SIGNED! Polis Signs Transformative State Budget Into Law

Budget includes resources to improve community safety, shore up public health, among other priorities

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the transformative FY 2023-2024 Long Bill into law.

The $38.5 billion budget is a $1.2 billion increase over last year’s budget. Two-thirds of that increase is attributable to the end of enhanced federal Medicaid match rates, which are expiring as the declared COVID public health emergency winds down and the state is stepping up to meet the ongoing need in the absence of these additional federal Medicaid funds. 

“Balancing the state’s budget in a responsible and thoughtful manner is one of our most urgent priorities as a legislature, and I am pleased to say that this year’s budget hits the mark,” said JBC Chair Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “We’re delivering for Colorado families by making record investments in K-12 education, supporting our health care workers, and creating safer communities - all while keeping our state on solid financial footing. We’ve worked hard to create a balanced, thoughtful budget that funds the infrastructure we need to meet our obligations to our families and communities while helping ensure every Coloradan has what they need to thrive.”

“I’m pleased that Governor Polis has signed our bipartisan budget that responsibly invests in Colorado’s future and supports the services our constituents expect,” said JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “The Joint Budget Committee worked together to fund Colorado’s Universal Preschool program, increase resources for community-based behavioral health care, and to draw down federal funds to upgrade critical infrastructure around our state. I’m proud to deliver a budget that will boost our communities, support small businesses and invest in our schools.”

“This budget reflects our core Colorado values of opportunity, independence, and responsibility,” said JBC member Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village. “The investments we’re making today will prepare our students for success, increase our housing supply, respond to workforce needs, and lower the cost of health care for our Colorado families. All in a balanced budget that puts Colorado on a sound and sustainable fiscal path into the future.”

“The budget Governor Polis signed today prioritizes Colorado families and promotes a thriving economy,” said JBC member Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “I’m proud of the investments we’re making to support K-12 public schools, improve access to healthcare, and strengthen workforce programs and nutrition assistance for Colorado kids and families. We’re delivering on the needs of Coloradans throughout the state to protect critical services that help our communities thrive.”

The budget sets aside a total of $469 million in General Fund for one-time uses, including:

• $103 million for workforce-related legislation including free credentials, math, scholarships, adult education, and concurrent enrollment

• $221 million for housing related legislation, including property tax relief, land use, public-private partnerships, implementation of Prop 123

• $16 million for other priorities such as the Rural Opportunity Office, line of duty loss fund, wildfire resources, & Prop 122 implementation

The budget maintains a 15 percent ($2.3 billion) General Fund reserve to prepare for the next economic downturn, and designates $543 million in cash assets for the constitutionally required State Emergency Reserve to pay for emergencies like wildfires or floods.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

Ensuring Colorado students receive the support they need is a key goal of the legislature, and this budget provides a record investment in our students. In this budget, total state and local funding for public schools will increase by $485 million, including a record increase in per-pupil funding by $900 per student with record investment to buy down the budget stabilization factor in the School Finance Act. 

The bill provides additional funding to help implement the Office of Early Childhood and Colorado’s landmark Universal Pre-K program.

Democrats are also addressing higher education needs through a 10 percent year-over-year increase in higher education funding, totaling $137 million alongside a 5 percent cap on tuition increases.

Finally, this budget provides $18 million for facility schools and expansions of services for students with extremely severe and specialized needs, and $1 million for the School Transformation Grant Program, which trains and supports school leaders working to turn around academic performance in the state’s lowest performing schools.

CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES

Every Coloradan deserves to live a happy and healthy life. This budget includes a 3 percent provider rate increase, to help providers facing cost increases due to inflation and other factors and increased investment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) so Coloradans can access and purchase health foods. Further support for workers includes the new 5 percent across-the-board increase for state employees, ensuring a $15 minimum wage for every state employee.

The budget also includes funding to implement the Office of Behavioral Health, and $3.8 million to bolster staffing and operating expenses to implement a statewide media campaign to increase routine immunization rates through the use of a mobile clinic program.

WILDFIRE MITIGATION & WATER CONSERVATION

Wildfire season lasts year-round in Colorado, and this budget provides badly-needed support to help our state better address and investigate wildfires. The budget provides $26 million to fund the acquisition of a second Firehawk helicopter which will improve the state’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildfires. 

In order to better understand the origins of wildfires in our state, the budget also includes $3.2 million to increase resources for fire investigation and data collection as well as funding for forest restoration.

The budget also includes a $12.6 million investment toward the state Water Plan and funding to secure the state’s negotiation position and implementation of our interstate commitments related to the Colorado River.

IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY

Democrats are committed to creating safer communities across our state. The budget provides $5 million for the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Program, $2 million to create a new Office of School Safety, and $6 million for the School Security Disbursement Program.

The budget also increases pay for Criminal Investigators and State Patrol Troopers.

