Statement of Senate President Leroy Garcia on Legal Action from Senate Republicans

March 12, 2019

Denver, CO — In response to legal action taken by Colorado Senate Republicans, President Leroy M. Garcia released the following statement:

“When I accepted the gavel, I said that the people of Colorado did not elect us to engage in political gamesmanship. In that spirit, I have given every bill a fair hearing and have been committed to working across the aisle.

But Senate Republicans have decided to employ unprecedented partisan tactics, abuse taxpayer dollars, and waste time that could be spent working for the people of Colorado. This political gamesmanship is more fitting of Washington, D.C. than Colorado — we are better than this.

It is not too late. My door is open, and my colleagues are welcome to discuss how we can come together to ensure we pass the best policy for Coloradans - like we were elected to do.”

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Senate Passes Bipartisan Criminal Justice Sentencing Reform Bill

March 8, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate this morning voted 24-to-11 to pass HB19-1148, Change Maximum Criminal Penalty One Year to 364 Days, a bill from Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) that will reform our sentencing laws in order to reduce deportations for minor crimes. The bill now heads to the Governor for his signature.

“HB19-1148 simply reduces the maximum potential sentence for second degree misdemeanors and municipal offenses from one year to 364 days. Due to a quirk in immigration law, visa holders were subject to deportation— even for exceptionally minor offenses,” said Senator Gonzales. “This bill will help lawful permanent residents and visa holders in Colorado to resolve their county and municipal offenses quickly.”

Colorado is in the minority of states with penalties for misdemeanor crimes so harsh that they trigger deportation. HB19-1148 changes the maximum jail sentence for class 2 misdemeanors, misdemeanors without a fixed statutory penalty, and municipal ordinance violations from one year to 364 days, addressing a critical deportation issue that is triggered upon a 365-day statutory sentence. This legislation would also increase court efficiencies.

“I am so proud that the Senate has voted to make this small change that will have a big impact on people’s lives,” added Senator Gonzales, “and I look forward to the day when HB19-1148 is signed into law.”

For more information on HB19-1148, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB19-1148.

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President Garcia’s Healthcare Bills Unanimously Pass Senate Appropriations Committee

Two healthcare bills sponsored by Senate President Leroy M. Garcia, including SB1, pass through Senate Appropriations Committee

March 8, 2019

Denver, CO – SB19-001 and SB19-065, two priority bills sponsored by Senate President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo), today unanimously passed through the Senate Appropriations Committee. The two bills now move to the Senate floor for consideration.

• SB19-001, Expand Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Pilot Program, is a bill that would provide $5 million in funding over two years to rapidly expand the MAT pilot program across the state to help Coloradans battling opioid addiction in the highest-need counties.
• SB19-065, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Provider, is a bill that would help EMS providers who are struggling get the treatment they need to safely return back to service. It would do so by creating a peer assistance program to offer education, support, counseling, and treatment to EMS providers who struggle with chemical dependency, mental illness, or any other personal, emotional, or psychological problems related to their work.

“Senate Bills 1 and 65 are more than just a critical component of improving our healthcare system – they are also important to me personally as an Emergency Medical Service provider,” said President Garcia. “I am proud that these bills are on their way to becoming law so we can support individuals struggling with drug abuse and the first responders who help them.”

To learn more about these bills, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-001 and https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.

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Senate Education Committee Passes Senator Story’s Bill to Regulate Online Schools

March 8, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Education Committee recently voted 3-to-2 to advance SB19-129 , a bill sponsored by Senator Tammy Story that would require online schools to collect and report data to the online division within the Department of Education. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.   “As more students enroll in non-traditional schools, we need to level the playing field – and that means holding schools accountable,” said Senator Story. “This bill is about ensuring that every student in Colorado, regardless of the format in which they are educated, gets the best education possible and has a fair shot at success.” SB19-129 would require the online division of the Department of Education to collect information biannually concerning students who withdraw from enrollment in an online school, including whether that student enrolls in another school and whether they complete a high school equivalency examination. The Department of Education would summarize this information and then present it to the State Board of Education and the House and Senate Education Committees. Under existing law, an online school is subject to the same accountability requirements as other public schools. The bill states that if an online school is on performance watch and changes authorizers, the online school remains on performance watch. If an online school is closed because of actions taken as a result of accountability, the online school must apply for new certification before it can operate again either as the original online school or as a successor school, regardless of whether the online school changes authorizers. To learn more about SB19-129, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-129.

