Senate Majority Leader Moreno's Bill to Improve Hospital Preparedness Clears Senate

HB22-1401 ensures health facilities are equipped to meet increased demands for care

DENVER, CO - The Senate today signed off on Majority Leader Dominick Moreno’s, D-Commerce City, legislation to improve hospitals’ and health facilities’ preparedness to meet increased demands for care.

HB22-1401 requires every Colorado hospital to establish a nurse staffing plan to meet patient needs when demand surges. It applies lessons learned from the pandemic to enable hospitals to quickly increase their capacity. Hospitals will have to report their plans to the Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and publicize them on their website. They will also have to evaluate their plans quarterly to address feedback and or complaints from health care providers.

"Every day, Colorado's nurses go above and beyond to save lives and keep our hospitals running," said Moreno. "As a result, far too many of our healthcare workers are overworked and burnt out from the demands of their jobs. By requiring hospitals to establish a plan to meet increased demand for patient care, we can combat those feelings of burnout within our nurses and ensure a high level of patient care that Coloradans deserve.

HB22-1401 also requires hospitals to report the number of beds they are able to staff, their current bed capacity, and instances where staffed-bed capacity exceeds 80 percent.

HB22-1401 will now head to the House for final concurrence. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Help Coloradans Land Jobs, Address Workforce Shortages

HB22-1230 increases funding for Employment Support and Job Retention Program and extends the program indefinitely

DENVER, CO - The Senate today cleared a bill to help Coloradans find and retain good-paying jobs and address the state’s workforce shortage.

HB22-1230, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, provides an additional $250,000 a year to support the Employment Support and Job Retention Program, which helps unemployed or underemployed Coloradans land and retain good-paying jobs. The bill also extends the program indefinitely.

“Too many Coloradans are still fighting to recover from the pandemic and return to work,” Fields said. “This bill will prepare and connect more of our neighbors to enter or return to the workforce, helping them stay on their feet and filling the workforce shortages in our economy.”

The bill also prioritizes community engagement to rural and underserved communities through outreach to nontraditional service organizations including community organizations, faith-based organizations, places of worship and libraries that offer employment, training and educational services.

HB22-1230 now returns to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Save Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Money

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, that would reduce several business filing fees for Colorado businesses and entrepreneurs.  

“Colorado’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we need to do all that we can to help them bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and move forward,” said Pettersen. “Reducing business filing fees will make it easier and cheaper for Coloradans to start a business, which will help us continue to power our economic recovery and help Colorado thrive.”

“All session long, we’ve worked to save Coloradans money, and this bill builds on that progress,” said Kolker. “Our small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic, which is why we’re continuing our efforts to alleviate the financial pressure they have felt for over the last two years. This bill will put money directly back in their pockets.” 

HB22-1001 would reduce several business filing fees and other costs associated with operating a business to $1 through a credit program administered by the Secretary of State. This includes new business registrations, annual renewals and other fees. The cost savings associated with this bill would be in effect for one year.

The bill now moves to the House for final concurrence of amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Approves Legislation to Help Local Communities Address Homelessness

HB22-1377 directs $105 million to help launch innovative programs supporting Coloradans experiencing homelessness

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved legislation aimed at reducing the rate of homelessness by supporting communities to develop and implement support systems that effectively respond to the barriers that people experiencing homelessness face.

HB22-1377, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, directs $105 million in flexible grant funding to local governments and nonprofits that are pursuing innovative measures to address the needs of Coloradans experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Those initiatives may include wraparound supportive services, care coordination, emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing and property conversion.

“We've seen clearly over the past few years that crisis exacerbates inequality. As our state's housing issues have worsened significantly, even more Coloradans find themselves without a place to call home,” said Gonzales, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force. “This legislation is critically important, and will help local communities connect unhoused Coloradans to essential support 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 crisis of unhoused Coloradans has only grown, and we must take action,” Kolker said. “This bill will enable local communities to better tackle this crisis, and arm them with resources to implement innovative, community-driven strategies that address and prevent homelessness and get more Coloradans the help they need.”