Additional priorities funded in the budget include:

• $75,000 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for suicide prevention by providing mental health first aid training for students

• $4 million in funding for the Community Crime Victims Grant Program in the Department of Public Health and Environment

• $500,000 for family planning

• $8 million for the Colorado Crime Victim Services Fund

• $500,000 for the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund within the Department of Transportation

• $1 million Department of Human Services for outreach related to SNAP

• $500,000 for the Tony Grampsas Program

• $1 million to supplement funding for Denver Health, and another $1 million for Colorado’s rural hospitals

• $2 million to fund a co-responder program within the Behavioral Health Administration

• $500,000 in funding for the Veterans Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

• $100,000 for the Wildfire Capacity Mitigation Development Fund

• $10 million Reinsurance Program Cash Fund in the Department of Regulatory Agencies

• $18.2 million in funding for additional capital projects across the state

Senate Advances Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Create Colorado River Drought Task Force

Task force will develop policy recommendations, promote water conservation

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, that would create the Colorado River Drought Task Force to develop water policy recommendations for the 2024 legislative session cleared the Senate today.

The task force created by SB23-295, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, will develop recommendations to provide additional tools for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to collaborate with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, and other relevant stakeholders to address the Colorado River drought and promote water conservation.

“All of us on the Western Slope depend on a clean and reliable supply to power our economy and promote our way of life, but worsening drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change, are putting our water supply in jeopardy,” Roberts said. “I am proud to sponsor this important legislation, which will bring us one step closer to addressing one of the most pressing issues our state has ever faced - the endangered Colorado River - and ensure every Colorado community has access to the water resources they need now and into the future.” 

The Colorado River Drought Task Force can meet up to 12 times and must deliver recommendations to the Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee by December 15, 2023.

SB23-295 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Gov. Polis, Legislative Leaders Announce Plan to Cut Property Taxes, Saving Coloradans Money

Building on over $1 billion in historic property tax relief for Coloradans, Polis administration in partnership with the legislature continues to provide real relief for hardworking Coloradans

DENVER -  Today, Governor Polis, Senate President Fenberg of Boulder, Senator Hansen of Denver, Representative deGruy Kennedy of Lakewood, and Representative Weissman of Aurora announced a proposal to provide historic property tax savings for homeowners and businesses while ensuring funding for schools and other local governments is protected. In addition to immediate relief, the proposal creates a long-term solution to prevent growing home values from raising property taxes and creates limits that protect homeowners and businesses from steep unexpected increases in their property taxes. This proposal, along with previous legislation, will save Colorado taxpayers $1 billion annually in property taxes, ensuring Colorado’s property taxes remain among the lowest in the nation.

“It is no secret that Colorado is a great place to live and work, and as our state grows, we must take action to ensure people can thrive in the community they love. This proposal will cut the average homeowners' tax increase in half and deliver long-term relief to protect people, especially seniors on a fixed income,  from being priced out of their homes,” said Governor Polis. “I appreciate the legislature's partnership to provide real relief on property taxes and save Coloradans money.” 

Coloradans will vote on this package in November, and should they choose to enact this proposal, it will provide major long-term reductions to property tax rates and deliver immediate savings on property taxes this year. This proposal, combined with reductions previously passed, will cut the average homeowner’s tax increase in half, saving $1,264 on average over the next two years. In total, this package would provide between $900 million and $1.6 billion annually in property tax relief for homeowners and businesses in Colorado.  

"Coloradans are about to get hit with painful property tax spikes, which is why we're taking action now to meet the moment and provide real relief for Colorado families," President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. "This transformative proposal delivers long-term reductions in property tax rates while providing immediate savings on this year’s property taxes, so we can better support our schools and our communities and build a Colorado everyone can afford to love." 

“We recognize that property tax reductions cannot be considered without also accounting for the impacts these cuts will have on local governments,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill makes responsible reductions, unlike those proposed in recent ballot measures, and includes provisions to ensure we’re protecting school districts, fire districts, and county child welfare offices while we pass this important measure to help Colorado families keep up with the cost of living in our beautiful state.”

“The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state more than a billion dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive."'

“The cost of housing in Colorado is incredibly high, and if we don't act, Coloradans will suffer record increases on their property taxes. This would be especially difficult for working families, and would hit folks on fixed incomes incredibly hard," said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. "That's why we’re working to provide immediate property tax relief that will save families across our state millions of dollars and keep people in their homes. This proposal will also give voters an opportunity to protect sustainable funding for our schools and local services like hospitals and firefighters while addressing the urgent property tax situation. I'm proud to champion this legislation that will provide immediate relief and protect the critical services Coloradans depend on to thrive."'

“I’m proud to partner with Governor Polis to help significantly reduce property tax increases,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Property tax increases are driving up costs on families, and lower, and middle income Colorado families can least afford this.  This proposal will help Coloradans stay in their homes and communities and targets savings to homeowners who need it the most.” 

Other property tax relief and protections proposed in this plan include: 

• Reducing the residential assessment rate from 7.15% to 6.7% in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years.

• Reducing the taxable value of residences by $40,000 in 2023 and 2024, and continuing this reduction for primary residences (not second homes or investment properties) in future years.

• Capping the growth in district property tax collections excluding school districts at inflation and allowing local governments to override the cap after giving notice to property owners.

• Protecting funding for public education and backfill revenue to fire districts, water districts, ambulance and hospital districts in areas of the state that aren’t growing as fast by dedicating a portion of the state TABOR surplus to backfill.

• Providing seniors who currently receive the Homestead Exemption a larger reduction of $140,000 and allowing them to continue to receive this reduction if they move.