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Senator Williams’ Electric Motor Vehicle Bill Passes the Senate

March 8, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 18-to-17 to pass SB19-077, Electric Motor Vehicles Public Utility Services, a bill sponsored by Senator Angela Williams that will allow investor-owned utility companies to own and operate electric motor vehicle charging stations as part of their regulated services in an effort to expand the use of electric cars in Colorado. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I am proud that the Senate passed this bill which will encourage electric vehicle usage in our state, benefiting our economy, our businesses, and our environment,” said Senator Williams. “This is a commonsense solution that will ensure Colorado continues to be a leader in environmental protection and economic growth.”

SB19-077 encourages electric vehicle use in Colorado by giving energy companies and the Public Utilities Commission a common goal: to encourage more electric charging stations throughout the state. This bipartisan bill improves our state’s infrastructure and economy in the short-term and will help our entire state move toward a future of electric vehicles in the long-term.For more information about SB19-077, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-077.

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Majority Leader Fenberg’s Effort to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans When Regulating Oil and Gas Operations Moves Forward

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO -- After over seven hours of testimony, SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, today passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 4-3. In response, Majority Leader Steve Fenberg released the following statement.

“Changes to Colorado’s regulatory framework around oil and gas development are long overdue. I’m proud that so many Coloradans have come to the Capitol this week to voice their support for our effort to prioritize their health and safety. We’ve offered amendments every step of the way and continue to have substantive conversations with stakeholders everyday to make this bill better. l look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that will empower local communities across Colorado.”

To learn more about SB19-181, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.

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Senate Health and Human Services Committee Unanimously Passes Senator Moreno’s Hospital Transparency Bill

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted unanimously to advance HB19-1001, Hospital Transparency Measures to Analyze Efficacy, a bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to help increase hospital spending transparency and ultimately save Coloradans money on healthcare costs. This bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar for consideration.

While hospitals are receiving hundreds of millions of dollars from state and federal governments, particularly in rural areas, privately insured individuals are somehow paying more for care. In fact, hospital care appears to make up roughly 40 percent of Colorado’s total healthcare costs.

“I’m proud that we have the support of not just Colorado voters, but the hospitals as well, as we work to get a better understanding of hospital spending,” said Senator Moreno. “By allowing a closer look into hospitals’ finances, we will be able to find new ways to lower healthcare costs for every Coloradan.”

HB19-1001 will require that hospitals provide annual reports tracking their spending, allowing state officials to get to the bottom of where this money is going. The final expenditure report would be available online to all Coloradans, as well as presented to the Governor and certain legislative committees.

The bill passed the Colorado House of Representatives on January 31, 2019 with a vote of 39-22 with 3 abstaining.

To learn more about HB19-1001, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1001.

President Garcia’s Bill for Emergency Medical Service Providers Unanimously Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously this afternoon to advance SB19-052, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Provider Scope Of Practice, a bill sponsored by President Leroy M Garcia (D-Pueblo) that would authorize EMS providers to work within their full scope in a clinical setting. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“As someone who has worked as an Emergency Medical Service provider for nearly two decades, I know how critical their work is to our healthcare system” said President Garcia. “By expanding the settings in which EMS providers can practice – which builds on the lifesaving work they do every day – more Coloradans can get the care they need.”

Currently, EMS providers are authorized to practice under the medical direction of a physician in an emergency setting. This bill would update the original statutory language written in 1986 that restricts EMS providers to only function in the out-of-hospital environment. It also maintains the current system of oversight for EMS providers, which has proven highly effective. EMS providers will serve under the clinical supervision of registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants, allowing for EMS providers to function as a full member of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

“While technology and educational requirements for EMS providers have changed over time, the settings in which they can work has largely remained the same since 1986,” said President Garcia. “This bill will allow for innovation within the EMS practice, giving providers an opportunity to leverage their advanced training and education in a wider range of settings, including hospitals and clinics. This is an exciting advancement for the EMS field.”

