Senator Lee’s Bill to Expand School Safety Grant Program Unanimously Clears Senate Finance Committee

March 19, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Finance Committee unanimously voted today to pass SB19-179, Enhance School Safety Incident Response Grant Program. The bill, sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-El Paso County), would update and improve an existing program designed to increase school safety. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“There is nothing more important than protecting our students,” said Senator Lee. “I was proud to create this safety program when I served in the House, and I am hopeful that we can enhance its effectiveness through these small adjustments and additional funding. Ensuring the safety of students and educators is essential.”

In 2018, then-Representative Lee passed HB18-1413, a bill that created a program to provide grants to nonprofit organizations experienced with school safety training and working with law enforcement for research and training in how to respond to school shootings and other emergencies. SB19-179 will improve this program by appropriating an additional $1,150,000 to the department of public safety for its administration.

For more information about this legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-179.

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Several Senate Democrats Priority Bills Pass Appropriations Committee, Head to Senate Floor for Consideration

March 19, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Appropriations Committee today voted to advance several priority bills sponsored by members of the Colorado Senate Democrats to help Coloradans tackle issues like rising healthcare costs, a lack of access to mental health services, student loan debt, and campaign finance reform. These pieces of legislation now head to the Committee of the Whole for a Second Reading. “We have worked tirelessly over the past several months to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to Coloradans, reform unfair campaign finance laws, and provide much needed relief to those with student debt across the state. We are more than halfway through the legislative session, and many of our top priorities are well on their way to becoming law,” said Senate President Leroy Garcia. The five bills that passed the Senate Appropriations Committee include: SB19-002, Regulate Student Education Loan Servicers: More than half of Colorado’s college graduates finish school with some form of student debt, totaling more than $26 billion. This bill will regulate companies that service student loans and create a student loan ombudsman to investigate complaints and provide assistance and education to borrowers. SB19-003, Educator Loan Forgiveness Program: An estimated 3,000 educator openings remain unfilled in Colorado, particularly in rural districts and in certain fields including math, science, and special education. That number does not include unfilled positions for other support positions like speech pathologists. This legislation is a creative solution to solve Colorado’s teacher shortage by improving an existing, but unfunded, program. It would provide applicants as much as $5,000 in loan forgiveness upon completion of a year of teaching in a targeted geographical or subject area.   SB19-005, Import Prescription Drugs From Canada: Americans pay far more for prescription drugs than Canadians. For example, the popular cholesterol drug Lipitor can cost Canadian patients under $50, compared to more than $150 for the same dose sold on the US market. This legislation will allow Coloradans to save money on prescription drugs by importing them from Canada. SB19-010, Professional Behavioral Health Services For Schools: Coloradans can thrive if we ensure mental health resources are robust and accessible, and this bill will take an important step towards ensuring we support children’s mental health. This bill will put more health professionals in schools to support the needs of students across Colorado by building on the success of an existing program that allows schools to use grant funding to contract with providers and invest in telehealth. HB19-1007, Contribution Limits For County Offices: Colorado does not currently have a law setting limits on contributions to candidates for a county office. In order to reform campaign finance laws, this bill sets a maximum donation amount for individuals and small donors.

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Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bill to Ban the Box on Job Applications

March 18, 2019

Denver, CO — The Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass HB19-1025, Limits on Job Applicant Criminal History Inquiries, a bill sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver) and Mike Foote (D-Lafayette). This legislation would prohibit employers from asking about criminal histories on job applications. This now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“I believe that people should take responsibility for their actions -- but once a crime is committed and a sentence is served, they should not be hobbled by it for the rest of their lives,” said Senator Foote. “This bill gives people a chance to move beyond the one-size-fits-all screening device that all too often prevents people from even making it to the job interview stage.”

In addition to asking about criminal history on initial job applications, this legislation would prohibit employers from advertising or stating that individuals with criminal histories cannot apply for certain positions.

