Pair of Bills to Provide Fee Relief for Health Care Workers, Build a Healthier Colorado Clear Committee

Legislation will save essential workers money

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee yesterday unanimously approved two bills that would save health care workers money on professional licensure and certification. HB22-1298, sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would provide fee relief to nurses and psychiatric technicians. HB22-1299, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, would reduce license fees for mental health professionals. 

“Our health care heroes have faced immeasurable challenges over the last two years, but regardless of these challenges, they have stepped up to the plate every day to care for Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “That’s why I’m proud to sponsor this bill which will help alleviate the pressure our essential workers have faced through much deserved fee relief for professional licensing and certification. This bill will save Coloradans money and provide the support these workers deserve to move forward.”

Fee Relief for Nurses: HB22-1298, sponsored by Hinrichsen, would provide licensure and certification fee relief for nurses, nurse aides and psychiatric technicians. Colorado’s health care workforce is experiencing a major shortage of qualified health care professionals. In addition, above-capacity patient levels and frequent exposure to COVID-19 have only added to the stress for health care professionals working at hospitals, assisted living residences and mental health facilities. This bill will save health care workers $11.7 million on their professional licensing and certification.

“The pandemic has not only exacerbated stress for Coloradans, it has significantly increased the workload for our mental health workers,” said Fields. “To help them out, we’re going to make it easier and cheaper for mental health workers to apply or renew their licenses so our psychologists, counselors, therapists, and social workers can focus on providing critical services to patients, not on paperwork and fees. ”

Fee Relief For Mental Health Professionals: HB22-1299, sponsored by Fields, would reduce license fees for two years for mental health professionals regulated by state boards. Collectively, mental health professionals seeking licenses will save nearly $3.7 million next year. Pandemic pressures have contributed to an increase of Colorado adults seeking mental health services for symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Both bills now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. 

SIGNED! Bill to End Transcript Withholding Becomes Law

DENVER, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill to prohibit post-secondary institutions from withholding transcripts and diplomas because a student owes a debt to the institution.

“Withholding transcripts from students trying to enter the workforce is an unnecessary obstacle that disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color,” said Sen. Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood. “We’re breaking 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.” 

“Today, we’re breaking down barriers to earning a degree and entering the workforce that disproportionately affects low-income students and students of color,” said Rep. Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “Eliminating this debt collection tool means more Coloradans can go back to school, earn their degrees and accomplish their career goals. Transcript withholding has been used to prohibit Coloradans from enlisting in the military, beginning nursing school and completing their degree – not anymore. I am proud Governor Polis signed this bill into law to prepare our students for success.”

“As Coloradans we believe in the values of responsibility and opportunity,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “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 I am proud that we’ve finally put a stop to it here in Colorado.”

“Transcript withholding will no longer be a barrier for graduates entering the workforce,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “When postsecondary institutions withhold student degrees and transcripts, we limit the number of talented Coloradans who can begin high-demand, high-skilled jobs. Graduates have done the work and earned the credits, now they can begin their careers.” 

HB22-1049 will protect students from transcript withholding when students owe an unpaid debt. It also prohibits 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 also 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. Debts protected by the bill range from unpaid fees to parking tickets, library fees and other minor costs students may not realize they owe.

It also protects transcript withholding for those pursuing opportunities in the military and post-secondary institutions. Over 6.6 million students are impacted by transcript withholding. This bill will alleviate this financial strain on students' and ensure they are set up for educational success.

Protecting Colorado’s Public Health & Economy: Gov. Polis, State Legislators, Health Care Workers Announce COVID Readiness Legislative Proposal

DENVER, CO -  Colorado is acting on the hard lessons learned and honoring the sacrifices that all Coloradans made to protect hospital capacity and healthcare readiness for the State of Colorado. In February, the Polis Administration released "Colorado’s Next Chapter: Our Roadmap to Moving Forward" to ensure we never ask all Coloradans to make such extreme sacrifices in the future by being better prepared and having certainty and reliability in the face of COVID-19 or any potential future emergency, and to keep Coloradans safe and protect our rapidly growing economy. Today, Governor Polis, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Rep. Kyle Mullica, Senator Sonya Jacquez Lewis, Rep. Julie McCluskie and health care workers announced a legislative effort to implement the steps outlined in the Roadmap, ensuring that Colorado’s emergency and health systems are prepared to meet the needs of Coloradans. 

“We’ve taken the hard lessons learned of this pandemic and turned them into a responsible, balanced framework to guide Colorado’s response moving forward.  Today we are proud to announce a legislative plan of action to ensure our health care workforce is stronger, our hospitals and health systems are more prepared for future surges and we have a strong supply of protective tools like masks for health care workers,” said Gov. Polis. “Coloradans have endured many hardships throughout this pandemic and it’s imperative we take action to honor those sacrifices by increasing the resilience of our healthcare system to ensure readiness and stronger preparedness for whatever lies ahead.”