HB22-1377 now moves to the Governor’s desk. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Pair of Bills to Expand Behavioral Health Care Access

Legislation would improve and expand treatment options for Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved two bills to improve behavioral health outcomes and expand inpatient and residential treatment options.

HB22-1302, sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, and Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, will invest $35 million to improve behavioral health outcomes by better integrating physical and behavioral health care.

“Anyone who has tried to access behavioral health care in Colorado knows how hard it is to navigate the system as it is today,” said Jaquez Lewis. “That’s why we’re working to streamline how we deliver care and meet people where they are before a crisis occurs. This bill will ensure that primary care physicians are better equipped to connect patients with the appropriate behavioral health services they need.”

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 occurs. This 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 Senate also approved HB22-1303, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Wesminster, and Senator Jim Smallwood, R-Parker, which will invest $65 million to expand inpatient and residential treatment options for adults in our state. Currently, Colorado lacks the residential treatment beds needed to treat individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders, including individuals with co-occuring conditions.

“Far too many of our neighbors are struggling with mental illness and substance use disorders. We must increase our capacity to support folks in need of urgent, immediate care,” said Winter. “This legislation will provide additional inpatient and residential treatment beds for folks in need, which will make a world of difference and allow more Coloradans to access the care they desperately need.”

This bill supports the addition of 16 beds at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Fort Logan and a further 125 residential treatment beds across the state for adults with urgent behavioral health needs who need long-term services and support. The facilities will provide integrated care to flexibly serve all populations, including individuals awaiting competency restoration services.

Both bills were developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

Both bills now head to the House for final concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1302 HERE, and HB22-1303 HERE.

Pair of Bills to Transform Behavioral Health System, Increase Access to Care Clear Senate

Legislation would invest $144 million to support community-based behavioral health programs and increase access to care for youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that aims to transform the state’s behavioral health system so it better serves Coloradans with mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

In an effort to ensure Coloradans across the state—including children, youth and families—have access to the behavioral health care they need, HB22-1281 will invest $90 million in grant funds for local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement innovative, community-based programs with the goal of meeting regional gaps and transforming behavioral health outcomes across the state.

“Accessing behavioral health care in our state can be complex and difficult, making it challenging for Coloradans to get the care they need to maintain their health and well-being,” said Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster. “We recognize that different parts of the state have different needs when it comes to addressing mental health and substance use disorders, which is why we’re making a critical investment to address these inequities as we continue working toward building a healthier Colorado for all.”

Colorado does not have adequate capacity to serve children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. As a result, too many children are sent out-of-state to access treatment, far away from their families and support network. HB22-1283 will invest $54 million to support intensive youth and family residential and outpatient care, ensuring that children, youth, and families can access behavioral health treatment and services they need right here in Colorado.

“Kids all across Colorado deserve access to quality behavioral health care, but our current system isn’t getting them the care they need,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora. “I am proud to champion this important legislation that will improve access to behavioral health care for youth in Colorado, and help make sure that every family in our state is able to receive the vital care they need to thrive.”

The legislation was developed based on recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force.

Both bills now move to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1281 HERE and HB22-1283 HERE.

Senate Approves Just Transition Bill to Support Workers

HB22-1394 would help communities transition away from coal-based economies

DENVER, CO - The Senate today cleared legislation to support workers and communities making the transition from coal-based economies.

HB22-1394, sponsored by Senator Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, would fund the Office of Just Transition, which is working to boost communities and workers transitioning from coal-based economies. The bill supports coal workers to help them provide for themselves and their families, and access innovative education and training opportunities. 

“In Colorado, we take care of each other,” Donovan said. “This bill aligns with that value and provides resources to some of the best places in the state to envision and build what's next for them."

“As our energy economy moves forward, it’s critical we make sure that every affected community and worker is supported,” Winter said. “This legislation will make an equitable investment in projects to help diversify our rural economy, support working families, and help make sure no transitioning community is left behind.”

It also distributes grants to communities to help them create vibrant, resilient and sustainable local economies. $5 million will be allocated to support economic development and assistance to local businesses, and $10 million will go directly to workers and their families.

