Senate Passes Bills to Safeguard and Improve Colorado’s Elections

The bills will enhance Colorado’s gold standard election system by prohibiting intimidation and coercion at voting centers and clarifying processes for voters

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed two bills to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and ensure they remain free from attempts at intimidation or coercion.

Sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) and Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County) the Vote Without Fear Act, prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within 100 feet of any drop box, voter service and polling center (VSPC), or central count facility while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress to ensure Coloradans can continue to cast their ballot without fear of intimidation.

“The sacred right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it’s imperative that Coloradans can participate in our democracy without fear,” said Fields. “We must ensure that voters who wish to make their voice heard at the ballot box feel safe to do so in Colorado, and this commonsense bill will implement critical protections to keep our polling places safe and defend voting rights throughout our state.”

“Participating in democracy should never be a scary experience. Every voter deserves to feel safe when exercising their sacred right to vote,” said Jaquez Lewis. “I’m proud to support legislation that further strengthens our elections by ensuring Coloradans can make their voices heard without fear of intimidation.”

SB22-152, Residence of Voter Whose Home is Destroyed, will allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to continue using their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or is uninhabitable. Sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Jaquez Lewis, the bill will codify a standard practice that county election clerks have historically followed for displaced voters. 

“The Marshall Fire forced thousands of Coloradans out of permanent residences and into temporary housing. Knowing that the rebuilding and recovery process will take months and even years, we need to be thinking ahead to make sure voter registration options are preserved,” said Fenberg. “Every Coloradan deserves to cast a safe, secure vote in every election, and this legislation will ensure that we’re protecting the sacred right to vote for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, while establishing a clear process to abide by in the event of future disasters.”

HB22-1086 now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. SB22-152 moves to the House for further consideration; track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Lee’s Bipartisan Bills to Help Coloradans With Behavioral Health Needs Get Treatment, Not Punishment & Expand Court Text Reminder Program

DENVER, CO – The Senate today unanimously approved two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) that would expand a pretrial diversion program to help more Coloradans with behavioral health conditions get the treatment they need, and make court text message reminders automatic to address unnecessary incarceration and save Coloradans money. 

SB22-010, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), would empower District Attorneys to divert eligible individuals away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate community treatment programs, reducing recidivism and preventing further criminal behavior.

“A jail cell is no place for someone with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. Diverting folks away from the criminal justice system and into community programs will ensure individuals in crisis are met with treatment, not punishment,” said Sen. Lee. “Expanding our existing pretrial diversion program to include individuals with behavioral health disorders means we’ll soon be able to extend critical aid to even more folks in need.”

The Senate also passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Lee and Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley) that would update Colorado’s court text message reminder system by expanding the use of automated court date text reminders and turning the reminder program into an opt-out system instead of an opt-in system.

The bill, SB22-018, aims to improve accountability by increasing court appearance rates, save time and money for sheriffs, courts and police, and avoid filling jails with people who missed a court date. 

“We should not be filling our jail cells with folks who simply miss their court date, but that is too often the case here in Colorado,” said Sen. Lee. “This bill is a commonsense step that will not only make it easier for people to remember their court dates, but also reduce needless incarceration while saving taxpayers money.”

Missed court appearances are costly for courts, sheriffs, police, crime survivors and people accused of crimes. Court reminders are the only evidence-based method of improving court appearance rates.

Both bills now move to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the SB22-010 HERE and SB22-018 HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday

New state holiday would commemorate the day Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved landmark legislation championed by members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado to make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday. The bill, SB22-139, is sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Janet Buckner (D-Aurora).

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and declared that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free.

“Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday we recognize in historical Black communities like Five Points where we march, eat good food and listen to good music,” said Sen. Coleman. "Making Juneteenth a state holiday means Colorado not only recognizes that Black people are free, but that all people are free. It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to health care and education people need to move forward and thrive.”

“It’s long past time to make Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us, a Colorado state holiday,” said Sen. Buckner. “I am proud to champion this important legislation which will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we don’t forget our past.”

SB22-139 will now move to the House for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to End Transcript Withholding in Higher Ed, Prepare Students for Success Advances

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts because a student owes a debt to the institution.

The bill, HB22-1049, protects students with debt from tuition, financial aid funds, and room and board fees from having their transcript withheld when they apply for a job, credit transfer or financial aid. It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions.

“Withholding transcripts from students trying to enter the workforce is an unnecessary obstacle that disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color,” said Pettersen. “This bill aims to break down this barrier by prohibiting higher education institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas from students who have unpaid debts when they are applying for a job or seeking further education, setting our students up for success and helping to strengthen our workforce.”

“As Coloradans we believe in the values of responsibility and opportunity,” said Bridges. “If a student owes a college or university money, they ought to pay that money back. But when a student needs proof of their academic record to pursue a career and get a good paying job, so that they can afford to pay off what they owe, colleges and universities have a responsibility to provide that transcript. Holding transcripts for ransom is a harmful debt collection practice that has become all too common, and it’s time we put a stop to it here in Colorado."