“Colorado’s nurses, doctors and hospital employees saved countless lives during the pandemic and faced unimaginable stress from staffing shortages and several near breaches of our hospital bed capacity,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Federal Heights. “Today, we unveiled legislation to support our frontline health care workers and ensure we are better prepared for the next COVID wave or other public health crisis. With these bills, Coloradans can go about our lives with the peace of mind that our hospitals and health care workers are prepared to handle whatever comes our way.” 

“The last few years have been challenging, but we’ve learned a lot and we’re in a much better position than we were two years ago,” Senator Jaquez Lewis said. “It’s now time to apply those lessons as we begin to live alongside this disease and balance returning to normal with keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities safe. This Roadmap will draw more providers into the workforce, get Colorado’s heroic health care providers the critical tools and resources they need, and ensure they are better prepared to respond and keep us healthy and safe the next time a public health emergency strikes.”

“Colorado’s rural hospitals held strong throughout the pandemic, but they faced enormous challenges, pressures and costs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Legislation I’m sponsoring will boost support for rural hospitals to increase access to care and save Coloradans money. This $10 million investment of economic relief funds will bolster our rural health care infrastructure, save people money, improve the sustainability of rural hospitals and clinics and increase access to badly needed services, including behavioral health.”

Hanna Warnecke, an ICU Nurse spoke at today’s event and shared her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and her support for the legislation. 

“Coloradans have shown incredible resilience over the past two years, and I am proud that today, we are taking an important next step to ensure that we always remain prepared and ready to keep Coloradans safe, healthy, and thriving,” said Lt. Governor Primavera.

Dr. Allison Trop, President of the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians spoke at today’s event. “This pandemic helped us to see how fragile our healthcare system can be and that we need the safeguards provided by this proposed legislation to improve healthcare provider wellness programs and clear the path for those called to work in healthcare to enter the field and begin practice. We support the idea of training our next generation of healthcare providers in Colorado and providing incentive for them to stay in our beautiful state. CO ACEP are excited to continue to collaborate with the Governor’s office in preparing the State of Colorado for whatever difficulties may arise in the future,” Dr. Trop added. 

“As an emergency physician who has taught weapons of mass destruction, pandemics and preparedness for decades, I heartily endorse the current Colorado legislative activity to improve our preparedness,” said Stephen V. Cantrill, Emergency Physician, Denver Health Medical Center & Member, Colorado GEEERC.

“We are fortunate that Governor Polis and his staff have taken the key lessons learned from this pandemic and worked to bring forward a “roadmap” to assure that going forward, Colorado hospitals, long term care, primary care, and public health services are ready to respond and support access to care. Colorado is fortunate to have policy leaders bold enough to create public accountability for safe patient care by addressing safe staffing plans, public reporting of essential indicators of patient and staff safety, and requiring collaboration across all disciplines and providers in assuring a strong public health in Colorado. Colorado Nurses Association strongly supports Representative Mullica’s leadership in bringing legislation forward to support hospital readiness, workforce safety and development,” said Colleen Casper, DNP, RN, MS and Director of Practice & Government Affairs at the Colorado Nurses Association.

Colorado’s Next Chapter: Our Roadmap to Moving Forward is a guide for the future of responding to COVID-19. The Roadmap outlines a plan to ensure that Colorado’s public health and emergency systems are agile and prepared to scale up to respond to emergencies. The roadmap outlines important next steps to implement the State’s readiness and preparedness goals, including establishing hospital readiness standards; surge planning and normalizing COVID patient care in traditional medical settings; ensuring public health readiness and surge capacity; and investing in healthcare workforce stabilization and expansion.  

This COVID readiness package of legislation includes the following bills to help Colorado implement preparedness goals and build a stronger Colorado for the future. 

One bill sponsored by Rep. Mullica and Sen. Jacquez Lewis focuses on ensuring health systems have robust inventory of critical supplies. To achieve this, the legislation directs the Department of Public Safety to get and maintain a stockpile of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves to bridge the gap if national supply does not meet demand. This legislation would also ensure hospitals, public health agencies, and trauma centers maintain a robust stockpile of PPE, and that staff know how to properly use the equipment. 

The legislation also includes key investments in the healthcare workforce. A bill sponsored by Rep. Mullica and Sen. Jacquez Lewis supports Colorado’s healthcare workforce by developing provider wellness and support programs, creating financial aid opportunities for in-demand credential programs like Certified Nursing Assistant, and expanding nurse preceptor and clinical opportunities. The bill would also provide flexibility for health care licensure and care provisions, while continuing to build and sustain Colorado’s healthcare talent pool for the future. 