“This legislation will help give Coloradans a second chance to rebuild their futures by making it easier for them to move forward in the job application process,” said Senator Rodriguez. “This is one of two bills I am sponsoring this session to make it easier for Coloradans who have already answered for their crimes to move on with their lives.”

HB19-1025 would take effect in September 2019 for large companies, those with 11 or more employees, and in September 2021 for all other companies. Exemptions to the legislation include certain jobs where criminal histories are not allowed, positions for which the law requires criminal history record checks, or employers that are trying to encourage employment of people with criminal histories.

For more information about this bill, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1025.

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Life-Saving Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation Passes Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee

March 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted 3-to-2 to pass HB19-1177, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), sponsored by Senators Lois Court (D-Denver) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County). ERPO would save lives by allowing family members and law enforcement officers to request a court order to temporarily remove firearms from someone who is deemed a danger to themselves or to others. This bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.   HB19-1177 is named in honor of Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Zackari Parrish III who was killed on duty in 2017 by an individual whose mental health concerns were well-known to others around him. This legislation would give law enforcement and family members the opportunity to seek a temporary order for someone who appears at risk of dangerous behavior.   “I have sponsored similar legislation in the past, and I will continue to fight for gun violence prevention efforts that will save lives,” said Senator Court, “Extreme risk protections orders are about saving lives, protecting those who are a risk to themselves and others, and keeping our first responders safe. This legislation will give an essential tool to law enforcement to temporarily remove a firearm before warning signs escalate to tragedies.”   “If legislation like this had already been in place, Deputy Zackari Parrish would still be alive today. Deputy Parrish’s murderer was a clear risk to himself and others, but those who knew him lacked the legal protections to act on the threat he posed,” said Senator Pettersen. “Extreme risk protection orders will prevent future tragedies like this in communities across our state. ERPO laws enacted in other states have been proven to be constitutional and have been proven to save lives. It’s time Colorado does more to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people.”   To successfully block firearm access, a petitioner would have to demonstrate a preponderance of evidence that the individual poses a significant threat to themselves or others by possessing a firearm. After a petition is filed, a court would place a temporary order for up to two weeks until a hearing determines whether a full protection order is appropriate. A full protection order could then be approved for up to 364 days.   “What is essential to keep in mind is that HB 19-1177 is designed to save lives and that it will save lives,’ said Attorney General Phil Weiser, who testified before the Senate State, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee in support of HB19-1177. “According to one study that evaluated ERPOs in other states, researchers estimated that one life was saved for every 10 to 20 ERPOs issued by the courts.”   “The Attorney General’s Office has concluded that HB 19-1177 is constitutional… we believe that HB 19-1177, as drafted, is a proper and appropriately drafted regulation that is consistent with the Second Amendment’s requirements. I pledge to you that the Department of Law is committed to doing our part to support the successful implementation of HB 19-1177 when and if it is enacted into law,” added Attorney General Weiser.   The Attorney General’s full testimony can be found here.   This bill went through an extensive stakeholder process with feedback from law enforcement, mental health and gun violence prevention advocates, and legislators. It passed the House of Representatives on third reading 38-to-25. If passed and signed into law, Colorado would be the 15th state to enact ERPO legislation.   For more information on the Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1177. ###

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JOINT RELEASE: Joint Budget Committee Democrats Respond to Newly Released Budget Forecast

March 15, 2019

Denver, CO – This afternoon, the Governor’s office and the Colorado Legislative Council released a quarterly budget forecast that will help lawmakers write the annual state budget. In response, members of the Joint Budget Committee released the following statements:

“While this budget forecast might not be as strong as we hoped for, the Joint Budget Committee's priority must be to serve as responsible stewards of taxpayers dollars as we work to balance the state budget,” said JBC Chair Sen. Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “I am still confident that we will be able to find a way forward that protects the state’s finances while also delivering on many of the important legislative priorities that our Democratic majorities were elected on.”