HB22-1049 would protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It would also prohibit institutions from charging a higher fee or providing less favorable treatment in response to a transcript or diploma request because a student owes a debt. 

The bill will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Landmark Reproductive Health Equity Act

Critical legislation will enshrine the fundamental right to abortion care in Colorado law

DENVER, CO – With Roe v. Wade in jeopardy at the U.S. Supreme Court, the Senate Judiciary Committee today approved the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) to ensure Colorado’s laws protect fundamental reproductive rights, including abortion.

Sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), RHEA would update Colorado’s laws to protect reproductive rights and establish that every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to choose to continue that pregnancy and give birth, or to have an abortion.

“Right now, reproductive rights are under attack across the country, and if Roe v. Wade is overturned, there is no Colorado law in place that would protect the right to obtain a safe, legal abortion, which is why this bill is so important,” said Sen. Gonzales. “The Reproductive Health Equity Act will enshrine the right to abortion access in our state’s laws, ensuring that every Coloradan is guaranteed their fundamental right to reproductive freedom and can make their own decisions about their life and their future.”

The bill also ensures that every individual has the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception.

RHEA comes as attacks on access to abortion have proliferated across the country. The U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn decades of precedent this spring, and at least 519 abortion restrictions have been introduced in 41 states so far this year according to the National Women’s Law Center.

Colorado remains committed to ensuring abortion remains safe, legal, and accesible. Recently, House Democrats defeated three Republican-led bills that would have jeopardized that right, including:

• HB22-1079, which would have placed an unconstitutional ban on abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill explicitly directed Colorado to disregard federal law and federal court rulings and would subject Colorado judges who support access to abortion to impeachment. In addition, it would have allowed a private right of action against abortion providers, and potentially patients too.

• HB22-1047, which would have banned abortion in Colorado with no exceptions. The bill would have also criminalized miscarriages and would have subjected providers who perform an abortion to imprisonment.

• HB22-1075, which would have established a registry to track and surveil abortion patients and providers. It also would have created a roadmap for abortion opponents to identify and further threaten abortion patients and providers.

RHEA will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Economic and Budget Forecasts Show Continued Economic Growth

JBC Dems to prioritize saving people money, making Colorado more affordable

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March economic forecasts, which will serve as the basis for the state budget for the coming fiscal year.

“It’s great to see that our economy is making a bold recovery and that unemployment levels are falling,” said JBC Chair Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our responsible approach to budgeting has positioned us well to craft a balanced budget that saves people money and moves our state forward. Our budget will invest in public schools and higher education to prepare students for success, and it will fund critical efforts to investigate and prevent crime to make our communities safer. I’m excited about where our state is headed, and look forward to the work ahead.”

“Today’s numbers prove that, overall, our economy remains very strong,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “We’re back to the strong pre-pandemic levels of employment and wage growth, and the General Fund remains in a solid position. Democrats have worked to support our economy and Coloradans over the past few years, and it’s clearly paying off. We are well positioned to provide working Colorado families critical tax and fee relief while investing in our schools and making Colorado a more affordable place to live.” 

“Today's economic forecast shows that despite pandemic-induced inflation that is occurring nationally and a geopolitical crisis, Colorado's economic recovery is strong,” said JBC Member Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver. “Thanks to fiscally responsible decisions that we've made throughout the pandemic and especially this year, I am confident we have positioned Colorado for continued -- and sustained -- growth. The proactive steps we’ve taken to bolster our reserves and our budget will enable us to continue moving forward with critical investments in public schools and efforts to save people money.”

“Based on the numbers, it appears that Colorado is financially on track to avert much of the recent disruptions caused by global events,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “The challenges will continue, and we can’t lose sight of our obligations and priorities in Colorado. We must remain focused on creating a budget that will work most efficiently and effectively for the greatest number of Coloradans.”

The LCS Forecast anticipates General Fund revenues to be $15.96 billion in FY 2021-2022 and $16.05 billion in FY 2022-2023 – a $59 million increase for FY 2021-2022 and an $344.5 million decrease for FY 2022-2023 as compared with the earlier December revenue forecast. 

The unemployment rate continued to fall in Colorado to 4.1 percent in January, led mostly by gains in the food and accommodations sectors. The state has recovered more than 98 percent of the jobs lost during the pandemic. Inflationary pressures, however, will impact near term budget priorities and state departments. Geopolitical risk and monetary policy decisions were also presented as risks to the forecast.  

The OSPB anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $16.2 billion for FY 2021-22, which OSPB revised upward by $205.9 million relative to its December estimate. For FY 2022-23, OSPB projects General Fund revenue will be close to $16.6 billion, which OSPB revised upward by $344.7 million relative to its December estimate.

The state will exceed its TABOR limit due to higher than anticipated income tax collections, and both OSPB and LCS anticipate the state exceeding the TABOR limit in the upcoming fiscal years as well. In addition, LCS and OSPB identified the uncertainty of the pandemic, evolving fiscal policy, inflation, and supply chain disruptions as risks to the forecast.