To learn more about SB19-052, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-052.

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Senator Pettersen’s Freestanding Emergency Departments Bill Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted this afternoon 4-to-1 to advance HB19-1010, Freestanding Emergency Departments Licensure, a bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County) that aims to make healthcare more transparent and affordable by creating a new license for specific health facilities. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

“The new, independent license that this legislation creates will help increase transparency in our healthcare system and support Coloradans in need of critical health services,” said Senator Pettersen. “I am committed to making quality healthcare less complicated and more affordable in our state so that people can get the care they need, and this bill is an important step in that process.”

The bill creates a new license – the Freestanding Emergency Department License – for the department of public health and environment to issue to specific types of health facilities. Qualifying health facilities must offer emergency care, may offer primary and urgent care services, and can either be affiliated with or independent of a hospital if they are more than 250 yards away from it. Community clinics that serve an underserved population in the state will be exempt from the licenses.

For more information on HB19-1010, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1010

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Bill to Ensure Water Safety in Mining Reclamation Passes Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

March 7, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee voted this afternoon 3-2 to advance HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) to hold mining operations accountable for the future impact of their businesses on water quality standards. The bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“Water is the lifeblood of the high country and much of our state. When it comes to mining, we must consider the effects on our environment and on our precious resources that all Coloradans depend on – like water,” said Senator Donovan. “This bill will help make sure that we are protecting the health and safety of Coloradans by making sure that water quality standards are upheld during the mining process.”

HB19-1113 strives to protect water quality around mining operations by requiring that most reclamation plans demonstrate an end date for any water quality treatment necessary to ensure compliance with applicable water quality standards. It also requires all reclamation bonds to include proof they can financially afford to protect water quality, including costs for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.

“The water quality requirements specified in this legislation will make our state a better place to live for generations to come,” added Senator Donovan.

For more information on HB19-1113, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1113.

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Bill to Repeal the Death Penalty in Colorado Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass SB19-182, Repeal the Death Penalty, a bill sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Angela Williams (D-Denver) that would repeal the death penalty in Colorado for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2019. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

“The pain of loss is unbearable, no matter the circumstances. However, our criminal justice system demonstrates racial bias at every step of the process, and we have an opportunity to change that,” said Senator Gonzales, who also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Judiciary committee. “The truth is that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual form of punishment that is disproportionately used against people of color. It is an arbitrary punishment that is irrevocable and permanent, and I am proud that we are now one step closer to repealing the death penalty in Colorado.”

“The death penalty is an outdated, barbaric form of punishment that is unfortunately still part of our criminal justice system,” said Senator Williams. “It is costly, biased, and an ineffective deterrent of violent crime. Some opponents of the bill claim that the death penalty is a useful tool to extract pleas, but in reality it is used as a scare tactic to manipulate and extort those without the resources to defend themselves.I am glad the Judiciary Committee agrees it is time to repeal the death penalty, and I am confident we will be able to do so this session.”

SB-182 would abolish the death penalty in Colorado, but would not change the status of the individuals currently on death row. For more information, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-182.

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Colorado State Senate Passes Net Neutrality Legislation

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 19-to-15 with one excused to pass SB19-078, Open Internet Customer Protections in Colorado, a bill to make sure that broadband infrastructure funded by the citizens of Colorado will adhere to fair and open internet practices. The bill, sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County), now heads to the House for consideration.

“Private companies that use state dollars to build out their broadband networks shouldn’t dictate who gets fast internet and who doesn’t. Coloradans rely on the internet every day and deserve the same level of access to those networks, no matter what corner of the state you live in,” said Senator Donovan. “This legislation ensures equal access to the internet, which is why I am confident it will pass the House, and I urge Governor Polis to sign net neutrality into law.”

“The passage of net neutrality ensures that every Coloradan, no matter where you live, gets a fair shot,” said Senator Bridges. “This legislation will benefit Coloradans who rely on the internet for everyday tasks and small businesses who need it to innovate and grow our Colorado economy.”