“We remain focused on putting forth a bipartisan and responsible budget that addresses our state’s most pressing needs and reflects the values of Coloradans,” said JBC Vice-Chair Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “Hardworking individuals and families in southern Colorado and across our state are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. We must work together to support them and give them the tools they need to get ahead.”

“The budget forecast is not a red or a blue issue, and regardless of party, we must be smart with our decisions and balance many competing priorities with the need for fiscal responsibility,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We take these decisions very seriously, and will carefully identify what our biggest financial needs are as we debate and finalize our state’s budget.”

“A poorly targeted federal tax change and pointless trade wars and tariffs have manufactured uncertainty in the economy and are beginning to drag down hardworking families,” said Rep. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We must work together to responsibly invest in education, work to cut the cost of health care to ensure our state remains prosperous.”

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Senator Story’s Bill to Regulate Online Schools Passes the Senate

March 15, 2019

Denver, CO — The Senate voted 21-to-14 this morning to advance SB19-129, a bill sponsored by Senator Tammy Story (D-Evergreen) that would increase accountability for online schools. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“As a longtime advocate for education, I am pleased the Senate has voted to advance my bill to help students attending online schools,” said Senator Story. “Every student in Colorado deserves a shot at a bright future, and that starts with a great education. Our online schools serve a portion of our students and we want to ensure their needs are being met when online schools are their choice.”

SB19-129 would require the online division of the Department of Education to report information about students who disenroll from an online school after the annual pupil enrollment and if known, where they go next. The Department of Education would summarize this information and then present it annually 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. 

“This legislation will help us hold online schools accountable, ensuring that Colorado students can get the quality education they deserve,” added Senator Story.

To learn more about SB19-129, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-129.

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Senate Passes Senator Court’s Bill to Increase Safety on Colorado Roads

March 15, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 26-to-9 to approve SB19-012, Use Of Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving, a bill sponsored by Senator Lois Court (D-Denver) that would ban the use of handheld electronic devices while operating motor vehicles. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“Distracted driving is an epidemic, and using a cell phone while driving is too often the cause of deadly accidents. Our cars are not moving phone booths and shouldn’t be used as such,” said Senator Court.

SB19-012 would make using cell phones while driving - except with a hands-free device - illegal for everyone, expanding on current Colorado law that prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using cell phones while operating motor vehicle.

“This bill, which has overwhelming support from the public, is designed to stop dangerous behavior and ultimately save lives,” said Senator Court. “It does that by making it illegal to physically hold your cell phone while driving, although drivers can still use their phones with hands-free technologies."

“We just want people to put their phones down and focus on driving. There are more than 40 distracted driving accidents each day in Colorado, adding up to more than 14,000 accidents every year. But these aren’t accidents – they are preventable tragedies,” said Susan Danes, Co-Chair of Coloradans Organized for Responsible Driving. “There are already 16 states with hands-free laws in place, and we don’t want Colorado to be last on that list. Using cell phones while driving has become commonplace, so we need to change behavior - that is what we hope this bill will do.”

To learn more about SB19-012 visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-012. 

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Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board Bill Passes Senate Finance Committee

March 14, 2019

Denver CO – The Senate Finance Committee today voted 4-to-3 to pass SB19-173, Colorado Secure Savings Plan Board, a bill sponsored by Senators Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Brittany Pettersen (D-Jefferson County) to help find ways to increase Colorado’s private sector workers’ retirement savings. The bill will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

More than 75 percent of Coloradans believe it is only going to get harder to prepare for retirement, according to the Bell Policy Center. SB19-173 would establish the Colorado secure savings plan board to study ways to help Colorado’s private sector workers save for retirement. The board would work to increase the number of Colorado businesses that offer retirement savings and determine the feasibility of creating the Colorado secure savings plan.

“People work two or three jobs in my district, but none of them have traditional retirement benefits. This bill will look at options to let those people save for the future,” said Senator Donovan. “We know how people work is changing and we can play a role in making sure they can retire in the place they call home.”