SIGNED! Zenzinger Bills to Address Teacher Shortage, Prevent Crime Become Law

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed three bills sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) into law that will address Colorado’s teacher workforce shortage to prepare students for success as well as offset the rise in retail crime and protect Coloradans from fraudulent online marketplace sellers.

“At the start of the legislative session, we listed priorities and focused on two in particular: We wanted to lay the groundwork for maximum success in our schools, and we wanted to reduce crime in Colorado,” said Sen. Zenzinger. “I’m proud to say these two bills today give us progress toward those goals; as one bill promises to expand our pool of teachers, and the other obstructs criminals’ ability to operate in the online marketplace.”

Colorado is facing a significant teacher shortage, and rural school districts are suffering from an extreme labor shortage that extends beyond the classroom. During the 2020-2021 school year nearly 13% of teacher positions were filled through a shortage mechanism and more than 200 positions went unfilled statewide.

Zenzinger’s bill, HB22-1057, waives limitations on the number of days retired teachers can substitute teach during a critical substitute teacher shortage. This bill aims to incentivize retired teachers to help with shortages by making it possible for them to substitute teach without the fear of losing their retirement benefits.

Polis also signed HB22-1101, which extends an existing successful program allowing retirees to return to rural school districts experiencing a critical shortage of staff without a reduction to their PERA benefits.

The bill makes permanent a program currently set to expire next year that allows retired rural teachers, school bus drivers, and food service workers to return to work without a reduction in their PERA benefits.

In an effort to prevent online crime, Polis also signed Zenzinger’s HB22-1099, which subjects high-volume third-party sellers to mandatory disclosure requirements in order to sell online goods, and allows buyers to report suspicious marketplace activity, making it harder to resell stolen goods online.

The bill requires online marketplaces to verify the bank account information, tax identification number, and contact information from high-volume third-party sellers. It also requires sellers to disclose personal contact information to buyers, such as their name and address to assist in the authentication process for purchasing goods online.

SIGNED! Fields’ Bipartisan Bill to Protect Witnesses, Help Law Enforcement Solve Crimes Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed Senator Rhonda Fields’ (D-Aurora) bipartisan bill into law that will help investigators solve crimes and prevent witness intimidation.

SB22-024, co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), will prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the definition of witness intimidation to cover additional acts.

“We need to protect witnesses at all costs so we can ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and families can heal and move forward without fear,” said Sen. Fields. “With this new law, we will be able to better protect victims while preventing witnesses from intimidation or pressure to withhold vital information from law enforcement. I’m proud to have played a role in this initiative, which will help reduce crime and give law enforcement the tools they need to hold criminals accountable.”

Under the bill, witness intimidation will include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. The legislation will also allow prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to or does persuade a witness to withhold information.

Coleman’s Bill to Increase Experiential Learning Opportunities Clears Committee

The bill would support work-based learning opportunities for students and adults through partnerships with businesses and colleges

DENVER, CO – The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today voted to advance Senator James Coleman’s (D-Denver) bill to bolster Colorado’s workforce by incentivizing businesses to create high quality work-based learning opportunities for students and adults.

SB22-140 would support businesses, workers, and learners by aligning existing state-funded programs in education, training and employment. 

“The pandemic has made it harder for businesses to find the talent they need,” Coleman said. “By expanding experiential learning opportunities, closing the digital divide, and addressing language barriers, we can connect Coloradans with life-changing career opportunities while jump-starting our economy from the ground up.”

The bill also creates a digital navigator program tasked with addressing digital inequities that prevent people from accessing work-based learning, job-training and employment opportunities. SB22-140 also makes investments in virtual career-aligned English as a Second Language programming to ensure English language learners have equitable access to experiential learning opportunities.

SB22-140 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Next Round of Bills to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Introduced

Legislation would invest $363 million to help develop more affordable housing across the state

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate and House announced another slate of legislation aimed at saving people money on housing and addressing Colorado’s ongoing housing crisis. The bills were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. 

Revolving Loan Fund, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) and Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) & Representatives David Ortiz (D-Littleton) and Perry Will (R-New Castle): The bill will invest $150 million to create the Transformational Affordable Housing Revolving Loan Fund Program to develop and integrate housing-related infrastructure, provide gap financing for housing development projects and preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing. The bill also helps finance energy improvements and weatherization efforts to save people money on their energy bills, and bolster non-traditional housing capacity in diverse geographic communities where the economic impact of COVID-19 has significantly impacted housing affordability and availability. 

This includes working to preserve and build capacity for senior housing, housing specifically designed for people living with disabilities, workforce housing, and utilizing strategies like property conversion, remediating low-quality homes, and acquiring land for future affordable housing development. 

“Families are feeling squeezed as housing prices continue to skyrocket across our state, leaving far too many without housing options they can afford,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village). “With this bill, we’re going to make a historic investment to cut costs and make Colorado a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family. By developing more housing that is affordable to families, we can ensure that more Coloradans have a safe place to call home.” 