SB19-078 will help protect net neutrality in Colorado by disqualifying internet service providers that interfere with the open internet from receiving financial support from the state. To learn more about SB19-078, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-078.

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Majority Leader Fenberg’s Bill to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans Advances Through Senate Transportation and Energy Committee

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO – After 12 hours of testimony, the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today passed SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) which seeks to prioritize the health and safety of all Coloradans and empower local communities to regulate oil and gas operations in their backyards. The bill passed the committee 4-3 and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

"This bill is about one thing: creating a clear, modernized, and commonsense framework to allow the oil and gas industry to continue to do business in the state of Colorado, but not at the expense of people’s health and safety,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “I received a lot of input from Coloradans prior to the bill introduction and we'll continue to work with anyone interested in improving this bill throughout the upcoming committee hearings."

It has been more than 60 years since meaningful changes have been made to Colorado’s oil and gas laws, and local communities and Colorado families have been forced to bear the steep consequences. Importantly, the bill will clarify that the mission of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is to regulate – not foster – oil and gas activities.

The legislation grants local governments the authority to regulate oil and gas operations, directs air quality experts to adopt commonsense rules to reduce harmful emissions including methane, and increases protections for property owners from forced pooling.

To learn more about SB19-181, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.

Senate and House Sponsors Unveil Legislation to Abolish the Death Penalty

Senate and House Sponsors, faith leaders, and supporters gathered today in the Colorado State Capitol for a press conference

March 6, 2019

Denver, CO – Senate and House Democrats held a press conference in the State Capitol to unveil legislation to abolish the death penalty in Colorado.

Throughout Colorado’s history with capital punishment, it has been applied unevenly and arbitrarily, with factors like race often playing a far larger role in who receives the death penalty than merely the specifics of the crime. Additionally, the complex legal costs associated with the death penalty make it far more expensive than any other alternative, oftentimes costing 10-20 times more than a life in prison.

The Colorado legislature has debated similar legislation four times over the last two decades. SB-182 would finally abolish the death penalty in Colorado, but would not change the status of the individuals currently on death row.

“As a woman of color and a mother, the disproportionate impact of the death penalty on people of color has always been troubling to me,” said Senator Williams (D-Denver). “I understand how contentious this issue can be, but at the end of the day, I believe abolishing the death penalty is the right thing to do -- and will save our state extensive costs in the future.”

“Our criminal justice system demonstrates racial bias at every step of the process, from the point of arrest all the way through to the point of executions for heinous crimes. However, over 150 people have been exonerated after being sentenced to die for crimes they did not commit,” said Senator Gonzales (D-Denver). “The death penalty is irrevocable, cruel, an unusual practice, and we should abolish it.”

"We believe, as Pope Francis has recently clarified, that the death penalty is no longer admissible and we are called to work for its abolition worldwide. The state of Colorado has other means available to exact justice and render the criminal unable to do harm,” said Auxiliary Bishop Rodriguez.

"It is outrageous because although 6 percent of the population is comprised of African Americans, we are not 6 percent of those on death row,” said Reverend Patrick Demmer, Greater Denver Ministerial Alliance. “We are 100 percent of those on death row. It is outrageous, it is unbelievable and it is unconscionable. Something must be wrong with Lady Justice – there must be a hole in her blindfold because she can see people who are my color."

"After the murder [of my mother], the sheriff urged prosecutors to seek the death penalty. I am thankful that it was not sought, as the finality of death would have impugned my ability to seek out answers to questions that I had. While there are human beings who have committed senseless crimes, they should not be defined by their worse acts,” said Ezra Alden, the son of a victim who was murdered.

Representatives Jeni Arndt (D-Fort Collins) and Adrienne Benavidez (D-Adams County) were also present at the press conference, and offered the following comments after its conclusion:

“Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime,” said Representative Jeni Arndt. “This is a moral issue for me and I think it’s time we join the ranks of the over one hundred countries who have already outlawed capital punishment.”

“Since 1973, there have been 164 people exonerated from death row. Even one potentially innocent person on death row is too much,” said Representative Adrienne Benavidez. “The death penalty is such a final and permanent decision that cannot be reversed.”