“I want to thank Governor Polis and the Colorado Legislature for bringing forward this comprehensive legislative package.  The Colorado Roadmap is clear on steps we need to take and this legislation is critical to get us there.  We all look forward to a time when COVID-19 does not disrupt our daily lives and is something we prevent, protect against, and treat like any other infectious disease,” said Jason Vahling Director of the Broomfield Department of Public Health and Environment and Co-Chair of the Metro Denver Partnership for Health. 

Hospital readiness is a critical part of Colorado’s ability to prepare for and respond to public health incidents, and a bill sponsored by Rep. Mullica aims to ensure hospitals are prepared to meet the demand of COVID-19 surges or other diseases in the future. This legislation would require hospitals to develop surge readiness plans and increase hospital transparency on safety, staffing, and preparedness. The bill also focuses the State on responding to long-COVID and post-viral illness. 

“The public heath workforce has been fighting on the front line against COVID-19, assuming new and expanded responsibilities to ensure care is delivered in all corners of our state. CALPHO supports critical investments that build and sustain workforce talent across a continuum of partners addressing COVID-19 prevention and treatment, including public health departments,” said Cara Bradbury, CALPHO Executive Director

“As an emergency physician who has taught weapons of mass destruction, pandemics and preparedness for decades, I heartily endorse the current Colorado legislative activity to improve our preparedness,” said  Stephen V. Cantrill, MD, FACEP Member, Colorado GEEERC.

“We applaud Governor Polis and the General Assembly for taking action to revitalize our current healthcare workforce and expand access for aspiring healthcare professionals with free education and training,” said Joe Garcia, Chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. "This legislation will help hundreds of Coloradans launch their careers in a high-growth sector while filling critical workforce shortages across the state."

This workforce legislation will build on existing efforts, including the creation of the Colorado Healthcare Corps. This new Americorps program is recruiting 150 individuals to help address the critical healthcare workforce shortage. All members will receive training, career coaching, and support while they serve, creating a new pathway to fill in-demand careers in the industry.

“Colorado’s colleges are eager to support our healthcare workforce in preparing the talent pipeline through short term programs aimed at moving Colorado forward faster,” Dr. Angie Paccione, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Additionally this week, Gov. Polis urged the White House to provide more urgency and action from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 years of age. Colorado is home to a quarter million children younger than the age of 5 and the Polis administration’s roadmap which is supported by local leaders also urged the FDA to approve the vaccine for all ages.

Senate Approves Coleman’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Experiential Learning Opportunities

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, to bolster Colorado’s workforce by incentivizing businesses to create high quality work-based learning opportunities for students and adults.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, 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 to keep their doors open and continue serving their communities,” 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 House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Coleman’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Experiential Learning Opportunities

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, to bolster Colorado’s workforce by incentivizing businesses to create high quality work-based learning opportunities for students and adults.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, 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 to keep their doors open and continue serving their communities,” 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 House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Combat Wage Theft Clears Committee

Legislation would ensure workers are able to recover legally earned wages

DENVER, CO - The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today advanced Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis’, D-Boulder County, bill to modernize Colorado’s wage enforcement procedures and ensure workers are able to recover their legally earned pay.

SB22-161 empowers the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to facilitate the collection of unpaid wages in wage theft cases by expanding investigatory authority to locate violators and streamlining enforcement of CDLE determinations in court. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to partner with CDLE to investigate cases of wage theft and worker misclassification.

“Wage theft is far too prevalent in Colorado,” said Danielson. “It’s essential that we support the folks who work hard to keep Colorado’s economy running. This bill will ensure workers receive the full wages they have earned.”

“Right now, many workers are victims of wage theft without even realizing it,” Jaquez Lewis said. “With this bill, we’re empowering the Attorney General and CDLE to collaborate and combat cases of wage theft. We must make sure workers receive the wages they are rightfully owed, and that violators are held accountable.”

Wage theft deprives Colorado workers of at least $750 million in legally earned wages each year. Often, workers don’t realize they have been victimized or are too afraid to come forward, and if they do come forward too often they are unable to collect their unpaid wages, even after receiving a determination from the state government that wages were illegally withheld.

SB22-161 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Save Parents Money and Increase Access to Child Care for Colorado Families

$50 million legislation will help expand and develop workforce, boost Colorado’s economy

DENVER, CO - Lawmakers in the Senate introduced a bipartisan bill yesterday that aims to increase access to child care for Colorado families and save parents money on child care.

SB22-213, sponsored by Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, Rep. Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood, and Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver, will boost Colorado’s economy and make it easier for families to access child care by increasing capacity across the state and better developing workforce to help Coloradans get the training they need to provide that care.

“The pandemic exposed glaring gaps in our state’s child care system, and it’s hurting Colorado’s families and our economy,” Fields said. “That’s why I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan bill that will increase our state’s child care capacity and help more folks train for and land jobs in the child care field. This bill will help us provide critical support for working families across Colorado who have been doing their best to make sure their children have a safe place to learn and grow during the workday.”