“This bill includes one of the largest ever investments Colorado has made to bring down the cost of housing and save Coloradans money,” said Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton). “This $150 million investment will spur the construction of thousands of affordable housing units and sustain thousands of existing affordable homes, giving many Coloradans a quality and affordable place to call home. By leveraging private and local dollars, this bill will make our investment stretch even further, and because the loans will be repaid, the fund will continue operating and boosting our housing stock for years to come.” 

“To solve Colorado’s crisis in affordable housing, we must encourage developers and the construction industry to expand our inventory,” said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada). “The task force made this bill a top priority because of the regenerative nature of the funds attached. The availability of affordable housing allows us to make progress on the solution of myriad other problems in Colorado, and it’s imperative that we act now.”

Nonprofit and Local Government Grants and Land Banking, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and James Coleman (D-Denver) & Representatives Dylan Roberts (D-Avon) and Mary Bradfield (R-Colorado Springs): The bill will invest $178 million to provide direct, flexible, and timely grant funding to nonprofits and local governments all across the state that have or are pursuing measures to facilitate affordable housing development, including purchasing land. This includes development of supportive, rental, and for-sale housing targeted at populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The bill also makes a substantial investment for local communities to develop strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes. 

The legislation will ensure flexibility of funding, including allowances for operating grants to community-based organizations and qualified local governments, particularly in small, rural, and mountain resort communities, so they can best meet their own development needs according to their community’s workforce. 

“Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), vice chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This bill will help local governments and nonprofits access the space and funding that communities need to equitably accommodate that growth. By helping communities increase their housing supply we can make sure every Coloradan has access to a home they can afford.”

“This bill is a game-changer for local affordable housing efforts. It will make Colorado a significant financial partner with nonprofits and local governments that are on the frontlines of building new affordable homes and will have a significant impact on the availability of affordable housing for Coloradans,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts (D-Avon), chair of the Affordable Housing Task Force. “This legislation will direct over $150 million to the nonprofits and local governments that are building or facilitating the development of affordable housing units. These resources will increase the housing supply in communities across the state by targeting investment to the most promising projects, particularly in areas that are grappling with a housing crisis as a result of the pandemic."

“As Colorado’s population continues to grow, we have to make sure communities have the land and resources required to develop affordable housing now and in the future,” said Sen. James Coleman (D-Denver). “Local governments and nonprofits are the experts when it comes to pinpointing their communities’ unique needs. That’s why this bill is targeted at uplifting their work and providing the necessary tools to achieve their housing development goals.”

Preservation of Affordable Mobile Home Parks, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) & Representatives Andrew Boesenecker (D-Fort Collins) and Mandy Lindsay (D-Aurora): This bill will invest $35 million into the newly created Mobile Home Park Resident Empowerment Loan and Grant Program Fund, which will provide financing to eligible mobile home homeowners so they can purchase the land under their homes and convert into a resident owned community.

Additionally, the bill establishes a mechanism for nonprofits to receive grant funding to provide technical assistance to homeowners and help them build the capacity, resources, and know-how to organize and purchase their mobile home park. This bill will provide a critical financial tool for mobile homeowners across the state at risk of displacement or exorbitant lot rent increases that often occur when a park is sold from one for-profit owner to another. 

“By keeping mobile homes affordable, we are going to save Coloradans money on their housing costs and preserve one of the largest stocks of unsubsidized affordable housing in our state,” said Rep. Andrew Boesenecker (D-Fort Collins). “This bill is going to help mobile home residents access the capital they need to purchase the land under their homes and stop predatory multi-state investors.”

“Every Coloradan deserves a safe, comfortable place to call home, which is why we are working to ensure that mobile homes stay affordable across our state,” Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) said. “This legislation will provide critical protections for mobile home owners by putting an end to extreme rent hikes, and help mobile home residents get the tools and help they need to buy the land their homes sit on.”

“Colorado’s mobile home residents are feeling the pressure from increased prices, and they need every tool we can provide to drive down their costs and keep their homes affordable,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay (D-Aurora). “This bill will help mobile home residents save money by making it easier for them to purchase their communities, instead of letting profit-motivated out-of-state hedge funds price gouge them and strip them of the investments they’ve made in their homes.”

Joint Release: Lawmakers Unveil Bills to Boost Access to Behavioral Health Care

Legislation will improve access to care by investing $100 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment, and better integrate physical and behavioral health care

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House will introduce two more bills today that will boost access to behavioral health care by expanding the state’s inpatient and residential treatment capacity and better integrating physical and behavioral health care.

“Colorado doesn’t have the inpatient and residential treatment capacity we need, which is why we’re investing $65 million to build additional beds and expand critical services across the state,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “The addition of 16 beds at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state will transform care and provide the services that people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders need to get better. This transformational investment will expand treatment capacity in Colorado to increase access to behavioral health care.”

“Right now, Colorado is struggling to provide the capacity needed to care for our state’s most vulnerable, leaving folks with serious behavioral health needs without the critical treatment they need,” said Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “This bill will help us boost bed capacity for inpatient and residential care so individuals with serious mental health and substance use challenges can access the care and treatment they need and deserve, helping us accomplish our overall goal of building a healthier Colorado for all.”