Governor Polis has called for immediate and long-term plans to reduce property taxes and save Coloradans money, and in partnership with the legislature, has delivered more than $1 billion in savings so far. Last year, the governor and the legislature passed a property tax relief package that provided $700 million to lower Coloradans' property tax rates and reduced rate increases over two years. In 2021, the Property Tax Deferral Program was created which allows Coloradans to defer a portion of their property tax if they increase over 4%. This deferral opportunity was expanded from previously only being offered to seniors and veterans to now be available to all Coloradans. For more information on the Property Tax Deferral Program and other savings opportunities, visit the Colorado Treasury website. 

Senate Passes Buckner’s Bipartisan Bill to Expand Zero-Cost Credentials

HB23-1246 would break down barriers for Coloradans looking to enter the workforce

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would break down financial barriers for aspiring professionals looking to enter new, high-demand careers through a zero-cost credentials program cleared the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, HB23-1246 would invest $45 million over two years and pave the way for aspiring professionals in high-demand fields to receive free training toward associate degrees and industry certificates in eligible industries. Eligible industries include elementary and early childhood education, fire fighting, law enforcement, forest management, short-term nursing programs, and construction trades.

“Colorado continues to struggle with workforce shortages in careers ranging from early childhood education to nursing and firefighting,” Buckner said. “Since 2022, the Care Forward Colorado program has made great progress in connecting students with high demand career pathways, but there is much more we can do. With this important bill, we’re further expanding opportunities for Coloradans to land jobs in critical career fields and lowering the barriers to entry for training and education programs.”

For programs that are already zero-cost to students, such as Registered Apprenticeship Programs, funding will be provided to cover the costs associated with the training, such as instructor time and instructional materials. The funding to assist Registered Apprenticeship Programs in HB23-1246 is projected to train more than 3,000 students in the construction trades.

HB23-1246 builds off the successful Care Forward Colorado that Democrats launched in 2022, by covering the costs associated with reskilling and upskilling, such as tuition, books, and additional instructional training, and expands the number of eligible career fields to include six foundational areas of the workforce. 

Since its launch in 2022, Care Forward Colorado has successfully trained approximately 1,500 students as certified nursing assistants, emergency services professionals and other high-demand health care careers.

Buckner recently discussed the success of Care Forward Colorado and her new legislation with First Lady Jill Biden.

HB23-1246 will now move back to the House for concurrence of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Moreno’s Bill to Link Housing, Transportation and Land Use

Moreno: “We’ve got to do more to address this crisis, and this bill represents an important step that will help us prioritize smart growth, gather badly-needed data, and meet our housing goals”

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave final approval to legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, to put Colorado on track towards creating housing opportunities for every budget. 

SB23-213 will implement a statewide housing needs assessment and set housing goals at the statewide, regional, and local levels to create a framework that encourages housing and sustainable growth near jobs and transit.

“Working Coloradans are tired of being priced out of where they live, and SB 213 will help create more sustainable housing growth by linking housing, transportation, and land use planning across our state,” Moreno said. “We’ve got to do more to address this crisis, and this bill will help us gather badly-needed data, prioritize strategic growth across the state, and meet our housing goals so that every Coloradan can find an affordable place to call home.”

In addition to implementing the Housing Needs Assessments and local and regional housing needs plans, SB23-213 will:

• Provide technical assistance and grant funding to local governments to help create and update housing needs plans and comprehensive plans.

• Remove restrictions on residential occupancy limits based on familial relationships, which historically have had a disproportionate impact on communities of color.

• Remove restrictions on modular and manufactured homes to build more housing now

• Promote water efficiency by requiring local governments to account for water in their comprehensive plans and by encouraging utility providers to adopt water allocation policies as a housing affordability strategy.

• Create statewide strategic growth objectives to balance water availability and efficiency goals, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution reduction goals, and other goals.

SB23-213 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Signs Off on Fields, Hansen Bill to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today signed off on legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” in Colorado. Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws, and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections.

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a frame or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer.

“Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home - and they’re extremely dangerous,” Fields said. “We’ve worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this bill is a big step towards reaching that goal. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safer Colorado for us all.”

“Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we can get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.”

Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device” which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun.

SB23-279 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Health & Human Services Approves Bill To Save Coloradans Money on Hospital Costs

HB23-1215 would prohibit hospitals from charging certain hidden facility fees 

DENVER, CO – Yesterday the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Kyle Mullica’s, D-Thornton, bill to prohibit certain facility fees.

HB23-1215 would prohibit certain health care providers from charging hidden facility fees on top of the health care services they are already being charged to cover operating costs. Providers would also be required to disclose information about facility fees to consumers and post this information in their facilities. The bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to not share facility fee information to patients.

“Medical debt is already a leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States; it is not acceptable that Coloradans are being burdened with unnecessary costs they should not be responsible for,” said Cutter. “Facility fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and are impossible for families to plan for, since they are often unexpected. Further examining and addressing facility fees, and requiring additional transparency, will help save Coloradans money and allow them to better plan and budget for necessary medical care."

“Most Coloradans are unable to afford hundreds or thousands of dollars of surprise hidden fees,” Mullica said. “Surprise fees make it difficult for Coloradans to budget for health care services, deterring people from seeking the care they need altogether. Prohibiting certain facility fees will help protect patients and provide much needed relief for Colorado families.”