"The insane cost of child care is one of those things you hear about, but it doesn't hit home until you become a parent," Tipper said. “Families across Colorado are spending thousands of dollars every month on child care. We’re taking action to increase the number of providers and save families money. Coloradans deserve access to affordable, high-quality child care, and our legislation builds on the state’s ongoing investments to increase child care options and put families first.”

“For many families in Colorado, monthly child care costs more than their rent or mortgage,” Valdez said. “We’re expanding our investment to make child care more affordable for hardworking Colorado families and taking action to boost the number of childcare providers in our state. Together, we can increase access to affordable, quality child care and save families money in the process.” 

The bill aims to increase capacity and bolster Colorado’s child care workforce to save parents money. This bill will help boost child care capacity by providing $19 million in grant funding to open a new child care center or expand capacity at an existing licensed childcare facility. It will also invest $10 million to support the employer-based child care facility grant program, which will help business owners and other employers provide convenient, high-quality child care on-site while parents are at work.

SB22-213 also provides $15 million to support a successful workforce development grant program created last year that will provide quality training for staff interested in working in the child care sector. Unfortunately, child care is often low-paying work, so this legislation will help pay for tuition, credentialing, and professional development in an effort to remove economic barriers and enable more people to enter into the child care workforce. 

Additionally, SB22-213 contains $4.5 million to help train informal providers like babysitters, nannies, and family members through the Family, Friend and Neighbor Training Program. These Coloradans provide a majority of the care in some of our highest-need communities, and the training will include guidance on best practices to help them deliver better care such as physical caretaking - including things like first aid and nutrition - as well as teaching practices, and guidance on fostering social and emotional development in kids. The program will also provide assistance to informal providers who wish to pursue a career in the child care field.

In addition to the $50 million this bill appropriates from the Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund, Colorado may also receive up to $50 million more via another round of federal funding for child care stabilization grants. These funds would need to be dedicated to the Child Care Sustainability Grant Program to support providers who have experienced reduced enrollment or increased costs. 

Improving access to child care is a top priority for Colorado Democrats. SB22-213 builds upon last year’s SB21-236 which established three new grant programs to increase child care capacity and improve recruitment, retention, and compensation for early childhood educators. 

The General Assembly also recently passed HB22-1295, which implements recommendations for the Department of Early Childhood to elevate early childhood education and ensures that early childhood care is easy to navigate for all Colorado families.

SB22-213 will be heard in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Rodriguez Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Bill to Help Coloradans Rebuild Their Lives, Access Work & Housing

Legislation would help redevelop state’s workforce & bolster economy

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Dennis Hisey, R-Fountain, that seeks to reform the way criminal records are sealed to help Coloradans get jobs and access housing.

Currently, criminal records can be an obstacle for folks in search of jobs or housing, further punishing Coloradans after they have served their time while also harming the state’s workforce. SB22-099 would remove this initial barrier to housing and employment by making the process automatic.

“Minor offenses should not get in the way of a person's ability to find a job or a place to live in Colorado, but that is unfortunately the case in our state,” said Rodriguez. “Automatically sealing criminal records will help Coloradans who have paid their debt to society access the jobs and housing they need to rebuild their lives while strengthening our workforce as we work to rebuild our economy and move Colorado forward.”

The pandemic has made it harder for employers to hire and retain employees, and for Coloradans to find adequate housing.

Under the bill, criminal records that are currently eligible for sealing upon petition, including civil infractions, will now be automatically sealed. This includes the records of victims of human trafficking who have been convicted or charged with prostitution. 

SB22-099 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE. 

Senate Passes Bill to Provide Free Transit Services During Ozone Season

Legislation creates pilot projects in the Department of Transportation to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved SB22-180, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, which would create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season.

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is to increase multimodal options and incentivize ridership on our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This initiative will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward."

SB22-180 will also create a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone.

SB22-180 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Gonzales, Hinrichsen Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing, Support Mobile Home Owners

SB22-160 would invest $35 million to help mobile owners purchase the land they live on

DENVER, CO - As part of Colorado Democrats’ effort to save Coloradans money on housing, the Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to better support mobile home owners.

SB22-160 would invest $35 million into and create the 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 it into a resident-owned community.

“Mobile home parks are Colorado’s closest thing to ‘naturally-occurring’ affordable housing,” Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, said. “But just like the rest of us, mobile home park residents are feeling the pressure of skyrocketing housing costs. This bill will allow Coloradans to invest in their own communities, own their own homes, and drive down the cost of housing across the state.”

“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,” said Hinrichsen. “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.”

SB22-160 further 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. 

Additionally, this legislation will provide funding for a critical financial tool to help 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.

SB22-160 was developed based on recommendations by the state’s Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force, and will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Fields Bill to Prevent Human Trafficking, Improve Public Safety Clears Committee

HB22-1300 will help local governments and law enforcement keep communities safe

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government Committee today approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) that seeks to help local law enforcement prevent human trafficking across Colorado. 