Adult Inpatient and Residential Care:
Sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senators Faith Winter and Jim Smallwood, this bill invests $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options. Currently, Colorado does not have enough residential treatment beds to treat individuals with serious mental health needs or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions or in need of civil commitment.

The bill will support the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and 125 residential treatment beds across the state. These beds will be available for adults with urgent behavioral health needs that require long-term services and supports, and will be available as long as necessary for stabilization. They will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals involved in the criminal justice system and those awaiting competency restoration services.

Integrating Primary Care and Behavioral Health Care:
Sponsored by Representatives Chris Kennedy and Perry Will, and Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Kevin Priola, this bill would invest $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care. The bill will provide grants to primary care practices to integrate behavioral health care into their clinical models, helping Coloradans access whole person care and early behavioral health interventions before a crisis. The transformational investment will increase access to mental health and substance use disorder screening and treatment and help coordinate referrals to other levels of care. The funding could be used to better streamline and co-locate behavioral and physical health care services in outpatient, pediatric and primary care settings.

“Integrating physical and behavioral health care will make a huge difference in the lives of Coloradans,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County. “We will be able to reach more people who are in need of help, including those seeking substance use disorder screening and treatment. I am a proud champion of this legislation to make it easier for Coloradans to get the care they need.”

“Better integrating primary and behavioral health will increase access to the care Coloradans need and build healthier communities through better outcomes,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “Coloradans will be able to access both physical and behavioral health care more easily and at the same location, facing fewer barriers to critical care. Not only will this bill make it easier for Coloradans to make behavioral health care a regular part of their lives, it will make that care less expensive and save people money.”

Donovan’s Bipartisan Bill to Invest $5 Million to Improve Behavioral Health Access for Colorado’s Native American Tribes Clears Committee

Legislation would provide grant funding for Colorado land-based Tribes through federal pandemic relief package

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee yesterday approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) to increase access to behavioral health care by investing $5 million to support the development of a behavioral health facility and better meet the behavioral health needs of Colorado’s Native American Tribes. 

SB22-148, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa), is part of the legislature’s ongoing commitment to addressing Colorado’s behavioral health crisis using $450 million in federal pandemic relief funds secured in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

“The Tribes are our partners and neighbors and this is a long overdue investment in behavioral health,” said Sen. Donovan. “Everyone deserves mental health support in their communities and this bill will support the Tribes’ efforts.”

To further Colorado Tribes’ ability to provide culturally responsive behavioral health care in specialized facilities, this bill will provide a one-time $5 million grant to Colorado land-based Tribes to support building or renovating a Tribal behavioral health facility for inpatient services and transitional housing.

The bill now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Committee Clears Trio of Bills to Safeguard and Improve Colorado’s Elections

The bills will enhance Colorado’s gold standard election system by protecting against internal and external threats, and clarifying processes for voters

DENVER, CO – The State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today voted to advance a trio of bills to enhance Colorado’s voting systems and safeguard elections from internal and external threats.

Sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder), SB22-153, the Colorado Election Security Act, will keep Colorado’s elections secure and defend our election system from internal threats and those who would seek to compromise the security of our gold standard election system. 

“Colorado sets a national example when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections, and we want to keep it that way,” Fenberg said. “But unfortunately, there are folks both inside and outside the election system seeking to tamper with and undermine trust in our elections. The Colorado Election Security Act increases penalties for anyone who tampers with Colorado’s gold standard elections and interferes with our democracy, and will help defend our elections from wrongdoers while giving Coloradans peace of mind at the polling place.”

HB22-1086, the Vote Without Fear Act, prohibits a person from openly carrying a firearm within 100 feet of any drop box, voter service and polling center (VSPC), or central count facility while an election or any related ongoing election administration activity is in progress. The bill, sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) and Sonya Jaquez-Lewis (D-Boulder County) will ensure Coloradans can continue to cast a ballot without fear of intimidation.

“The sacred right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it’s imperative that Coloradans can participate in our democracy without fear,” said Fields. “We must ensure that voters who wish to make their voice heard at the ballot box feel safe to do so in Colorado, and this commonsense bill will implement critical protections to keep our polling places safe and defend voting rights throughout our state.” 

SB22-152, Residence of Voter Whose Home is Destroyed, will allow registered Colorado voters displaced by the Marshall Fire and temporarily living at another location to continue using their home address on their voter registration if their home was destroyed or is uninhabitable. Sponsored by President Fenberg and Senator Jaquez Lewis, the bill will codify a standard practice that county election clerks have historically followed for displaced voters. 

“Part of what makes the Colorado system of voting a national gold standard is its flexibility and ease of receiving and returning a mail ballot,” Jaquez Lewis said. “I’m proud to bring forward legislation that will ensure those impacted by the Marshall Fire have the flexibility they need to continue voting easily where they always have. This bill represents one of the many ways the legislature is providing support to impacted Boulder County residents and is an important piece of short term recovery. I’m grateful to have partnered with Clerk Fitzpatrick to quickly bring this bill to fruition.”

SB22-153 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. HB22-1086 and SB22-152 now move to consideration before the full Senate.