“Younger Coloradans are being offered work-based retirement options at a much lower rate than previous generations. The lack of retirement options coupled with crushing student loan debt and rising home prices is putting the financial future of our families and our state at risk,” said Senator Pettersen.“We know the problem – and this study will ensure we create a solution that will empower more Coloradans to achieve the retirement goals they have worked their entire lives for.”

The board would conduct assessments to determine approaches to increasing retirement savings for private sector employees in low-cost and self-sustaining ways, and then it would recommend a plan to the Governor and General Assembly to implement these findings.

To learn more about SB19-173, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-173.

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Warranty of Habitability Legislation Advances through the Senate Local Government Committee

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO –  The Senate Local Government Committee today voted 4-to-1 to advance HB19-1170, Residential Tenants Health And Safety Act, a bill sponsored by Senators Angela Williams (D-Denver) and Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County). This legislation would protect renters whose landlords are slow to fix vital repairs, putting the health and safety of their tenants at risk. The bill now heads to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“Our goal is to protect tenants without harming the businesses of reputable landlords,” said Senator Williams. “Every Colorado tenant should be guaranteed a safe living space so they can focus on the important things in life like family, school, and careers – without having to worry about serious issues such as water leaks or broken heating systems.”

“I believe that every Coloradan deserves a fair shot at success, and a safe place to call home is the foundation of that chance to get ahead,” said Senator Bridges. “Protections for Colorado’s renters haven’t been updated in over a decade, and it is time to put the health and safety of our renters in every corner of this state first.”

HB19-1170 would give renters greater control when facing problems like insect infestations and maintenance issues. The legislation would require landlords to house tenants in a comparable unit or pay to have them moved while repairs are underway. It would also allow tenants to more easily withhold rent if repairs are not made, while giving landlords a time limit on making such repairs.

To learn more about SB-1170, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1170.

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Senator Bridges’ Bill to Allow Creation of Early Childhood Development Service Districts Unanimously Passes Senate Local Government Committee

March 14, 2019

Denver CO – The Senate Local Government Committee unanimously voted today to advance HB19-1052, Early Childhood Development Special District, a bill sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges (D-Arapahoe County) to allow the creation of early childhood development service districts. The bill now moves to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

“Every kid deserves a fair shot at success no matter where they come from,” said Senator Bridges. “Early childhood dollars are the most impactful education dollars we can spend. This bipartisan bill will make it easier for families throughout Colorado to get their kids a high-quality education, and for every child in our state to reach their full potential and contribute to our economy.”

The creation of early childhood development service districts would support children up to eight years of age with educational and developmental services as well as physical and mental healthcare. HB19-1052 would not only encourage the creation of such districts, but would also allow local communities to vote on how they would pay for early childhood development services.

For more information on this bill, please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1052.

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

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 25-to-10 to advance SB19-139, More Colorado Road And Community Safety Act Offices. The bill, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City), 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 House of Representatives

“This program has been critical for thousands of undocumented Coloradans, but it has faced major roadblocks because of inefficient administrative processes and too few locations,” said Senator Moreno. “The expansion of this program means that no Coloradan will have to drive hours away just to get an ID. It may seem small, but this legislation will have far-reaching, positive impacts for tens of thousands of hardworking Coloradans. I am confident that this will easily pass the House and will be signed into law by the Governor.”

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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Senator Moreno’s Bipartisan Hospital Transparency Bill Clears the Senate

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 34-to-1 to pass HB19-1001, Hospital Transparency Measures to Analyze Efficacy, a bill sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) to increase hospital spending transparency and reduce healthcare costs. This bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Roughly 40 percent of Colorado’s total healthcare costs come from hospital care – and although hospitals receive hundreds of millions of dollars from state and federal governments, particularly in rural areas, privately insured individuals still face increasing costs.

“Coloradans have made it clear that lowering healthcare costs should be a top priority this session,” said Senator Moreno. “Today, the Senate delivered on this effort by passing an important bill that will finally address the high costs of hospital care and I look forward to Governor Polis signing it into law.”