HB22-1394 now moves to the House for final concurrence of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Hinrichsen Bill to Increase Higher Ed Opportunities for Veterans Clears Senate

Legislation will expand educational opportunities for veterans, prepare them for future success

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, that would expand educational opportunities for veterans, preparing them for future success. 

HB22-1407 will increase higher education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to audit courses without impacting class availability or accessibility for other students. Colleges that have a program or policy that allows someone to audit a course must permit a veteran to utilize the program.

“We need to ensure that the brave men and women who have served our country are set up for success and equipped with the tools necessary to transition back to civilian life,” said Hinrichsen. “As a veteran myself, I know how challenging that can be, which is why I’m proud to sponsor this bill to allow more veterans to access higher education opportunities in Colorado while simultaneously working a stable job to support their financial futures.”

These college courses would teach veterans new skills, improve job placement, and refine abilities that can be applied to real world careers. Furthermore, because spots would only be available for veterans if there’s extra class space, there is no need to increase per-pupil funding. This bill only applies to public colleges and universities.

The bill would allow veterans to learn a new skill or subject, fill class seats that would have otherwise been left empty, and reward veterans for their service to our country.

Finally, many veterans cannot afford to become full-time students after their service, even if it’s fully paid for by the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill, because they might have a family to care for or need to work full time. Auditing classes under the bill would allow veterans to gain valuable knowledge by taking just one course.

This bill is modeled after Utah Senate Bill 45, which allows veterans to audit college-level courses without paying the hefty entrance fee. 

HB22-1407 now moves to the Governor's desk for his signature. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Pair of Bills to Address Homelessness, Save Coloradans Money on Housing Clear Senate

Legislation will respond to and prevent homelessness, preserve housing affordability for mobile park residents

DENVER, CO - The Senate today approved a pair of bills to improve access to affordable housing and respond to and prevent homelessness in Colorado.

HB22-1378, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would provide $50 million in federal pandemic relief funding to fund a homelessness navigation campus in the Denver-Metro area.

“The homelessness crisis has hit our communities hard, and addressing it requires all hands on deck, which is exactly the approach this legislation takes,” Coleman said. “This bill will connect folks without stable housing to the services, care and housing they need, and give more Coloradans support to help them move forward and thrive.”

“Too many of our neighbors are struggling to find a place to call home, and they need assistance,” Hansen said. “Our bill will provide significant new resources to support folks experiencing homelessness, and give nonprofits and local governments more capacity to address this crisis and help more Coloradans get back on their feet.”

HB22-1378 will direct funding through a request for application to local governments and nonprofits in the Denver-Metro area to build or acquire and then facilitate a regional navigation campus to holistically respond to and prevent homelessness. 

The new campus will integrate emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing with behavioral health care, substance use disorder treatment, medical care, case management, employment, skills training and more – all in one location.

This legislation is part of a series of bills aimed at preventing and responding to homelessness across Colorado, and is funded by the Economic Recovery & Relief Cash Fund.

The Senate also passed HB22-1287, sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Westminster, that would extend critical protections for mobile home park residents in Colorado. The legislation aims to drive down the cost of housing, hold landlords accountable, and ensure residents can remain in their homes. 

“Housing prices are skyrocketing for all of us, including our mobile home residents who are continually displaced by out-of-state investors,” said Winter. “With this bill, we’re working to ensure that we don’t lose Colorado’s largest source of naturally-occurring affordable housing while extending protections to residents so they can remain in their homes. This legislation will protect affordability and increase stability for mobile home residents while holding landlords accountable.” 

HB22-1287 increases stability for residents by ensuring mobile home park residents are given substantial notice if an entity would like to purchase the park, and also by empowering residents to purchase the land they reside on. 

It also preserves housing affordability by enhancing protections for mobile home residents and helping them pay for potential relocation and other costs. Finally, it gives the Attorney General and the Division of Housing the authority to address violations of mobile home park protections. 

HB22-1287 and HB22-1378 now move back to the House for concurrence on Amendments. Track the progress of HB22-1378 HERE, and HB22-1287 HERE.