Bill to Make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday Wins Senate Committee Approval

New state holiday would commemorate the day Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and declare that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today cleared landmark legislation championed by members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado to make Juneteenth a Colorado State Holiday.

The bill – SB22-139 – is sponsored by Senators James Coleman (D-Denver) and Janet Buckner (D-Aurora).

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Soldiers, led by Major General Gordan Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of the Civil War and declared that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people were free.

“Juneteenth is more than just a federal holiday we recognize in historical Black communities like Five Points where we march, eat good food and listen to good music,” said Sen. Coleman. “We heard loudly today that making Juneteenth a state holiday means Colorado would not only recognize that Black people are free, but that all people are free. It is a recognition that we not only desire for some Coloradans to prosper, but for all to prosper, and for all Coloradans, regardless of race or background, to earn a living wage, have an affordable place to call home, and get the equitable access to health care and education people need to move forward and thrive.”

“It’s long past time to make Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and honors freedom for all of us, a Colorado state holiday,” said Sen. Buckner. “I am proud to champion this important legislation which will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we don’t forget our past.”

SB22-139 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Governor Polis, Lieutenant Governor Primavera, Legislators, Announce State’s Transformative Progress Delivering Universal Preschool to Colorado Kids

Legislation will elevate and streamline early childhood programs and implement Universal Preschool Program, saving families on average $4,300 per year

DENVER, CO — Today, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera joined legislative leadership, bill sponsors, parents, providers, and early childhood education community leaders to highlight the state’s nation-leading progress implementing the new Department of Early Childhood and delivering on the promise of universal preschool for children across Colorado. Universal preschool will save Coloradans on average $4,300 per year. 

“We promised universal preschool, and today, in partnership with legislative leaders and strong early childhood community support, we are delivering on that promise, saving families money, and helping to ensure Colorado’s kids, families, and parents can thrive,” said Governor Polis. “Strong early childhood education leads to a stronger workforce and a better economy, and is one of the best investments we can make in Colorado’s future.”

The Polis-Primavera Administration has taken bold steps since day one to make high-quality, affordable early childhood education a reality for Colorado families, and the newly introduced legislation will elevate early childhood education and ensure an easy to navigate early childhood preschool experience for Colorado families. The administration has partnered with state lawmakers to make universal preschool a reality for hardworking families, parents and kids.

“Child care is both essential for working families and an important opportunity for child development. We are taking bold steps to expand the quality and capacity of early childhood education, while supporting workforce development to strengthen the talent pipeline for early childhood educators. We know that we will never go wrong by investing in our children and the people of Colorado,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. 

The new Department of Early Childhood will streamline the early childhood system, making it easier for families to navigate by creating a single application for early childhood programs, and focusing on results, not paperwork. 

“Universal Pre-K is something voters asked for loud and clear, and with this legislation, we are delivering on that promise,” said Speaker Alec Garnett (D-Denver). “Colorado families are going to save thousands of dollars per year with 10 hours of free, high-quality preschool for all four-year-olds that will prepare our youngest learners for success. We’ve brought together everyone in the education community to design a one-stop-shop that will break down barriers and streamline access to early childhood education.”

Speaker Garnett, President Fenberg, Senator Buckner and Rep. Sirota were the cosponsors of legislation which established a unified early childhood system after voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition EE by a two to one margin to provide voluntary, high-quality preschool to Coloradans. 

This legislation implements the will of the people by supporting mixed delivery preschool options, prioritizing quality, and respecting parent choice, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs. 

“I am so proud to introduce legislation to implement universal preschool and the Department of Early Childhood,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder). “Quality early childhood education is critical to a child’s life success, but streamlining the process to increase availability and affordability is just as beneficial to the parents of young children. With this legislation, we’re laying the foundation for how we can set Colorado kids and families up for long term success.”

Colorado’s nation-leading work to implement a high-quality early childhood education system sets the foundation for Colorado kids to thrive. The legislation is based on recommendations from early childhood education community leaders, parents, and providers that received unanimous approval from the Early Childhood Leadership Commission.

“The new Department of Early Childhood will make it easier for families to find preschool options that work for them and set up our students to thrive,” said Rep. Emily Sirota (D-Denver). “Voters overwhelmingly approved universal Pre-K, and soon families across the state will save money by enrolling their children in free, high-quality early childhood education programs. Local communities will be empowered to ensure the design and delivery of universal Pre-K works for them.”

“Today is a historic day as we take an important step to make universal pre-K a reality here in Colorado,” said Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora). “As we work to move Colorado forward, this bill will directly impact families across our state, saving people money and setting our future leaders up for success. I am so proud of the work that we’ve done to get to this point, and am excited to see how this new office will benefit Colorado’s youth for generations to come.” 

The program will provide 10 hours per week of free, high-quality preschool to every child the year before entering kindergarten starting in the 2023 school year. 

Senate President Fenberg Introduces Landmark Bill to Keep Colorado’s Elections Secure

Colorado Election Security Act will defend election systems from internal threats, ensure elections remain free and fair

DENVER, CO – Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) introduced legislation on Friday to keep Colorado’s elections secure and defend our election system from internal threats and those who would seek to compromise the security of our gold standard election system.