HB19-1001 will require hospitals to provide annual reports tracking their costs and spending. By understanding hospitals’ financial expenditures, this legislation will help Colorado determine why costs are so high and help us hold hospitals accountable for lowering costs.

The bill was sponsored by Representative Chris Kennedy (D-Jefferson County) in the Colorado House of Representatives where it passed with bipartisan support with a vote of 39-22 on January 31, 2019.

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

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Senate Unanimously Passes President Garcia’s Bill to Create Peer Health Assistance Program for Emergency Medical Service Providers

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate today voted unanimously to advance SB19-065, Peer Assistance Emergency Medical Service Provider, a bill from President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo) that would create a peer health assistance program for Colorado’s Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers. The bill now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“Working in Emergency Medical Services can be both physically and mentally strenuous. As a paramedic, I understand some of the challenges they face – and as a legislator, I’m proud that the Senate has advanced my bill that will give EMS providers the support they need to serve our state,” said President Garcia.

According to a 2017 study by the University of Phoenix, 84 percent of first responders – including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses – have experienced a traumatic event on the job. Roughly 34 percent have faced mental health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, and nearly half of those diagnosed with depression cited work incidents as the leading cause.

EMS practitioners also suffer from a high rate of suicidal thoughts. In fact, a 2015 survey of EMTs and paramedics published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) found that 37 percent reported contemplating suicide (nearly 10 times the rate of American adults) while 6.6 percent reported having attempted suicide (compared to .5 percent of all adults).

“I know the courage and sacrifice it takes to do such strenuous work, day in and day out, and the passage of Senate Bill 65 will help our hardworking first responders continue to keep our communities safe and healthy,” added President Garcia.

This legislation would offer education, support, counseling, and treatment to EMS providers who struggle with chemical dependency, mental illness, or any other personal, emotional, or psychological problems. The program would be overseen by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and funded through fees on each new license and renewal.

To learn more about SB19-065, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-065.

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Senate Passes Senator Donovan’s Bipartisan Bill to Protect Water Quality in Mining Reclamation

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate voted this morning 22-to-13 to pass HB19-1113, Protect Water Quality Adverse Mining Impacts, a bill from Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that will hold new mining operations accountable for their impact on water quality standards. The bill is now on its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“I’m excited that the Senate voted this morning to protect Colorado’s water quality from some of the harmful effects of mining operations,” said Senator Donovan. “This legislation will ensure that Colorado prioritizes the protection of our rivers and streams for generations to come. I am proud that HB19-1113 is on its way to becoming law.”

HB19-1113 will protect water quality around mining operations by requiring most reclamation plans to 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 will be able to afford the costs of protecting water quality, including for any necessary treatment and monitoring costs.

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

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Senate Unanimously Passes President Garcia’s Expand Medication-assisted Treatment Pilot Program

March 14, 2019

Denver, CO — The Senate this morning voted unanimously to pass SB19-001, Expand Medication-assisted Treatment Pilot Program, a bill from President Leroy M. Garcia (D-Pueblo) to expand the Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) pilot program currently offered in Pueblo and Routt Counties to 10 additional counties across the state, including the counties in the San Luis valley and 2 additional counties in which a need is demonstrated. The bill now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.

“Today, the Senate came together to pass a bill that will save lives by helping Coloradans who are struggling in the face of the opioid epidemic get the treatment they need,” said President Garcia. “We have seen incredible success from the pilot program, and by expanding it to additional high-need counties, we can help even more Coloradans who are battling drug abuse and addiction.”

In 2017, there were 558 opioid overdose deaths in Colorado from both prescription opioids and illegal opioids such as heroin. SB19-001 will expand the MAT program to 10 additional high-need counties throughout the state by providing $5 million in funding over two years.