ICYMI: Senate Passes Jaquez Lewis Bill to Boost Colorado’s Emergency Stockpile of Personal Protective Equipment

HB22-1352 will better prepare state health care workers for future health emergencies

DENVER, CO –  Yesterday, the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder County, that would require the State of Colorado to maintain a stockpile of essential materials, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

HB22-1352 aims to help the State of Colorado prepare for future emergencies by maintaining a stockpile of essential materials and PPE to be available for distribution after the governor has declared a disaster emergency.

“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,” 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 legislation will boost our emergency stockpile of PPE so that our health care providers have the critical tools and resources they need, and ensure they are better prepared to respond and keep us safe the next time a public health emergency strikes.”

Face masks, medical gloves, eye protection and other PPE worn by health care professionals are necessary for treating patients and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. This bill will invest nearly $2 million to stockpile medical-grade PPE in Colorado so hospitals, vaccine clinics and other medical sites can have access to the protective equipment to keep them safe. Schools, community centers and other organizations can also receive stockpiled PPE.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Safety was charged with maintaining the state’s emergency stockpile of PPE and associated warehouses. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has since maintained a 60-day stockpile of five key PPE product categories to dispatch to state agencies as needed. This bill ensures Colorado has adequate PPE supplies for any future  pandemics or declared national disasters.

HB22-1352 now moves to the Governor's desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Hansen Bill to Increase Safety at Faith-Based Institutions

Legislation would boost resources to enhance safety measures at places of worship, other community spaces to protect Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, that provides grant funding to ramp up security at faith-based institutions facing increasing threats, including synagogues and mosques.

HB22-1077, cosponsored by Senator Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, would create the Colorado Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program would offer grants to eligible entities to enhance the physical security of Colorado’s faith-based and charitable organizations.

“Throughout this session, we’ve worked to pass legislation to build a safer Colorado for all, and this bill builds on that progress by ensuring the safety and security of marginalized communities,” said Hansen. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, and this bill will help protect Coloradans who experience threats, violence, hate crimes, and other forms of bigotry in their places of worship, community centers, schools, and other spaces.” 

Currently, the federal government provides grants for this purpose through the Department of Homeland Security, but a recent increase in threats has led to unmet security needs for Colorado-based organizations. HB22-1077 would provide $500,000 for these grants with a maximum award of $50,000.

Marginalized communities are facing growing threats from violent extremists who are targeting sacred spaces such as mosques, temples and synagogues. In Colorado, there has been an increase in violent rhetoric and threats. In 2019, there was an attempted bombing at a synagogue in Pueblo and an individual was recently arrested after threatening congregants with a weapon outside of the Downtown Denver Islamic Center.

The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Fentanyl Crisis, Save Lives in Colorado

H22-1326 increases access to harm reduction tools & treatment to prevent overdose deaths and increases criminal penalties on those dealing or importing fentanyl

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, that addresses the fentanyl crisis in Colorado and aims to save lives.

HB22-1326, cosponsored by Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley, represents a comprehensive approach to address this crisis that includes both proven harm reduction strategies to save lives and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to keep fentanyl off Colorado streets.

“We are in the third wave of the opioid epidemic and in the worst overdose crisis in the history of this country. Fentanyl is the drug of choice for the cartels because it’s potent, cheap and easy to traffic," Pettersen said. "We need to go after the dealers who are poisoning our communities and provide training and resources to better equip law enforcement to investigate fentanyl poisonings while increasing access to desperately needed treatment and life-saving harm reduction tools. This bill is about saving lives with a comprehensive public health and public safety approach, and will complement the work we’re doing to fix our broken behavioral health system throughout Colorado.”

The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl, and integrate mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing process to ensure people can access treatment and recovery services.

HB22-1326 focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances. The legislation provides law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers, while providing treatment options to individuals with a SUD.

Under the bill, individuals dealing or importing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl that leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties.

Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and will be required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in the Colorado Department of Human Services. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will be ordered to complete a treatment program.

HB22-1326 would make it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill adopts a “no tolerance” policy for the possession of pure fentanyl.

The new felony, which is not prison eligible, would be repealed on June 30, 2025 and includes a “wobbler” provision to allow individuals that complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. The legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, provides additional funding to crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expands access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in jails.

This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will reduce harm, expand access to treatment, and prevent overdose deaths. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves.