Sponsored in the House by Rep. Susan Lontine (D-Denver), Fenberg’s Colorado Election Security Act will improve election security by, among other measures, prohibiting anyone from serving as an election official if they have been convicted of any election offense or any offense or conspiracy to commit sedition, insurrection, treason, or conspiracy to overthrow the government. 

Fenberg’s bill also prohibits election officials or candidates from physically tampering with voting equipment, and from having access to or being present in a room with voting equipment without being accompanied by one or more persons with authorized access.

“Colorado sets a national example when it comes to holding free, fair, and secure elections, and we want to keep it that way,” Fenberg said. “But unfortunately, there are folks both inside and outside the election system seeking to tamper with and undermine trust in our elections. The Colorado Election Security Act increases penalties for anyone who tampers with Colorado’s gold standard elections and interferes with our democracy, and will help defend our elections from wrongdoers while giving Coloradans peace of mind at the polling place.”

“We’ve seen a small number of extreme conspiracy theorists use their official and trusted positions to threaten our gold standard election system, and it has to stop,” said Rep. Lontine. “Several individuals, including elected officials, are alleged to have illegally accessed voting systems, and they continue to pose a very real threat to our democracy. The seriousness of these violations demands that we act and take all necessary steps to protect our democracy and fortify the security of our elections."

“Colorado leads the nation in election security and access, and we must continue to innovate,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “The Colorado Election Security Act will strengthen the laws that protect voting equipment and election systems from insider threats and will expand the physical security requirements around voting systems equipment. I thank President Fenberg for championing this important bill in the legislature and look forward to working together to ensure Colorado continues to deliver the best elections in the nation for Republican, Democrat, and Unaffiliated voters across the state.”

“It’s important to harden our election security posture against insider threats who seek to break the law and undermine public confidence in our elections,” said Pueblo County Clerk Bo Ortiz, President of the Colorado County Clerks Association. “The Colorado Election Security Act does just that and I look forward to this important piece of legislation becoming law.”

The Colorado Election Security Act further seeks to secure Colorado’s gold standard elections by improving training for clerks and election workers, and penalizing anyone who interferes with or obstructs the notification of a potential violation, or retaliates against someone providing notice.

The bill also prohibits accessing electronic equipment or a reporting system without authorization, makes knowingly publishing passwords or other confidential information a class 5 felony, and directs the District and Supreme Courts to expedite scheduling and issuance of final rulings of any orders in connection with a violation of election code.

The Colorado Election Security Act will receive a hearing in the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee on Tuesday, March 15. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Hinrichsen's Bipartisan Bill to Protect Service Members, Veterans from Housing Discrimination Wins Committee Approval

Legislation will prevent housing discrimination based on military status

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today signed off on Senator Nick Hinrichsen’s (D-Pueblo) bipartisan legislation to prevent landlords from denying housing opportunities based on a person’s status as a veteran or active duty service member.

Currently, landlords are legally allowed to deny housing to veterans and service members, leaving them without any legal recourse or even a place to live.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), HB22-1102 would update Colorado’s fair housing standards to include veterans and active-duty service members as a protected class, and ensure nobody who has served our country is denied housing based on their service.

“Coloradans who have stepped up to serve our country should never be denied access to housing due to their military status, period,” Hinrichsen, an Army veteran, said. “This bill will create critical legal protections for veterans and service members, defend our nation’s heroes from discrimination, and ensure that nobody who has honorably served our country is denied a home.”

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, there are more than 40,000 unhoused veterans on any given night in America. 

HB22-1102 will head to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can track the bill’s progress HERE.

Winter’s Bill to Update Colorado’s Definition of Sexual Assault Advances

Legislation would modernize definition of sexual assault to include consent

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously passed Senator Faith Winter’s (D-Westminster) bipartisan legislation that would update the definition of sexual assault in state law to include consent.

Colorado’s definition of sexual assault originated nearly 50 years ago when the scope of sexual assault victims was far narrower. It was originally defined as “sexual intrusion or penetration when the actor causes submission of the victim by means sufficient to cause submission against the victim’s will”. HB22-1169 would amend the current definition of sexual assault to read: “...when the actor causes sexual intrusion or sexual penetration knowing the victim does not consent”.

“In our work to build a safer Colorado, we realized that an update to our definition of sexual assault was long overdue,” Winter said. “Modernizing the dated definition to include consent aligns existing law with today’s understanding of sexual assault crimes, and will better equip prosecutors to get survivors the justice they deserve.”

HB22-1169 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.

Saving People Money: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Approves $29 price point for Keep Colorado Wild Pass

DENVER, CO - At today’s Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Meeting, the Commission members passed a $29 price point for the Keep Colorado Wild Pass (KCW Pass) which is less than half the price of the current annual parks pass.  