HB22-1300, co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs), would allow a board of county commissioners to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities and deter illicit massage businesses and prevent human trafficking.

“When we kicked off our legislative session, we promised to pass policies to create safer communities, and this bill is another way we’re working to accomplish that goal,” said Fields. “Human trafficking is a serious problem that occurs far more frequently than we think it does, and we must take action to prevent it. With this bill, we’re taking an important step to protect Coloradans, especially women, from these malicious operations.” 

Cities in Colorado currently have authority to license and regulate massage businesses to curb illegal activity; counties do not, and this bill extends this power to counties. If a local government chooses to implement such regulation, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to conduct background checks on the applicant's criminal history, and licenses can be denied based on past convictions for relevant offenses, including prostitution, human trafficking, money laundering, fraud and embezzlement.

It would also allow local governments to require massage businesses to maintain records on employees and require businesses and employees to carry identification. 

The legislation comes in response to several instances of human trafficking reported across Colorado. Most recently, three massage parlor owners were indicted for coercing their employees into having sex with customers in exchange for money. 

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bills Introduced to Save Coloradans Money, Prevent Wildfires

DENVER, CO – Lawmakers in the House today introduced two bills that will direct federal economic relief funds to reduce the cost of healthy foods and prevent wildfires by improving Colorado’s watersheds.

Reducing the Cost of Food and Boosting Access to Critical Services: HB22-1380, sponsored by Representatives Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez and Rod Pelton and Senators Jeff Bridges and Don Coram, would direct $14 million in federal pandemic relief funds to save people money on healthy food and increase critical services for low-income individuals.

“This targeted investment of federal funds will better connect low-income and underserved communities with healthy food and critical services, like SNAP,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “By directing economic relief funds to boost low-income Coloradans, we’ll more equitably grow our economy, support small businesses, and better connect Coloradans to the services they need to thrive.”

“Every Coloradan deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of who they are or where they come from,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “That’s why we’re working to make it easier for low-income families to put food on the table. With these additional resources, we can help more Coloradans support themselves, their families, and their overall health, all while saving them money.”

HB22-1380 $8 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to create the Community Food Access Program. The program will improve access to healthy foods in low-income and underserved areas of the state. The bill supports small food retailers and grocery stores with technical assistance, one-time grants of up to $25,000 to strengthen infrastructure, and direct payments for pallet, pallet break, distribution, delivery, and other fees. Grants to retailers could be used to purchase expensive equipment and update point of sale systems. An additional one million will be available to help retailers join together to get better prices on wholesale products.

The bill also directs $2 million in federal relief funds to efficiently identify SNAP recipients who are also eligible for utility bill assistance, $3 million for a universal high-quality work management system to reduce administrative costs and streamline the application process for various benefit program; and $1 million to support technology upgrades and integrate the Double Up Food Bucks Program in local food retails stores increasing the access to healthy foods for SNAP recipients

Preventing Wildfires and Conserving Colorado’s Watersheds: HB22-1379, sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Marc Catlin and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson, would invest $20 million to protect Colorado’s watersheds and reduce the risk of wildfires.

“Colorado is seeing increasingly devastating wildfires that are impacting our access to clean drinking water and the water our agricultural producers need to survive,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “This investment in our watersheds will reduce the risk of wildfire and mitigate the impacts they have on our water supply. Water is everything to Colorado communities, and we have to do everything we can to protect this critical resource.”

“After wildfires, our rivers (and our drinking water that comes from them) have a complicated road to recovery,” said Senator Donovan, D-Vail. “This bill provides the resources needed to recover from wildfire and keep our drinking water safe.”

HB22-1379 directs $20 million in federal pandemic economic relief funds to prevent wildfires and conserve Colorado’s watersheds through mitigation, watershed restoration and flood mitigation grants. The bill includes:

· $3 million for projects that will help communities address the urgent need to reduce wildfire risks by supporting implementation of risk mitigation treatments that focus on promoting watershed resilience;
· $2 million to continue the Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program within the Department of Natural Resources which supports the Department's wildfire workforce development partnerships;
· $10 million to the Colorado water conservation board construction fund for post-fire restoration needs and advance a watershed and landscape scale approach to building wildfire ready watersheds; and
· $5 million to help local governments and other entities apply for federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" money and other federally available money for water projects.;

Fenberg Introduces Bill to Improve Resiliency, Better Prepare Colorado for Future Climate Emergencies

Legislation would establish the Office of Climate Preparedness and create new programs to facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts following disaster emergencies

DENVER, CO - Last week, Senate President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) introduced legislation to support individuals, businesses, and governments rebuilding after disaster emergencies and create an Office of Climate Preparedness in Colorado to better prepare and respond to future disasters.