The legislation directs $29 million in federal pandemic relief funds to implement recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force to expand access to proven harm reduction tools like the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan as well as fentanyl test strips.

Finally, HB22-1326 directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to develop, implement and maintain a three-year statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl.

HB22-1326 now moves to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

ICYMI: Bipartisan Bill To Boost Child Care Workforce Clears Senate

The targeted tax credit will support working families, child development, and economic growth

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave final approval to Senator Janet Buckner’s, D-Aurora, helping make child care more affordable and boosting the early childhood educator workforce.

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB22-1010 would create the early childhood educator tax credit to help save early childhood educators money and encourage new providers to enter the field. 

“Early childhood educators are among the lowest paid professionals in every state, including Colorado,” said Buckner. “I was a proud sponsor of HB22-1295, which is bringing free child care to every Colorado family, starting in the fall of 2023. As the demand for quality early childhood educators rapidly increases, we must do all we can to ensure it is a viable, attractive career path for Coloradans – this bill helps do just that.”

Boosting the child care workforce will expand child care options in Colorado and ultimately lower the cost of child care in Colorado. Child care providers are facing significant workforce challenges as workers leave the field for higher paying, less stressful jobs.

The bill comes shortly after the passage of Senator Buckner’s landmark bill to implement universal preschool and provide high-quality early childhood education and support to every Colorado kid.

HB22-1010 will now head to the Governor for signature. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan School Finance Act to Make Historic Investment in School Funding Clears Senate

Legislation would increase K-12 public school funding by an average of $545 per student, or $13,600 for a classroom of 25 students

DENVER, CO - The Senate today voted to pass the bipartisan 2022 Public School Finance Act, which sets funding levels of Colorado’s public school districts.

Sponsored by Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB22-1390 increases state funding for public schools by $431 million to $8.4 billion and reduces the Budget Stabilization Factor by more than $180 million.

“Thanks to the hard work we have done on this year’s School Finance Act, the Budget Stabilization Factor will fall to the lowest level since its inception,” said Zenzinger. “I’m proud of the responsible way that we have managed this issue, and I’m proud of the increases we will see to Colorado school districts’ per pupil funding. This year’s School Finance Act makes resources available to teachers and students that they need and deserve.”

The increases in funding for K-12 public schools will result in an increase of $545 per student, or approximately $13,600 for a classroom of 25 students. This funding can be used to reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide individualized support to help students learn. 

The bill makes additional changes to support students and school districts, such as extending the K-5 Social and Emotional Health Pilot Program and the Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Program. It also strengthens the successful Educator Recruitment and Retention grant by encouraging recipients to teach for three years in areas where there are educator shortages.

Additionally, the School Finance Act incorporates the text of HB22-1002, which lifts the current cap on the number of students who can participate in the ASCENT concurrent enrollment program and makes it available to more postsecondary students. This program saves Coloradans money as they pursue their higher education degrees.

HB22-1390 now heads to the House for concurrence of amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Help Coloradans Recover from Pandemic, Prepare for Financial Success

Legislation would uplift low-income folks, help them access financial resources to move forward

DENVER, CO – The Senate yesterday passed legislation sponsored by Senators Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, to help Colorado families get back on their feet and recover from the pandemic.

“Many low-income Coloradans were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, which worsened obstacles that have historically kept communities of color from accessing banking services and credit,” said Rodriguez. “This bill will expand access to the financial tools folks need to bounce back from the economic consequences of the last few years, provide for their families, and support their financial futures.” 

“The pandemic resulted in profound economic hardships for families, especially for disadvantaged communities,” said Lee. “With this bill, we will be able to uplift low-income Coloradans who were impacted most by the economic devastation of the last two years to help them access the capital and loans they need to bounce back and move forward.”

HB22-1359 creates the Colorado Household Financial Recovery Program to boost low-income individuals and households impacted by the pandemic or the economic conditions that have followed as a result. The program aims to make low-interest loans and credit more available to low-income families. Funded initially with $5.2 million in one-time funds, the program will partner with financial institutions to facilitate small low-interest loans to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic.