Starting in 2023, Colorado Parks and Wildlife will offer a Keep Colorado Wild Pass to all Coloradans through the Division of Motor Vehicles. The Pass will be included when a person registers a passenger vehicle, light truck, motorcycle and recreational vehicle. This new Keep Colorado Wild Pass is part of the Polis administration’s plans to save people money, sustainably increase funding for conserving our natural resources, bolstering our local communities, and includes the benefit of serving as an annual parks pass for all Colorado State Parks.   

“I’m thrilled that the Keep Colorado Wild Pass will help save Coloradans even more money and help people experience our world class state parks system and great outdoors. Drastically reducing the cost for an annual state parks and public lands pass from $84 per year to just $29 annually for unlimited access will save families and individuals money and ensure care for our treasured parks and public lands and I thank President Fenberg, Reps. Tipper and Will and Senator Donovan for working with our administration on the landmark Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass,” said Governor Jared Polis.

“Our state parks and public lands represent the very fabric of our state and our people. I’m thrilled to see that the price of the Keep Colorado Wild Pass will be even lower than expected,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg. “The pass is the single most impactful thing we can do as a state to protect our public lands while opening them up to more families from all different backgrounds and income levels and I look forward to seeing it fully implemented next year.”

The pass, now priced at $29, is being offered for less than half the price of a regularly priced annual park pass, and vehicle registrants will have the option to decline the Pass. This lower price point pass offers more sustainable funding for Colorado’s state parks and allows for all Coloradans to share and invest in Colorado’s outdoors. 

“When living in Colorado, a love for the outdoors becomes inevitable; it’s a part of who we are. Natural beauty surrounds us and spending time in nature enriches all of our lives,” said CPW Director Dan Prenzlow. “So whether you plan to visit our state parks or not, your purchase of the Keep Colorado Wild Pass is a generous and simple way to show you care about our outdoors, wildlife, lands and waters that make up the heartbeat of Colorado - and support those that manage it.” 

Coloradans that buy the KCW Pass are directly investing in park maintenance projects, search and rescue programs, avalanche awareness, wildlife conservation, and educational and equity programs, while also getting access to all of our state parks. 

Money generated from the KCW Pass sales will be used to support natural resource conservation, outdoor educational programs, search and rescue operations and equity and inclusion efforts in Colorado.

By requirement outlined in Senate Bill 21-249, CPW intends to launch a formal educational campaign in July 2022 that promotes the Keep Colorado Wild Pass to Colorado residents. 

Learn more about the Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how to sustain our wildlife and natural wonders for future generations, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Keep-Colorado-Wild-Pass.aspx

State Sen. Jessie Danielson Hits the Ground Running in 2022

First two bills aim to improve state’s response to murdered & missing Indigenous folks as well as invest in Colorado’s wildlife corridors

DENVER, CO — Colorado State Sen. Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) returned to the state Senate this week from maternity leave and immediately introduced two substantial bills to help move Colorado forward.

“First, I would like to thank the dedicated staff of two hospitals. Rose Medical Center did a fabulous job helping bring our son Callum into the world, and Children’s Hospital Colorado helped save his life during a ten-day illness. My husband and I are so grateful that our son has received the care he has, and that he is safe and well at home,” said Sen. Danielson. “Now, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get back to work on legislation that will help save lives and move Colorado forward.”

Danielson’s first two bills, introduced yesterday, would create a state-level response to the crisis of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) and provide substantial funding for life-saving wildlife corridors on Colorado highways.

SB22-150: Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives would create an Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) to improve coordination, response, communication, and awareness of MMIR cases.

“Indigenous women and children are at particularly high risk for violent crime. We must stop looking the other way and address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives with a comprehensive and strong response. This bill will do just that,” said Danielson.

More than 4 out of 5 Indigenous people in the United States experience violent crime during their lifetime, a rate disproportionately higher than any other segment of the population. This bill aims to improve responses to MMIR cases, provide better support for Indigenous communities, and better serve families of MMIR.

The legislation would establish an MMIR alert system and improve data tracking regarding MMIR cases while ensuring interagency coordination, allowing for a more effective and robust response. lt would also require MMIR training for first responders and implement a public awareness campaign to raise awareness around MMIR issues.

SB22-151: Safe Crossings For Colorado Wildlife And Motorists, co-sponsored by Senator Tammy Story (D-Conifer), would create a “Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Mitigation Fund.” This Fund would allocate $25 million for wildlife crossing projects on stretches of roads and highways with high rates of wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) or where the ability of wildlife to move across the landscape has been hampered by high traffic volumes.

“Wildlife corridors are common sense ways to protect motorists, keep wildlife safe, and ensure habitats stay intact,” said Danielson. “This bill will help ecosystems thrive and help make sure our wild places continue to power Colorado’s economy for future generations.”

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are a significant issue in Colorado, costing motorists millions of dollars and endangering the lives of both people and wildlife. Colorado law enforcement reports an annual average of nearly 4,000 WVCs, though officials estimate a more accurate figure is 14,100 WVCs per year when unrecorded collisions are considered. WVCs can have tragic consequences, including hundreds of human injuries and some fatalities, thousands of animal deaths, and an annual cost of approximately $80 million in property damage, emergency response, medical treatments, and other costs.