“Our climate is changing whether we like it or not, and we know we're going to see more frequent and more destructive natural disasters as a result,” said Fenberg. “It’s essential that we act now to prepare for and mitigate future climate-induced disasters, and improve our response to destruction left in their wake. These new programs, alongside the new Office of Climate Preparedness, will help us better coordinate our response and ensure we’re as prepared as possible when the next disaster strikes.”

SB22-206 would establish two programs to help communities recover and rebuild following disasters. $15 million would go to the Disaster Resilience Rebuilding Program to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments rebuilding after a disaster emergency.

Additionally, Fenberg’s bill allocates $20 million to the Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program to provide loans and grants to homeowners, businesses, and local governments to cover costs related to rebuilding more resilient and energy efficient homes and structures.

The bill would also create the Office of Climate Preparedness in the Governor’s office, tasked with coordinating disaster recovery efforts to better respond to natural disaster emergencies and developing a climate preparedness roadmap to ensure Colorado is better prepared for future climate-induced disasters.

SB22-206 will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Gov. Polis, State Legislators and Community Leaders Highlight Shared Efforts to Reduce Homelessness in Colorado

Legislative investments to address homelessness moving through state legislature, state providing facilities and pushing local communities to invest & innovate 

DENVER, CO - Today, Gov. Polis, state legislators, and community leaders shared a legislative package to address homelessness making its way through the legislature.  During the legislative session, Gov. Polis and state legislators have partnered to announce historic bipartisan investments of federal funding to expand access to behavioral and mental health services, increase the supply of affordable housing, and bolster Colorado’s workforce in critical industries.

“Reducing homelessness, supporting safer and cleaner neighborhoods, and providing access to recovery and mental health services are top priorities. Homelessness is an issue that cities must lead in solving, but the state is also stepping up and taking the unprecedented step of matching local efforts, and increasing addiction recovery treatment beds,” said Gov. Polis. “State investments alone will not solve all of these problems and we will continue to push local communities to invest, enforce the laws on their books,  and innovate to address this challenge and reduce homelessness .”

Stella, a graduate of Ready to Work Colorado spoke at today’s event about her experience with this successful program.  

“Through hope, compassion, and undeniable support, Ready to Work showed me that there is a way out of homelessness and addiction, and that support continues through recovery — offering support, housing, and employment. Having programs like this in our community is what we need to help end homelessness  for so many others, and this legislation will help lead to more programs that meet unique needs,” said Stella, Graduate of Ready to Work Colorado. 

Last week Gov. Polis and state legislators visited Sanderson Apartments, a 60-unit supportive housing development serving those with long lengths of homelessness; Ready to Work Aurora, an organization that provides adults experiencing homelessness a unique opportunity to rebuild their lives through work; and Mile High United Way, which connects Coloradans to critical services. 

“We've seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality, as our state's housing issues have worsened significantly and even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales D-Denver, vice chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This legislation is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential supports and resources. It’s only a start, but providing these resources will help folks get back on their feet by expanding access to the housing, care and support services that they need.” 

The Governor discussed repurposing the Ridgeview campus; the state in partnership with local communities  can focus on supporting individuals without housing in their recovery from substance use disorders. 

“For too long, local governments and service providers haven’t had the resources they need to address homelessness in a meaningful way,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “It’s clear we need a state-wide effort that addresses the root causes of homelessness while making transformative investments. I’m proud to sponsor legislation with Representative Tony Exum, Sr. to create a $105 million grant program that communities in every part of our state can access to address homelessness in their communities and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with essential housing and services.”

Today, the group announced a “Request for Application” to support a new Denver-Metro campus that will provide behavioral and mental health services, recovery and stabilization services, access to medical care, permanent supportive housing or transitional housing and the project must be located in the Denver-metro area and will provide an opportunity for Denver-metro local governments, private, and philanthropic partners to take advantage of participating in this transformational project.

“It’s clear that the pandemic and the social instability that followed have taken a toll on our communities, and the number of people experiencing homelessness has risen as a result,” said Rep. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “Every Coloradan deserves a safe place to live, but that reality is out of reach for far too many. This session, I’m sponsoring legislation that will direct $50 million in federal pandemic relief funds to the Denver-Aurora metro area. This funding will be available to collaborations between local governments in the region and nonprofits to build a navigation campus to prevent and respond to homelessness.”

“Our region has experienced a significant increase in homelessness as a result of the pandemic and a lack of access to behavioral health care and substance use disorder treatment,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver.  “Legislation I’m sponsoring will dedicate federal resources to revamp the Ridge View campus to create a recovery-oriented community for individuals without stable housing. This campus will help people recover and heal in a safe and stable environment where they will have access to the services and support they need to thrive.”