HB23-1215 would require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to produce a report by December 1, 2023 that outlines the impacts of facility fees to better understand what these fees cover and how these fees impact patient cost and patient health. HCPF would also be required to produce an annual report to improve data collection on facility fees and to increase transparency on the effects of these added costs.

HB23-1215 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Bill to Allow Victims of Gun Violence to Seek Justice Becomes Law

Legislation removes protections for firearm industry that prevent gun violence survivors from pursuing accountability in civil court

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed common sense gun violence prevention legislation sponsored by Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Boulder, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Representatives Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, and Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, to create new avenues for victims of gun violence to pursue justice.

“Colorado used to be home to one of the most punitive laws against gun violence survivors in the country, laws that shielded them from accountability and needed to be changed,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “This new law will level the playing field by removing those extra protections and allowing legitimate lawsuits to move forward, ensuring the gun industry is no longer given special treatment and improving gun violence survivors’ ability to seek the justice they deserve.”

“Colorado’s laws gave the firearm industry extreme and unjust legal protections that have prevented gun violence victims from seeking accountability,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “By removing these excessive legal protections that aren’t afforded to the vast majority of other industries, we’re ensuring that Coloradans can hold bad actors accountable. I’m proud that Colorado law will now allow victims of gun violence to seek the justice they deserve.”

“Previously, Colorado gun sellers and manufacturers were provided legal protections far beyond those for most other businesses in the state and that prevented victims of gun violence from seeking justice,” Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, said. “Removing Colorado’s overly broad gun industry immunity law will provide another avenue for survivors to pursue justice if they are harmed by irresponsible business practices.”

“This law ends excessive immunity protections for the firearms industry and creates new avenues for gun violence victims to seek justice through the courts," said Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie. "I'm hoping the ability to hold the firearms industry accountable when they break Colorado law will encourage them to be more active partners with us in the fight to end gun violence in our communities."

Right now, gun sellers and manufacturers enjoy broad protections under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act from most types of civil lawsuits. Colorado law goes even further by including a punitive provision that forces victims of gun violence who sue the gun industry to pay the company’s legal fees in dismissed cases. SB23-168 removes Colorado’s overly-broad immunity protections for gun sellers and manufacturers and allows legitimate lawsuits against the gun industry to move forward.

After their daughter was killed in the Aurora movie theater shooting, Sandy and Lonnie Phillips sued four online retailers that irresponsibly sold magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and body armor to the murderer. Under Colorado’s immunity law, they were forced to pay around $200,000 in legal fees to bulk ammunition sellers. They ended up selling their house and declared bankruptcy. SB23-168 is named the “Jessi Redfield Ghawi’s Act for Gun Violence Victims’ Access to Justice and Firearms Industry Accountability” in honor of Sandy and Lonnie Phillips’ daughter.

Removing Colorado’s gun industry shielded liability will allow survivors, like the Phillips and countless others, to seek appropriate justice and fair remedies via civil actions and will give survivors the opportunity to hold gun sellers and manufacturers accountable for their actions.

SIGNED! Bill to Require a Waiting Period to Prevent Gun Violence Becomes Law

New law requires a three-day waiting period before firearm purchase

DENVER, CO - Legislation sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to create a minimum three day waiting period to delay immediate access to a firearm and save lives from gun violence was signed into law today.

“Waiting periods are a successful tool that are proven to prevent suicide and death by firearm,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Widely supported by gun owners, waiting periods can provide an opportunity to intervene before an impulsive act of violence is committed. This legislation is one of many ways that we’re addressing gun violence in Colorado and making our communities a safer place to live.”

“Previously, if you wanted to get your hands on a gun, you could do so with near immediacy,” said Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “Whether you intend to harm yourself or others, waiting periods on firearm purchases delay immediate access to weapons and cut down on impulsive acts of violence. I’m proud to champion this new law that will save lives and create safer communities for all Coloradans.”

“Waiting periods are a necessary buffer when someone in a crisis wants a gun to cause harm to themselves or others,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “My son’s life was spared because his background check was delayed when he went to our local gun store. To this day, he is grateful that he didn’t have instant access to a firearm at that moment. I'm confident that this legislation will help save other Colorado lives from senseless and preventable gun death.”

“A cooling off period could be the difference between life and death for a person in the midst of a mental health crisis,” Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, said. “This legislation is backed by research and will reduce gun deaths by suicide and homicide. I’m incredibly proud of Colorado’s leadership on this issue and am proud to take this meaningful step to reduce the epidemic of gun violence.”

Research shows that creating a waiting period for purchasing a firearm has led to a 7 to 11 percent reduction in suicides by firearm and a 17 percent reduction in firearm-related homicides. In 2020, Colorado had the seventh highest suicide rate in the US, and in 2021, there were 740 suicides by firearm in Colorado, accounting for more than half of all suicides in the state. From 2014 to 2019, the number of firearm deaths in Colorado was greater than deaths from motor vehicle crashes and opioid overdoses. Among firearm deaths, more than 75 percent were caused by intentional self-harm or suicide.

Current law mandates that a background check is complete before a firearm can be transferred, which often takes less than three days. HB23-1219 requires a gun seller to wait for an approved background check or three days from the initiation of the background check, whichever is later, before delivering a gun to the purchaser. Creating a waiting period delays immediate access to firearms and can help prevent impulsive acts of violence, including suicides, homicides and assaults. Mandatory waiting periods are supported by 72 percent of gun owners.