To learn more about SB-182, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-182.

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Senator Zenzinger’s Bill to Limit Campaign Contributions for County Offices Passes Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee

March 4, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance HB19-1007, Contribution Limits for County Offices, a bill sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger that would establish limits under the “Fair Campaign Practices Act” for candidates for county offices. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Fair elections are one of the most important parts of American democracy,” said Senator Zenzinger. “Limiting campaign contributions for county offices isn’t a red or a blue issue, it is the right thing to do that will protect and uphold our democracy at the local level.”

Current state law does not set campaign contribution limits for county offices. This bill would set the contribution limit for the primary and general elections at $1,250 for an individual, $12,500 for a small donor committee, and $22,125 for a political party. The limits are to be adjusted for inflation over time.

HB19-1007 also requires disclosure of campaign finance information and the filing of disclosure reports for contributions made to or received by a candidate for a county office.

“It is important to encourage transparency in elections of all levels, and this legislation will lead to clearer, more honest elections throughout Colorado,” added Senator Zenzinger.

To learn more about HB19-1007, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1007.

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Colorado Senate Democrats Deliver on Ambitious Agenda for Colorado Families

May 3, 2019

Senate Democrats passed legislation to make healthcare more affordable, invest in education, and help hardworking Coloradans get ahead financially

Denver, CO – Today, the 2019 legislative session adjourned after four months of Democratic leadership delivering for Colorado families. For the first time since 2013, Democrats held majorities in both the Senate and the House, allowing legislators to make progress on the most important issues facing Coloradans. The solutions made healthcare more affordable, invested in education, and ensured Coloradans are more financially secure as the cost of living continues to rise.Roughly 95 percent of the more than 500 bills introduced during the 2019 legislative session had  bipartisan sponsorship or passed with bipartisan support.“I am proud of all that we accomplished this session for Colorado families and in the manner in which we did it, by working across the aisle to find common ground,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia. “The sheer number of bills that passed with bipartisan support illustrates the fact that we were willing to work with anyone, regardless of party, to lower the cost of healthcare, invest in education, and help hardworking Coloradans get ahead financially.”“This was a historic session for delivering on healthcare affordability, economic security, and education,” said Majority Leader Steve Fenberg. “I have no doubt that Coloradans all across the state will be better off because of what we accomplished this session.”HEALTHCARE ACCOMPLISHMENTSNobody should have to choose between paying their bills and getting the healthcare they need. That is why the Colorado Senate Democrats worked hard to make sure every Coloradan has affordable, accessible healthcare and that those struggling with mental health and addiction can get the help they need. The Colorado Senate Democrats were able to address the high cost of healthcare by:

• Helping Coloradans who are struggling with addiction get the treatment they need by expanding the medication-assisted (MAT) treatment pilot program to some of the highest need counties in the state. [SB19-001]
• Passing legislation to encourage consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers. [SB19-004]
• Creating a reinsurance program that could reduce health insurance premiums in Colorado by almost 23 percent. [HB19-1168]
• Ending the practice of surprise billing to allow Coloradans to get the care they need at an affordable price. [HB19-1174]
• Passing legislation to hold hospitals accountable for lowering costs by requiring them to annually report costs and spending. [HB19-1001]
• Working towards the creation of a state-backed public option by leveraging existing state infrastructure. [HB19-1004]
• Increasing access to mental health professionals in schools and making it easier for kids to get confidential therapy services and mental health education resources. [SB19-010 and HB19-1120]
• Creating a plan to allow consumers to import prescription medications from Canada to help Coloradans afford high cost prescription drugs. [SB19-005]
• Capping the total copay for insulin, a lifesaving drug for people with diabetes in Colorado. [HB19-1216]
• Working to prevent Coloradans from developing substance use disorders. [SB19-228]

EDUCATION ACCOMPLISHMENTSTo give every kid a strong start, the Colorado Senate Democrats fought to increase funding for education, worked hard to pass legislation that supports both students and teachers, and fought so Coloradans can pursue a college degree without being saddled with debt for the rest of their lives. Some key education accomplishments include:

• Funding full-day kindergarten to ensure that all children, not just those whose parents can afford it, have access to it. [HB19-1262]
• Passing legislation to regulate aggressive student loan servicers and tackle Colorado’s student debt crisis. [SB19-002]
• Addressing Colorado’s rural teacher shortage by increasing stipend amounts for participants in teacher preparation programs who agree to teach in rural schools. [SB19-009]
• Increasing loan forgiveness for educators who teach specific subject areas and an in high-need communities. [SB19-003]
• Increasing K-12 education funding by $325.9 million dollars, including $175 million dollars to implement full-day Kindergarten and an additional $77 million to buy-down the budget stabilization factor. [SB19-207]
• Holding tuition flat at state institutions of higher education. [SB19-207]

ECONOMIC SECURITY ACCOMPLISHMENTSAs the cost of living continues to rise and Coloradans feel like it is getting harder to get ahead, the Colorado Senate Democrats worked to make sure that people are paid what they are worth and helped Coloradans afford to live in the communities they want to call home. Key economic security accomplishments include:

• Passing legislation to close the gender wage gap and level the playing field so women are paid the same as men for the same work. [SB19-085]
• Passing a Paid Family Leave implementation plan so that all Coloradans can get the time off they need to be there for their families without losing a paycheck. [SB19-188]
• Protecting Colorado renters by passing legislation to make sure they are charged fairly for application fees, to ensure that tenants who are spending money on rent have a safe place to call home, and to increase the amount of time they have to cure lease violations. [HB19-1170, HB19-1106, and HB19-1118]
• Passing a bill to incentivize developers to build more affordable housing units to address the rising housing costs in Colorado. [HB19-1319]
• Fighting to give renters more protections when it comes to disagreements with their landlords by passing a bill to help provide legal counsel to Coloradans who are facing eviction. [SB19-180]
• Establishing the Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board to study ways to help increase retirement savings for hardworking Coloradans. [SB19-173]
• Passing a bipartisan, balanced budget that will provide $300 million in transportation funding to invest in our state’s infrastructure. [SB19-207]

In addition to delivering on these key promises, the Colorado Senate Democrats also succeeded in passing long overdue oil and gas reforms, bipartisan criminal justice reforms, reducing the influence of money in politics, expanding and protecting the right to vote, and passing a commonsense gun safety measure that will save lives.For more information on the Colorado Senate Democrats’ 2019 legislative accomplishments, please visit https://senatedems.co/.

Bipartisan Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education Bill Advances through the Senate Health & Human Services Committee

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed HB19-1032, Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education, a bill sponsored by Senator Nancy Todd (D-Aurora) and Senator Don Coram (R-Montrose) to expand the curriculum for schools that provide sex education. The bill passed committee 3-to-2 and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Under current Colorado law, schools are not required to teach sex education. If they do choose to teach sex education; however, it must be comprehensive. This bill updates the current standards for what is comprehensive to include consent, healthy relationships, and sexual orientation.

“As a former educator, I believe we are obligated to teach Colorado’s students the information they need to live healthy, safe lives,” said Senator Todd. “In addition to current law which requires sex education to cover important topics such as pregnancy, abstinence, and sexually transmitted diseases, this bill will also help students learn about important concepts such as consent and healthy relationships.”

“I felt the original version of the bill was flawed; however, because of my relationship with Senator Todd, I was confident that we would be able to work with a large group of stakeholders on amendments that would correct the flaws we had,” said Senator Coram. “It speaks volumes that we would be able to get unanimous consent in making this a better bill.”

Contrary to what critics of the bill presented to the committee, HB19-1032 does not require schools to teach sex education but rather simply adds important topics to the current sex education curriculum to make it more inclusive for all students.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment currently administers a grant program to teach comprehensive sex education. This bill would allocate $1 million to this grant program and prioritize rural schools and public schools that lack resources.

To learn more about HB19-1032, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1032.  

