loose ends, and makes sure Colordans can easily access twelve month supply of contraceptives using their medical insurance. Research shows that dispensing one to three months of birth control at a time increases the likelihood of contraceptive discontinuation and makes it harder for people to plan their pregnancies. Additionally, access to 12 months of birth control can prevent unplanned pregnancies. “Coloradans should be able to trust that their health insurance will be there when they get sick or injured,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of HB23-1303. “Patients and providers shouldn't be asked to pick up the tab when health insurers go out of business. This bill makes sure that if a health insurer can't pay its bills, patients, doctors, and hospitals won't be stuck with exorbitant costs from unpaid claims for care that's already been provided. It helps protect Coloradans from these insurance company insolvencies so that families can continue to access the care they need.” “When a health insurance company fails, rural communities like mine are especially vulnerable because of the limited choices that rural Coloradans have when it comes to where they can receive care and who their insurer is,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB23-1303. “This legislation brings more insurers into our public safety net, the Colorado Life & Health Guaranty Association, to protect hospitals, health care providers and patients in the event of a failure in the health insurance market. By protecting our rural hospitals and health care providers, we are ensuring that rural communities will continue to have access to the quality care they need.” HB23-1303 would make the distribution of insurance claims a class 1 distribution priority in the case of an insurer’s liquidation, preventing other insurers from becoming impaired or insolvent due to another’s failure. This prioritization adjustment would be repealed on July 1, 2026. The bill also amends the “Life and Health Insurance Protection Association Act” by: Adding health maintenance organizations (HMOs) as members of the Colorado Life and Health Insurance Protection Association, bringing HMOs into this public safety net, and subjects HMOs to assessments, Allocating responsibility for long-term care insurance assessments between health and life insurance association members, and Specifying that the Act does not provide coverage to a person that acquires rights to receive, or to a payee or beneficiary that transfers its rights in, a structured settlement factoring transaction, as defined in federal law, regardless of when the transaction occurred. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 HOUSE PASSES $27 MILLION TO SUPPORT NURSING FACILITIES DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Leslie Herod and Julie McCluskie to provide an additional $27 million to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. The vote was 59-4. “Some skilled nursing facilities are at risk of closing because they don’t have enough staff or revenue to cover their expenses,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “We’re taking swift action to stabilize nursing facilities in Colorado by distributing $27 million in state and federal funds. This assistance will keep thousands of Coloradans from being forced out of where they live. “Colorado’s skilled nursing facilities need assistance, and we’re delivering with $27 million in state and federal funds to help them stay open and attract the workforce they need,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie. “This funding will be directed at the facilities with the greatest need to shore up their finances so Coloradans won’t lose access to affordable skilled nursing options.” HB22-1247 would direct additional payments to skilled nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers to help them address staffing shortages, provide quality care and support their short term solvency. Our state investment of $17 million will draw additional $10 million in federal dollars, bringing the total additional funding for nursing homes to $27 million. The bill also instructs the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to seek additional opportunities to draw down federal funds. The legislation also requires the department to establish reporting and result tracking requirements. Nursing facilities across Colorado, especially those with Medicaid patients, have faced funding and staffing challenges, and some have struggled to stay open. At the same time, nurse staffing agencies and travel nursing agencies have been able to attract providers with higher wages than what facilities that care for Medicaid clients can pay, exacerbating the staffing challenges at nursing facilities that are Medicaid providers. Previous Next

< Back April 19, 2021 WATER PLAN, AG EVENTS GET MAJOR BOOST WITH COLORADO COMEBACK STATE STIMULUS DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today unanimously passed legislation that will provide $20 million for the Colorado Water Plan and nine million for agriculture events across the state, including the National Western Stock Show and Colorado State Fair. The bills are part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. HB21-1260 , sponsored by Representatives Alec Garnett and Marc Catlin, provides $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board to implement the Colorado Water Plan. The bill helps ensure that Colorado can meet its future water needs, which is critical for maintaining our state as a competitive place to work, play, and live. “The Colorado Water Plan is our path forward to ensure Colorado has the water resources we need to foster a thriving economy,” said Speaker Alec Garnett, D-Denver. “This investment will help Colorado build back stronger and be better prepared to weather the increasingly devastating droughts that are threatening our water supply. These projects will create jobs and build the water infrastructure of the future so that all our industries, from agriculture to outdoor recreation, can continue to prosper from this essential natural resource.” HB21-1262 , sponsored by Representatives Susan Lontine and Mike Lynch, provides $3.5 million to the National Western Stock Show–a staple to the state’s agricultural economy and Denver’s economy–as well as $3.5 million for the Colorado State Fair, and $2 million to agricultural events organizations across the state. The Colorado Stock Show and State Fair are vital economic drivers for the agriculture industry in Colorado and the communities in which they are located. With this stimulus, these critical agricultural events will be stronger than ever, ready to attract performers and visitors from across the West as tourism resumes. “The agriculture industry creates and sustains jobs across Colorado, and the National Western Stock Show is a big part of that,” said Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver . “The iconic and world-famous stock show brings significant resources to the Denver regional area and showcases the best the West has to offer. Colorado is standing up to support agriculture events like the state fair, county fairs, and the stock show because these exciting exhibitions create jobs and embody our state’s proud agriculture identity.” Previous Next