Transferring a firearm prior to the expiration of the waiting period would be a civil infraction punishable by a $500 fine for the first offense, and a $500 to $5,000 fine for a second or any subsequent offenses.

The bill would not apply to antique firearms. It also exempts the transfer of a firearm between an active duty military servicemember and their family who is set to deploy overseas. Local governments may establish a waiting period greater than 3 days.

SIGNED! Bill to Raise Minimum Age to Purchase a Firearm to 21 Becomes Law

Legislation will help prevent young people from committing gun violence, save lives in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Legislation that would raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm in Colorado to 21 was signed into law today.

Under current federal law individuals must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun, but only 18 years old to purchase long guns. SB23-169, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and House Minority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, would raise the age limit to purchase any firearm to 21 with limited exceptions.

“Gun deaths in Colorado climb higher every year, and a disproportionate number of them are committed by younger Coloradans,” Mullica said. “As an ER nurse I’ve seen firsthand the devastating ways gun violence impacts our communities, which is why I am proud to champion this new law that will reduce gun violence and save lives all across our state.”

“Gun violence is traumatic for anyone to experience, let alone for a child or young adult,” Duran said. “As a survivor of domestic violence and gun intimidation at a young age, I know firsthand how critical it is to prevent our youth from being put in a life or death situation because a firearm was too easily accessible. By increasing the minimum age to purchase a gun, we can prevent suicides and gun violence and keep our Colorado kids and communities safer.”

“Young people aged 12-24 make up one-fifth of the population, but commit just under half of all gun murders,” Danielson said. “There is an urgent need to do more to prevent gun violence in Colorado, and I am proud to champion this legislation that does just that. Raising the age to purchase a firearm will keep more deadly weapons away from our youth, reduce youth suicide rates, and make our communities safer.”

“Having been a teacher for over 30 years, so many of my students have grown up fearing the constant threat of gun violence – sadly, they are known as the lockdown generation,” Hamrick said. “From countless active shooter events to losing peers to suicide, Colorado youth are forced to grapple with gun violence from a very young age. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to implement this commonsense gun violence prevention policy into Colorado law to keep firearms away from our youth and our children, making our schools and communities safer.”

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people in the U.S. ages 18 to 20, and the firearm suicide rate among this group has increased a staggering 61 percent in the last decade. 

SIGNED! Landmark Legislation to Expand and Improve Colorado’s Red Flag Law

Bolstered ERPO policy will help de-escalate emergency situations and save lives

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law landmark legislation that will expand and strengthen Colorado’s “Red Flag” law.

SB23-170, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, will expand who is eligible to file for an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO), which will allow more qualified individuals to intervene before gun violence has a chance to occur.

“Red Flag laws are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent gun violence, but unfortunately Colorado’s Red Flag law is tragically underutilized,” Fenberg said. “This new law will strengthen our state’s Red Flag law and increase the number of individuals who can file for an extreme risk protection order, which will create more opportunities for community members to recognize when something is wrong and intervene in a way that will prevent further gun violence and save countless lives across our state.”

“This expansion of Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order will improve one of the best tools we have to help prevent more Coloradans from being a victim of the next gun violence tragedy,” Bacon said. “Now, more qualified individuals will be able to file a petition if they believe someone poses a serious threat to the community. This law brings us one step closer to keeping guns out of the hands of those who would do harm to themselves or others.”

“Our Red Flag law has already saved lives in Colorado, and this commonsense law will strengthen it so that it can be even more effective,” Sullivan said. “Expanding and improving our Red Flag law will create more opportunities for qualified individuals to assess the danger and act appropriately to prevent further violence and ultimately save more lives.”

“Since Colorado passed the Red Flag law in 2019, it has been an effective yet underutilized tool to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals,” Weissman said. “Teachers, licensed mental health professionals, district attorneys, and medical professionals throughout our communities often have insight into the potential dangers that someone poses, making them essential in Colorado’s fight against gun violence. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re improving awareness of this tool and expanding eligibility to file a petition so we can reduce deaths by suicide and protect more Coloradans from the threat of gun violence.”

Originally passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Polis in 2019, the Zackari Parrish III Violence Prevention Act is a tool used to temporarily remove firearms from a person who a judge determines is a threat to themselves or others. Currently a petition for removal can only be filed by a family member or a law enforcement officer. SB23-170 will expand the list of individuals eligible to file an ERPO to include District Attorneys and other law enforcement officials, licensed health care providers, mental health professionals, and educators. 

According to the Associated Press, Colorado has one of the lowest use rates of its Red Flag law. Colorado issued only 3.3 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents through 2021, ranking the sixth lowest among 19 states that have Red Flag laws. In comparison, Florida issues 33.6 protection orders per 100,000 adult residents. Researchers have found that for every 10 to 20 protection orders, one suicide might be averted.

Committee Advances Pair of Bills to Save Money on Prescription Drugs, Improve Hospital Transparency

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services Committee today advanced a pair of bills that will save Colorado families money on prescription drugs and improve transparency for hospitals.

HB23-1201, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would lower prescription drug costs by cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who charge employers one price for prescription drugs and reimburse pharmacies for less, and pocket the difference in a practice known as spread pricing.