Senator Moreno’s Bill to Expand Driver’s License Program for Undocumented Coloradans Passes Senate Finance Committee

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today voted 5-to-2 to advance SB19-139, More Colorado Road and Community Safety Act Offices. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senators Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) and Don Coram (R-Montrose), would expand the driver’s license program for undocumented Coloradans to at least 10 state Department of Motor Vehicles offices. The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.   “Legalizing driver’s licenses for undocumented Coloradans has gained support from both sides of the aisle since it became law,” said Senator Moreno. “But the biggest roadblock to the program’s success has been an inefficient administrative process and too few locations, forcing many people to drive hours to get an ID. By significantly expanding the amount of DMVs that provide these licenses, we solve the efficiency problem and help tens of thousands of hardworking Coloradans across the state.”   Colorado’s undocumented driver license program became law five years ago, but the program’s success has been limited by a shortage of locations causing a high demand for appointments. SB19-139 would expand administration of the program from four offices to ten by 2020 and ensure that these new locations are spread out across the state.   To learn more about SB19-139, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-139.

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JOINT RELEASE: General Assembly Announces Upcoming Introduction of Oil and Gas Legislation Prioritizing the Health and Safety of Coloradans

February 28, 2019

Denver, CO -  Senate and House leadership, joined by Governor Polis and supporters, today announced oil and gas legislation that prioritizes the health and safety of Coloradans will soon be introduced in the General Assembly. The legislation, sponsored by Speaker KC Becker and Majority Leader Steve Fenberg, seeks to provide the most meaningful changes to oil and gas regulations Colorado has seen in more than 60 years.

The bill will not only provide peace of mind for Coloradans by clarifying that the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s mission is to regulate, not foster, the industry, but will empower local communities to take control over what is happening in their backyards and equip them with the tools they need to stand up for their best interests.

“Coloradans simply do not have confidence that the laws in place are sufficient to protect their health and safety. They are right, and they are looking to their leaders for change,” said Majority Leader Fenberg. “For too long, the legislature has stood in the way of common sense reforms that would keep communities safe, and protect the Colorado we love.Today, we are announcing change.”

“Right now, oil and gas laws in Colorado tilt heavily toward the industry. We are going to correct that tilt so that health, safety, and environment are no longer ignored by state agencies,” said Speaker KC Becker. “This bill would also ensure that local governments have a greater ability to represent the interests of the people they serve.”

“The legislation we outlined today puts health and safety first and gives communities a meaningful seat at the table,” said Governor Jared Polis. “While we know this doesn’t solve all of the problems our communities face, it is a practical approach to finding a solution for many of our issues and providing more stability by updating our laws to reflect today’s realities.”

Erin Martinez, the survivor of a tragic gas explosion in Firestone that killed her brother and husband, urged for stronger regulation saying “the only way to make sure this never happens again is to learn from this tragedy and create safer regulations and guidelines that put human safety first.”

While the full legislation will be introduced in the coming days, please click here for more details about the legislation.

Senator Lee’s Juvenile Justice Reform Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Judiciary Committee

February 27, 2019

Denver, CO – This afternoon the Senate Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to advance SB19-108, Juvenile Justice Reform, a bill sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-El Paso County) that would reform Colorado’s juvenile justice system by utilizing research-based best practices, including validated risk assessment and emphasizing mental health while limiting detention. The bill now heads to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Our criminal justice system is in dire need of reform, especially when it comes to juveniles,” said Senator Lee. “This bill is an attempt to utilize limited state resources for high-risk offenders and to divert low-risk kids to restorative justice treatment counseling.”

Last year, Senator Lee co-chaired the Improving Outcomes for Youth Task Force with Senator Gardner (R-Colorado Springs) and facilitated by the council of state governments, which identified a variety of major issues in Colorado’s juvenile system, including a 50 percent recidivism rate and tendency towards over-punishing children for minor offenses. SB19-108 incorporates many of the necessary changes identified by the task force and working groups of juvenile justice professionals, and will seek reforms based on evidence to divert young  Coloradans out of the criminal justice system.

“Research shows that most kids outgrow juvenile deviant behavior, and to over-supervise and incarcerate them results in worse outcomes,” added Senator Lee. “This bill will change the statewide standard for juvenile justice by shifting from punishment to rehabilitation to set our youth up for improved outcomes and better futures.”To learn more about SB19-108, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-108.

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