In addition to expanding and increasing funding for the MAT program, this bill would also shift the administration of the program from the College of Nursing to the center for research into substance abuse disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery support strategies – expanding the work that the College of Nursing is doing and adding more disciplines and communities from around the state and on the Anschutz Campus.

To learn more about SB19-001, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-001.

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Family and Medical Leave Passes Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee

March 13, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance SB19-188, FAMLI Family Medical Leave Insurance Program, a bill sponsored by Senators Faith Winter (D-Adams County) and Angela Williams (D-Denver) that would guarantee all Coloradans up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves and their families. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.

Because most Coloradans don’t have paid leave to recover from a serious illness, care for a sick family member, or welcome the birth of a child, they are often forced to choose between work and family. With FAMLI, Coloradans would no longer have to make these hard choices.

“We’ve heard too many heartbreaking stories of Coloradans who can’t be at their dying parent's bedside, who go back to work too soon after the birth of a child, or skip necessary medical treatments because they can’t afford to lose their paycheck,” said Senator Winter. “No one should have to make those decisions, and soon they won’t have to. After five years of working hard for paid family leave in Colorado, I am confident that it will become law this session.”

“Paid family leave is good for both Coloradan families and businesses. Coloradans will be able to take care of themselves and their families while businesses can save money by reducing turnover,” said Senator Williams. “With a paid family leave program in place, small businesses could more easily compete with large companies and Coloradans could be there for their families in times of need.”

The bill would create a division within the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment that would provide wage replacement for employees who worked at least 680 hours in the previous year when they take leave to care for a family member, to recover from a serious injury or illness, or to welcome a newborn or adopted child. The program would replace between 65 and 90 percent of the majority of worker wages, with lower-income Coloradans receiving a larger percentage of their wages. Employees would also be guaranteed their same or equivalent job when returning from leave, and would be protected from discrimination or retaliation from their employer.  

For more information on SB19-188, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-188.

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Bill to Increase Access to Dental Care for Pregnant Women Unanimously Passes Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 13, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted today to advance HB19-1038, Dental Services For Pregnant Women On Children's Basic Health Plan Plus, a bill from Senators Tammy Story (D-Jefferson County) and Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) that will increase access to dental care for children and pregnant women. The bill will now move to the Committee on Appropriations for consideration.

Unfortunately, hundreds of pregnant women who are insured through the Child Health Plan Plus – a state public low-cost health insurance program for children and pregnant women – do not have access to dental healthcare. HB19-1038 will expand access to dental care to all enrollees, including children and pregnant women.

“This bill will help pregnant women and vulnerable children access the healthcare they need,” said Senator Story. “As a mother, I understand just how critical prenatal care can be and, as a Senator, I am committed to supporting Colorado families, including children and mothers, all across our state.”

“As a former healthcare professional, I can tell you that dental care is an important part of overall health, particularly for pregnant women and children,” said Senator Ginal. “I am hopeful that this bill will increase access to dental care that Colorado women and children need.”

For more information on this bill please visit: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1038.

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Senator Moreno’s Bill to Simplify Gender Re-Designation on Birth Certificates Passes the Senate Judiciary Committee

March 13, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee voted this afternoon 3-to-2 to advance HB19-1039, Identity Documents for Transgender Persons, legislation sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno (D-Commerce City) that would make it simpler for transgender Coloradans to obtain birth certificates with their correct gender designation. The bill now heads to Senate Committee on Appropriations for consideration.

“Everyone deserves to live their true life without government standing in their way. The current process for transgender Coloradans to be correctly represented on their birth certificate is complicated and time consuming,” said Senator Moreno. “This bill will remove a great deal of red tape so that transgender individuals can more easily obtain a birth certificate that actually reflects who they are.”

Currently, transgender individuals must obtain a court order stating they have had a sex change by surgical procedure to have their birth certificate amended. HB19-1039 will no longer require a court order for Coloradans to secure a legal name change when seeking an updated birth certificate to accurately reflect their correct gender designation. The bill also makes it simpler for people born out of state to have their birth certificate amended in Colorado.