“Prescription drugs in Colorado are sometimes too expensive for working families to afford, and that’s unacceptable,” Mullica said. “Prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from skimming profits off the top of prescription drug prices will keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Colorado families and help more folks afford the lifesaving medication they need to survive.”

The HHS committee also advanced HB23-1218, sponsored by Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, which requires certain health care facilities to share details with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) of the health care services they provide. 

The bill requires CDPHE to create forms to compile a list of services that a health care facility may deny for non-medical reasons, like abortion and gender-affirming care. 

“Every Coloradan deserves quality care that meets their needs and allows them to thrive,” Jaquez Lewis said. “Shining a light on which health care services Colorado hospitals provide - and which services they deny - will help Coloradans make more informed choices about where they receive their health care.”

The forms will be shared with the public biannually so they have a better understanding of facilities that meet their specific health care needs. Providers must also make their forms available to their patients to disclose the care they offer due to the informed consent process.

HB23-1201 and HB23-1218 will both move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track HB23-1201’s progress HERE, and HB23-1218’s progress HERE.

Moreno’s Bill to Link Housing, Transportation and Land Use Advances

Moreno: “We’ve got to do more to address this crisis, and this bill will help us gather badly-needed data, prioritize strategic growth across the state, and meet our housing goals"

DENVER, CO – The Senate today advanced legislation on second reading sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, to put Colorado on track towards creating housing opportunities for every budget. 

SB23-213 will implement a statewide housing needs assessment and set housing goals at the statewide, regional, and local levels to create a framework that encourages housing and sustainable growth near jobs and transit.

“Working Coloradans are tired of being priced out of where they live, and SB 213 will help create more sustainable housing growth by linking housing, transportation, and land use planning across our state,” Moreno said. “We’ve got to do more to address this crisis, and this bill will help us gather badly-needed data, prioritize strategic growth across the state, and meet our housing goals so that every Coloradan can find an affordable place to call home.”

In addition to implementing the Housing Needs Assessments and local and regional housing needs plans, SB23-213 will:

• Provide technical assistance and grant funding to local governments to help create and update housing needs plans and comprehensive plans.

• Remove restrictions on residential occupancy limits based on familial relationships, which historically have had a disproportionate impact on communities of color.

• Remove restrictions on modular and manufactured homes to build more housing now

• Promote water efficiency by requiring local governments to account for water in their comprehensive plans and by encouraging utility providers to adopt water allocation policies as a housing affordability strategy.

• Create statewide strategic growth objectives to balance water availability and efficiency goals, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution reduction goals, and other goals.

SB23-213 will now be heard on third reading in the Senate before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Fields, Hansen Bill to Prevent Gun Violence, Crack Down on Ghost Guns Earns Initial Senate Sign Off

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames, and receivers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today gave initial approval on second reading to legislation sponsored by Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Chris Hansen, D-Denver, aimed at preventing further gun violence and cracking down on “ghost guns” in Colorado. Ghost guns are unregulated, untraceable firearms that can be bought online and assembled at home, often through DIY kits or downloadable blueprints. They are designed to avoid all gun laws, and are available to purchase without a background check, serial number, sale record, or other protections.

SB23-279 will prohibit the possession, sale, or transfer of an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver. It also prohibits manufacturing a frame or receiver, unless done by a federally licensed firearm manufacturer, including via a 3D printer.

“Ghost guns are untraceable, unserialized weapons that anyone can make or assemble in their own home - and they’re extremely dangerous,” Fields said. “We’ve worked hard this session to make Colorado safer and prevent gun violence, and this bill is a big step towards reaching that goal. I’m proud to champion this legislation that will prevent ghost guns from causing further violence in our communities and create a safer Colorado for us all.”

“Right now it’s far too easy for young people in Colorado and others who shouldn’t possess firearms to access them, and ghost guns are a huge part of that problem,” Hansen said. “Nearly anyone can order the parts or have them 3D printed, and within minutes have access to a fully functional, untraceable firearm. By cracking down on ghost guns, we can get these dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them, reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our state.”

Under the bill, if an individual has an unserialized firearm, frame or receiver, they have until January 1, 2024 to have it serialized. It also prohibits the possession of a “machine gun conversion device”, which turns a firearm into a machine gun and imposes the same penalties as in current law for possessing a machine gun.

SB23-279 will now be heard on third reading before moving to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

SIGNED! Gonzales’ Bipartisan Bill to Open Doors to Law Enforcement Opportunities for Immigrants

HB23-1143 authorizes law enforcement agencies to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms as peace officers

DENVER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bipartisan bill to open up job opportunities for Deferred Action for Children Arrivals (DACA) recipients within law enforcement. 

Currently, DACA recipients are unable to possess or carry a firearm. For DACA recipients who want a career in law enforcement, this drastically hinders their ability to get hired. HB23-1143, cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, allows law enforcement agencies to amend their policies, in compliance with federal law, to allow DACA recipients to carry firearms in order to work in law enforcement.

“We’ve heard time and time again that police departments and local law enforcement agencies are hurting for staffing all while DACA recipients are asking to protect and serve their community,” Gonzales said. “In my district and throughout the state, qualified individuals with bilingual skills and an understanding of their community and culture currently have no pathway to serve as law enforcement officials. This bill will help open the door for immigrants to serve their communities in new ways, and I’m proud to see it signed into law.”