Many individuals do not have access to credit as a result of the financial pressures of the pandemic, while at the same time, many have drained their savings and are struggling to pay for necessities as pandemic-induced inflation has led to rising costs for families. This legislation will help Coloradans who face financial insecurity or a lack of access to financial and banking services obtain affordable loans.

HB22-1359 now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Historic Investment to Save Coloradans Money on Housing Clears Senate

HB22-1304 invests $178 million to facilitate affordable housing development

DENVER, CO - The Senate today gave bipartisan approval on historic legislation to invest $178 million to build and sustain affordable housing across Colorado - the largest investment in state history in affordable housing.

HB22-1304, sponsored by Senator James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, invests $178 million in federal pandemic relief funding 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.

“Our state is growing, and we must make sure communities have the resources they need to keep pace,” said Gonzales, 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.”

“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,” Coleman said. “Nonprofits and folks on the ground 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.”

HB22-1304 also provides for the 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 create strategic development patterns, including funding for infrastructure projects and updating land and use codes.

This legislation was developed based on recommendations from the Affordable Housing Transformational Task Force.

HB22-1304 will now head to the House for final concurrence. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Lee Bill to Streamline and Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health System

Legislation would help improve access to services for folks with behavioral health needs, expand treatment options

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, to streamline and improve Colorado’s behavioral health system. 

HB22-1278, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, will help increase and streamline access to behavioral health services for individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders through the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).

“Coloradans deserve easy access to the behavioral health care they need to maintain their health and well-being, but far too many folks are left with limited or no options for help,” Lee said. “Accessing our behavioral health system can be complex and difficult, which is why we’re pushing for the creation of a Behavioral Health Administration to help streamline services for people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. With this bill, we will be able to ensure accessible, equitable and high quality care for all.” 

The legislation would establish a comprehensive, accountable behavioral health safety net system available in every region of Colorado. This includes 15 different critical behavioral health services including substance use, crisis services, criminal justice diversion, trauma informed care, youth services and more.

The BHA will consolidate behavioral health networks into one behavioral health administrative services organization (BHASO) per region. The push for this legislation stems from patient frustration surrounding disjointed behavioral health care services. With this bill, patients would be able to more easily access behavioral health services in their community.

By July 1, 2024, the bill requires the BHA to establish:

• Universal standards for accessibility and quality of care;

• A behavioral health performance monitoring system;

• A comprehensive behavioral health safety net system;

• Regionally-based behavioral health administrative service organizations to ensure every region in Colorado has accessible and high quality services; and

• A statewide behavioral health grievance system.

The bill now moves to the House for final concurrence. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Get More Teachers in Classrooms

Legislation would reduce financial barriers to entering the educator workforce

DENVER, CO - The Senate today voted to advance Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan legislation that would invest more than $52 million in federal funding to attract new educators to the workforce by reducing financial barriers to entry.

Cosponsored by Senator Don Coram, R-Montrose, HB22-1220 would create two educator preparation stipend programs and a temporary educator loan forgiveness program in the Department of Higher Education to reduce financial barriers to entering the workforce and help teachers pay off their student loans. 

“I know from personal experience how nearly impossible it is for student teachers to meet their prep obligations while supporting themselves financially via a second or third job,” said Zenzinger. “This bill establishes several programs that will help reduce students’ stress and make the pathway toward a career in education far more appealing. It’s way past time to implement this kind of legislation."

Currently, the Colorado Department of Education can issue a temporary educator eligibility authorization to students in an educator preparation program for special education who have not yet met all the requirements for initial licensure. The bill expands the temporary authorization to students in both regular and alternative teacher preparation programs.

HB22-1220 now heads to House for concurrence on amendments. Track the progress of the bill HERE.

Senate Gives Initial Approval to Bipartisan Bill to Address Fentanyl Crisis, Save Lives in Colorado

H22-1326 increases access to harm reduction tools & treatment to prevent overdose deaths and increases criminal penalties on those dealing or importing fentanyl

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave initial approval to a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Brittany Pettersen, D-Lakewood, that addresses the fentanyl crisis in Colorado and aims to save lives.