“As Vice-Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force SubPanel and an advocate for homelessness resolution and prevention, it is so encouraging to see the Governor's Office and our legislative leaders take bold action to address the homelessness crisis that has only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. By leveraging these investments with other funding, both public and private, Colorado has the chance to ensure that any experience of homelessness for the far too many families and individuals enduring it, can be brief and quickly resolvable,” said Cathy Alderman, Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

“We are profoundly grateful for the partnerships and support from local governments and the State of Colorado in our work to support youth experiencing homelessness, a shared concern for the highly vulnerable youth we serve has allowed us to offer support that ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and live self-determined, fulfilled lives. There isn’t anyone more deserving of that support than the teens and young adults who come to Urban Peak,” said Christina Carlson, CEO of Urban Peak.

"As Colorado utilizes ARPA funding to invest in homelessness solutions, we will continue to look at transforming Colorado through a regional, data-driven approach that allows for all Coloradans to have the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and affordable home. With consistent, stabilizing resources, we will continue to build on Colorado's foundation for addressing homelessness,” said Natriece Bryant, State and Local Stimulus Coordinator for OEDIT. 

Zenzinger’s Bill to Save Wheelchair Users Money on Repairs Clears Committee

Legislation would protect the rights of wheelchair users

DENVER, CO - The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger (D-Arvada) to protect the rights of wheelchair users by allowing owners to repair their own wheelchairs.

Co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), HB22-1031 would require powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. 

“Right now, powered wheelchair owners do not have the freedom to repair their own machines when fixes are needed,” said Zenzinger. “Wheelchair users, particularly in rural communities, are forced to wait long stretches of time for repairs and often face high prices for repair equipment and services. Allowing wheelchair owners to do their own repairs will save Coloradans time and money, and build a more accessible Colorado for all.”

Typically, wheelchair owners and users can only seek repair, modification and maintenance of their wheelchair from manufacturers. This market monopolization drives up costs for Coloradans and leaves them without their mobility device for longer. 

Under the bill, independent repair providers and owners would have the tools and manuals to perform regular maintenance, diagnostic or repair service themselves.

The bill now heads to the Senate floor. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Air Quality Improvement Bill to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales’ (D-Denver) bill to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA.

SB22-193 would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future.”

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

SB22-193 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Pair of Ginal Bills to Crack Down on Catalytic Converter Thefts, Create a Safer Colorado Win Unanimous Committee Approval

Legislation will reduce crime, improve public safety

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved a pair of bills sponsored by Senator Joann Ginal (D-Fort Collins) to crack down on catalytic converter thefts and create a safer Colorado.

SB22-179, cosponsored by Senator Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs), would create civil penalties for offenses related to catalytic converter theft, while HB22-1217 would create a grant program - funded by penalties accrued under SB22-179 - aimed at increasing public awareness around catalytic converter theft and providing financial assistance to victims of catalytic converter theft. 

“Catalytic converter theft has become a crisis here in Colorado and throughout our nation, and it’s only getting worse,” said Ginal. “Coloradans depend on their cars for everyday things like getting to work and picking up groceries, and an inoperable car can cause real harm and unnecessary costs. This legislation will help crack down on those thefts, educate folks on how to keep their property secure, and help make the victims of catalytic converter theft whole.”

Cracking down on catalytic converter theft is a top priority for General Assembly Democrats this session. Ginal’s bipartisan SB22-009, which recently passed the Senate, would cut down on the spiking number of catalytic converter thefts across Colorado by giving state regulators more oversight of aftermarket sales of catalytic converters and make it easier to prosecute “chop shops” for selling stolen ones.

Catalytic converters control the exhaust emissions from vehicles and play an important role in reducing harmful emissions. They have recently become a target for thieves because they contain precious metal alloys that have high resale values.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts nationwide have more than quadrupled recently, from 3,389 in 2019 to 14,433 in 2020.

SB22-179 and HB22-1217 will now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Gonzales, Lee Bill to Increase Behavioral Health Access, Divert Coloradans in Need Away from Criminal Justice System Clears Committee

Legislation invests over $50 million to help folks get treatment for mental health and substance use support 

DENVER, CO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) and Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs) to make major investments in behavioral health services for individuals in – or at risk of becoming involved in – the criminal justice system. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

SB22-196 would invest $51.5 million for the Early Intervention, Deflection, and Redirection from the Criminal Justice System Grant Program to help communities prevent people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders from becoming involved with the criminal justice system. The funding would also be used to redirect individuals with behavioral health needs away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate treatment.

“For far too long, Colorado has tried to arrest and jail our way out of the behavioral health crisis, and it simply hasn’t worked,” Gonzales said. “Criminalizing people with behavioral health needs is the most expensive and least effective way to provide mental health care services to the folks who need it most. I am proud of the approaches we take in SB22-196 to intentionally intervene, deflect, and divert people out of the criminal justice system in order to get them the behavioral health resources they need.” 

“Far too many Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders are struggling in jail cells without proper care and treatment to get them back on their feet, and that is simply unacceptable,” said Lee. “Jailing folks with behavioral health needs will only exacerbate their condition and lead to more recidivism, so we’re proposing measures today to ensure these individuals get the treatment they need before they enter the criminal justice system in the first place.” 