Eligible immigrants, including DACA recipients and individuals who’ve applied for asylum, will be allowed to attend peace officer training academies. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies to notify the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board that the DACA recipients are in compliance with firearm policies while attending an academy.

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¡Firmado! Proyecto de Ley Bipartidista de la Senadora Gonzales para Abrir Puertas a Oportunidades en las Fuerzas del Orden para Inmigrantes

La HB23-1143 autoriza a los cuerpos policiales permitir que los beneficiarios de DACA porten armas de fuego como agentes del orden público

DENVER, CO – Hoy, el gobernador Polis firmó el proyecto de ley bipartidista de la Senadora Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, que abre oportunidades laborales para los beneficiarios de la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA) dentro de las fuerzas del orden.

Actualmente, los beneficiarios de DACA no pueden poseer o portar un arma de fuego. Para los beneficiarios de DACA que desean una carrera en las fuerzas del orden, esto dificulta drásticamente la capacidad para ser contratados. La HB23-1143 que fue co-patrocinada por la Senadora Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, permite a los cuerpos policiales modificar sus políticas, de conformidad con la ley federal, para permitir que los beneficiarios de DACA porten armas de fuego para trabajar en las fuerzas del orden. 

“Hemos escuchado una y otra vez que los departamentos de policía y las agencias policiales locales están sufriendo por la falta de personal, mientras que los beneficiarios de DACA piden proteger y servir a su comunidad”, dijo Gonzales. “En mi distrito y en todo el estado, las personas calificadas con habilidades bilingües y una comprensión de su comunidad y cultura actualmente no tienen camino para servir como agentes del orden público. Este proyecto de ley abre la puerta para que los inmigrantes sirvan a sus comunidades de nuevas maneras y estoy orgullosa de verlo convertido en ley”.

Los inmigrantes elegibles, incluidos los beneficiarios de DACA y las personas que solicitaron asilo, podrán asistir a las academias de capacitación de oficiales del orden público. El proyecto de ley también requiere que las fuerzas del orden notifiquen a la Junta de Capacitación y Estándares de Oficiales de Paz que los beneficiarios de DACA cumplen con las políticas de armas de fuego mientras asisten a una academia.

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SIGNED! Pair of Bills to Improve School Safety Become Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed a pair of bills into law today as part of Democrats’ ongoing effort to improve safety in public schools.

SB23-070, sponsored by Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, would require school resource officers (SROs) to complete ongoing training from the Attorney General’s office on Safe2Tell, improving school safety and ensuring that tips received through the program are responded to promptly and appropriately.

“As a parent, keeping our students and our schools safe is one of my top priorities, and the Safe2Tell program is a critical avenue for kids to report issues and concerns they are having in school or at home,” Kolker said. “But in order for the program to work best, the adults receiving this information must have the best training possible. This new law will ensure that school resource officers are well-equipped to handle these tough situations, and will make our schools and our communities safer as a result.”

Trainings would include discussions on best practices in responding to Safe2Tell reports, improved communication regarding reports, and ongoing training resources to improve SRO support for students and staff.

Safe2Tell is a critical safety reporting program that provides students, parents, and community members a safe and anonymous way to report information about any issues that concern their safety or the safety of others.

Polis also signed SB23-241, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Greenwood Village, which creates the Office of School Safety, helping schools prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and crisis situations by offering training and other supportive services.

"Kids can’t learn when they don’t feel safe," said Bridges. "I had a friend who hid in the choir room at Columbine for hours. A few years after I graduated from Arapahoe High School, Claire Davis was killed there, and Kendrick Castillo died protecting his classmates at the STEM school just steps outside of my district. School safety is deeply personal to me and my constituents. This bill dramatically expands the capabilities of our existing school safety programs, and puts them together so they have the collaboration, communication, and coordination they need to more effectively keep Colorado kids safe."

SB23-241 also tasks the Office of School Safety with overseeing the School Safety Resource Center, implementing a newly created crisis response unit to help schools in responding to a crisis or emergency event, overseeing the School Access for Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program, and administering a new Youth Violence Prevention Grant Program to provide grants of up to $100,000 to schools, community organizations and local governments to address youth violence.

Fenberg’s Bill To Expand Clean Energy & Save Coloradans Money Clears Committee

HB23-1272 includes approximately $60 million in annual tax credits and incentives for businesses and consumers for decarbonization investments

DENVER, CO – Senate President Steve Fenberg’s, D-Boulder, bill to implement tax incentives to reduce the costs of adopting clean energy technologies for Colorado residents and businesses cleared the Senate Finance Committee today.

HB23-1272 is part of a package of legislation to incentivize the adoption of clean energy technologies and build upon federal initiatives to save Coloradans money, create good-paying jobs, and help the state meet its climate goals. 

The bill includes incentives to advance and adopt clean transportation methods, high-efficiency heat pumps, geothermal electricity development, and measures to reduce industrial emissions. Tax incentives in the bill are expected to average around $65 million each year with individual elements ramping up or down over time depending on available technologies and economic conditions. 