“Requiring a serious medical procedure in order to change one’s gender on a birth certificate is expensive and violating,” said Senator Moreno. “I am proud to see my bill to support the transgender community of Colorado take this important step forward out of committee.”

HB19-1039 would also exempt transgender individuals from having to submit a public notice of name change. Additionally, it makes transgender Coloradans eligible to be issued a new driver’s license or identity document with the proper gender denotation.

For more information on HB19-1039, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1039.

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Senator Kerry Donovan’s Companion Bills to Address the High Cost of Healthcare Pass the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

March 13, 2019

Denver, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today voted to advance two bills sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) that address the high cost of healthcare in Colorado, particularly in rural communities. Both bills now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.

“Coloradans demanded action on healthcare this past November, and these bills present innovative Colorado solutions to reign in the high cost of health insurance,” said Senator Donovan. “These bills will deliver affordable options so Coloradans can get the treatment they need without having to choose between paying for healthcare or paying a mortgage.”

SB19-004, which passed committee with bipartisan support, addresses the high cost of healthcare in Colorado by modernizing laws that allow healthcare cooperatives to incorporate consumer protections, such as coverage for preexisting conditions, and encourages consumers to negotiate rates on a collective basis directly with providers.

“Coloradans take care of each other, and cooperatives will empower people to come together and take action to address the high cost of healthcare. Co-ops are member owned, so the focus isn’t on profits, but on getting people the care they need,” said Senator Donovan.

HB19-1004, which has a Republican co-sponsor in the House and passed that chamber with bipartisan support, would study how to leverage existing state infrastructure to create a publicly supported health insurance option, delivering affordable health insurance to hardworking Coloradans across the state.

“This is a reset for healthcare in Colorado. No state in the nation has implemented a statewide public option, but Colorado has taken an innovative and responsible approach to do so that will increase competition and deliver affordable, accessible healthcare to Coloradans all across this state,” added Senator Donovan.

A lack of competition is a major reason why residents in rural and mountain communities pay about $500 more per month for similar healthcare plans offered elsewhere. While Coloradans living in urban areas have several options to choose from on the individual market, there are 14 counties in Colorado that only have one health insurance provider.

“Too many Coloradans, particularly those in rural communities, are struggling to afford the care they need. These bills will provide relief to those living in areas with little competition and high insurance premiums while we work towards a statewide public option that will help people in every corner of Colorado,” added Senator Donovan.  

SB19-004 and HB19-1004 are both sponsored by Representative Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) in the Colorado House of Representatives. HB19-1004 passed the House by a vote of 46-17-1 on March 4, 2019.

For more information about SB19-004, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-004.

For more information about HB19-1004, please visit: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1004.

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Majority Leader Fenberg’s Effort to Prioritize Health and Safety of Coloradans, Empower Local Communities Passes the Senate

March 13, 2019

Denver, CO -- Majority Leader Steve Fenberg’s top legislative priority this session, SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations, today passed the Senate by a vote of 19-15 (one excused).

In addition to a robust stakeholder process with all sides, the legislation was debated for more than 30 hours over three public committee hearings and two Senate floor debates. The legislation now heads to the Colorado House of Representatives where it will also undergo three committee hearings that are open to the public and two floor debates.

"This is a giant step forward for local governments and the health and public safety of all Coloradans," said Majority Leader Fenberg. "I'm extremely proud of all the progress we made to make this bill better through hearings, debate, and conversations with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We are long overdue for meaningful reforms to our oil and gas regulations in this state, and today we passed a commonsense solution that will empower local governments and prioritize public health and safety over industry profits."

The bill is the most significant and meaningful reform to oil and gas regulations that have passed the Senate in over 60 years. The bill seeks to 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. It will empower local governments to take control over what is happening in their backyards and equip them with the tools they need to stand up for their community’s best interests.

To learn more about SB19-181 and the bill’s amendments, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-181.

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