The bill also includes investments to help the Department of Corrections, the Division of Criminal Justice, and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing support the continuity of care and treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system with opioid use disorders and mental health disorders, as well as investments in the Judicial Department to support pretrial diversion programs designed to keep individuals with behavioral health conditions out of jail.

The bill will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Gives Preliminary Approval to Pair of Air Quality Improvement Bills to Create a Healthier Colorado

Legislation includes record investments to reduce air pollution and offer free transit services to reduce ground-level ozone

DENVER, CO - The Senate today advanced two bills to build a healthier Colorado through air quality improvements and transit investments, after the Front Range was declared a “severe” violator of federal ozone standards by the EPA. 

SB22-193, sponsored by President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Julie Gonzales (D-Denver), would provide funding for several different programs in the transportation and industrial sectors, as well as the Department of Public Health and Environment, to reduce emissions and improve Colorado’s air quality. The bill includes record investments in clean transportation initiatives and air quality monitoring, regulation, and incentives.

“Cleaning up our air and building a healthier Colorado requires all hands on deck,” said Fenberg. “That’s why we’re taking a comprehensive approach to ensure every Coloradan, particularly in communities who have historically borne the brunt of air pollution, can breathe clean air. With transformative investments to reduce industrial emissions, initiatives to clean up our transportation system, and plans to improve air monitoring, we’re putting Colorado on the path to a cleaner future.”

“Every Coloradan deserves safe and healthy air to breathe, but too often we are exposed to dangerous emissions and high ozone levels that threaten our health and hit disadvantaged communities the hardest,” Gonzales said. “This legislation represents an important step toward reducing those harmful emissions and achieving true environmental justice for all.”

SB22-193 includes:

• $25 million for the Industrial and Manufacturing Operations Clean Air Grant Program to help private entities, local governments, and public-private partnerships fund projects to reduce emissions of air pollutants, such as beneficial electrification, renewable energy projects, and methane capture.

• $65 million for the Electrifying School Buses Grant Program to help school districts and charter schools convert and replace fossil-fuel reliant school buses with electric-powered school buses.

• $15 million for the Diesel Truck Emissions Reduction Grant Program to provide grants to private and public entities for decommissioning and replacing diesel trucks.

• $12 million for the Community Access to Electric Bicycles Grant and Rebate programs which will ease and accelerate the adoption of electric bicycles by providing  businesses, local governments, and individuals discounted e-bikes and easier access to e-bike sharing programs.

• $7 million for increased and expanded aerial surveying of pollutants.

The Senate also approved SB22-180, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter (D-Broomfield) and Senator Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo), which would create the Ozone Season Transit Grant Program to provide free transit rides during ozone season. 

“Last summer Colorado had the worst air quality in the world, and we must take immediate action to address it,” said Winter. “That’s why I am proud to bring this legislation to reduce local air pollution by offering free transit rides during peak ozone season. This commonsense bill will encourage transit ridership, reduce harmful emissions, and help us further our climate goals while giving Colorado families cleaner, healthier air to breathe.”

“The top emitter of carbon is our transportation sector, and a key way to address it is to increase multimodal options and incentivize ridership on our transit system,” Hinrichsen said. “This initiative will increase access to public transportation while reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted during peak ozone season – an important step we must take to build a healthier Colorado for all and move our state forward.”

SB22-180 will also create a transit services pilot project in the Department of Transportation to increase ridership on state-run transit services, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and reduce ground-level ozone.

The Senate will give final approval to both bills in the coming days. Track the progress of SB22-193 HERE and SB22-180 HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Implement Universal Preschool in Colorado

Legislation will provide high-quality preschool options to all Colorado kids

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to President Steve Fenberg (D-Boulder) and Senator Janet Buckner (D-Aurora)’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1295 implements recommendations for the Department of Early Childhood to elevate early childhood education and ensures that early childhood care is easy to navigate for all Colorado families. The legislation builds off of last year’s HB21-1304, which established the Department of Early Childhood and charged the agency with implementing universal preschool, improving education outcomes, and supporting families in expanding access to enriching early childhood experiences.

“Establishing universal preschool in Colorado is one of the most impactful things we are doing this session,” Fenberg said. “Quality early childhood education is critical to a child’s future success, and streamlining the process to increase availability and affordability is just as beneficial to the parents of young children. The new department is going to make transformational changes for Colorado kids and their families.”

“Access to child care not only supports critical early development and future educational outcomes, but also the very well-being of families across our state,” said Buckner. “As we work to move Colorado forward, this bill will directly benefit 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 the new Department of Early Childhood 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, saving families thousands of dollars per year. The legislation supports mixed delivery preschool options, prioritizing quality and respecting parental choice for where to send their child to school, while strengthening and supporting local infrastructure to best serve each community’s individual needs.

The bill now heads to the House for concurrence of Senate amendments. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.