“Colorado has become a national leader in promoting clean energy technologies, but there’s much more we can do,” said Fenberg. “In order to further our commitment to our climate goals, we must do more to make adopting clean energy technology a feasible and attractive option for Coloradans – no matter their zip code or income level. The tax credits we’re working to pass this year will save Colorado residents and businesses money, help us meet our climate goals, and improve Colorado’s air quality.”

HB23-1272 would:

• Extend and expand electric vehicle tax credits and create an additional $2,500 credit for electric vehicles under $35,000.

• Continue the innovative truck tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid electric trucks, with the credit ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the truck’s weight starting in 2024.

• Create an $500 refundable income tax credit for bicycle retailers for the sale of qualifying e-bikes so that retailers can offer immediate price reductions to purchasers.

• Design a refundable income tax credit for the installation of heat pump technology in residential and nonresidential buildings. The credits would vary based on the type and use of the heat pump.

• Extends incentives for industrial and manufacturing facilities in Colorado to reduce air pollution through various qualifying efficiency, onsite energy generation, carbon capture, electrification, and other eligible measures.

• Create the refundable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility tax credit worth up to $1-3 million annually for the costs of constructing a SAF production facility.

The bill compliments and builds on incentives included in the Federal Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and to help residents and businesses maximize their ability to bring federal dollars to Colorado. 

HB23-1272 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fields & Hinrichsen Bill to Improve Healthy Food Access Earns Senate Approval

HB23-1008 creates tax credits for small food businesses and farms to improve access to local, fresh produce

DENVER, CO – Today, a bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to modify food related tax credits was approved by the Senate. 

HB23-1008 creates a refundable income tax credit for small food businesses and local farms to cover up to 85 percent of the cost to buy new systems and equipment, and will pay for a majority of the program by closing tax loopholes that allow businesses to deduct meal and drink expenses from their taxable income. For FY 2023-24, the bill also funds healthy eating program incentives. 

“Working people in my district and across the state don’t get a tax break on their lunches, and too many of them don’t have enough to eat at all," said Fields. “I am happy to close this tax loophole that only benefits the wealthiest Coloradans, and redirect the funds toward addressing food insecurity so that more Coloradans can afford to put food on the table.” 

“Family owned farms and food retailers need our support more than corporate boardrooms," said Hinrichsen. “This bill will reduce hunger and strengthen local supply chains in urban and rural parts of Colorado, with a minimal impact on state finances.” 

The bill expands on a bipartisan law from last session to improve access to healthy foods in low income and underserved communities. Ending the tax loophole that allows for big businesses to deduct meals from their state taxes will enable the state to transfer $1 million annually to the Healthy Food Incentive Fund, helping local businesses afford critical equipment and removing financial barriers to nutrition.

HB23-1008 now moves back to the House for concurrence on amendments. To follow the bill’s progress, click HERE.

Buckner Bill to Make Colorado Safer, Extend Successful Public Safety Programs Clears Senate

Buckner: “I’m proud to champion these important programs, and I look forward to creating a safer Colorado for us all.”

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, that would extend and expand key public safety programs cleared the Senate today.

SB23-277 would extend the Safer Streets Grant Program created by SB22-001, and make changes to a pair of public safety programs established by SB22-145 to expand their reach and help law enforcement officials recruit and retain more officers in order to keep Colorado safe.

“Every Coloradan deserves to feel safe - but right now too many of our neighbors don’t have that luxury,” Buckner said. “We worked hard last year to implement evidence-based solutions to improve public safety, and this bill will strengthen and expand those critical programs. I’m proud to champion these important programs, and I look forward to creating a safer Colorado for us all.”

SB23-277 extends the Safer Streets Grant Program and allows the $10.3 million appropriated last year to be expended past FY 2022-2023. The Safer Streets Grant Program helps local governments make critical upgrades to neighborhoods, such as better lighting for increased visibility and improved design of the built physical environment, that help prevent crime and create safer communities.

SB23-277 also makes changes to two grant programs created by SB22-145. The bill would allow grants from the Law Enforcement Workforce Recruitment, Retention & Tuition Grant Program to be used for child care for peace officers, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training, partnerships with schools to develop internship programs or youth programs, and education campaigns for law enforcement recruitment assistance.

SB23-277 makes similar changes to the State’s Mission for Assistance in Recruitment and Training (SMART) grant program, allowing grants to be used for the same purposes added to the other two grant programs. SMART grants help local law enforcement agencies recruit and train officers that better represent the communities they serve.

SB23-277 will now move to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Create Colorado River Drought Task Force Clears Committee

Task force will develop policy recommendations, promote water conservation

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, that would create the Colorado River Drought Task Force to develop water policy recommendations for the 2024 legislative session cleared the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee today.

The task force created by SB23-295, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, will develop recommendations to provide additional tools for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to collaborate with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, and other relevant stakeholders to address the Colorado River drought and promote water conservation.

“All of us on the Western Slope depend on a clean and reliable supply to power our economy and promote our way of life, but worsening drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change, are putting our water supply in jeopardy,” Roberts said. “I am proud to sponsor this important legislation, which will bring us one step closer to addressing one of the most pressing issues our state has ever faced - the endangered Colorado River - and ensure every Colorado community has access to the water resources they need now and into the future.” 

The Colorado River Drought Task Force can meet up to 12 times and must deliver recommendations to the water resources and agriculture review committee by December 15, 2023.

SB23-295 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.