HB22-1326, co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke, R-Greeley, represents a comprehensive approach to address this crisis that includes both proven harm reduction strategies to save lives and enhanced criminal penalties targeting dealers to keep fentanyl off Colorado streets. 

“We are in the third wave of the opioid epidemic and in the worst overdose crisis in the history of this country. Fentanyl is the drug of choice for the cartels because it’s potent, cheap and easy to traffic," Pettersen said. "We need to go after the dealers who are poisoning our communities and provide training and resources to better equip law enforcement to investigate fentanyl poisonings while increasing access to desperately needed treatment and life-saving harm reduction tools. This bill is about saving lives with a comprehensive public health and public safety approach, and will complement the work we’re doing to fix our broken behavioral health system throughout Colorado.”

The bill will strengthen criminal penalties on any individual distributing fentanyl, and integrate mandatory substance use disorder (SUD) assessments and treatment into the state’s sentencing process to ensure people can access treatment and recovery services. 

HB22-1326 focuses on compound fentanyl, which is fentanyl mixed with other drugs or substances. The legislation provides law enforcement with additional tools to go after dealers, while providing treatment options to individuals with a SUD. 

Under the bill, individuals dealing or importing fentanyl will face increased felony charges, and if the defendant has distributed any amount of fentanyl that leads to someone’s death, they can be charged with a level one drug felony and face the drug code’s strongest penalties.

Defendants in possession of any amount of fentanyl compound will be assessed for a substance use disorder and will be required to complete an education program developed by the Office of Behavioral Health in the Colorado Department of Human Services. Individuals assessed as having a substance use disorder will be ordered to complete a treatment program.

HB22-1326 would make it a felony to possess more than one gram of fentanyl compound/mixture. Once Colorado’s labs have the ability to test for the percentage of fentanyl within a compound, this bill adopts a “no tolerance” policy for the possession of pure fentanyl. 

The new felony, which is not prison eligible, would be repealed on June 30, 2025 and includes a “wobbler” provision to allow individuals that complete treatment to have the felony moved down to a misdemeanor on their record. The legislation creates a grant fund for law enforcement agencies to pursue investigations of fentanyl poisonings, provides additional funding to crisis stabilization centers and detoxification centers, and expands access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in jails.

This crisis also demands a robust public health approach that will reduce harm, expand access to treatment, and prevent overdose deaths. Colorado will save lives by investing in effective public health and substance use prevention and treatment strategies and giving people the tools they need to protect themselves. 

The legislation directs $29 million in federal pandemic relief funds to implement recommendations from the state’s Behavioral Health Transformational Task Force to expand access to proven harm reduction tools like the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan as well as fentanyl test strips. 

Finally, HB22-1326 directs the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to develop, implement and maintain a three-year statewide prevention and education campaign to address fentanyl education needs in the state, including the message that even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly. The bill will also provide grants to develop and implement community-focused education campaigns on the dangers of fentanyl. 

Having passed the Senate on 2nd reading, HB22-1326 will now be considered on 3rd reading by the Senate for final approval. Track the progress of the bill HERE. 

Senate Passes Bipartisan Story Bill to Improve Youth Behavioral Health

Legislation will invest $2 million of federal pandemic relief funds toward improving youth behavioral health outcomes for kids

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Tammy Story, D-Conifer, that will help build a healthier Colorado by improving behavioral health access for youth. 

HB22-1369, cosponsored by Senator Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, would invest $2 million in pandemic relief funding to provide evidence-based behavioral health programs for children six years old and younger experiencing chronic stress or trauma at home.

“Stress and trauma can have negative effects on our youngest Coloradans, but far too often families have nowhere to turn to care for their kids’ mental health,” said Story. “This investment will support early intervention and home-based prevention programs to help families provide the critical behavioral health services their children need to address stress and trauma. With these funds, we can take a step toward creating a healthier Colorado for all.”

This bill invests in a home-based prevention and early intervention mental health program for children and their families to address the psychological damage caused by chronically stressful experiences.

HB22-1369 is one in a series of bills to invest millions into our state’s economic recovery and deliver urgently-needed relief to Coloradans.

The bill now moves to the Governor's desk for his signature. Track the progress of the bill HERE.