Senate Education Committee Passes Legislation that Improves Access to Outdoor Nature Based Preschools

Marchman: “By allowing ONBs to operate full-day programs, we can create job opportunities, make ONBs more accessible to working families, and ensure kids get the quality education they deserve.”

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Education Committee passed Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Kevin Priola’s, D-Henderson, legislation that would allow licensure for outdoor nature based schools (ONBs) and increase their operations. 

SB24-078 would define ONBs as child care centers for licensing purposes, and require the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to provide training to licensing and ONB program staff. ONBs currently have no way to obtain licensure. Despite currently operating via waivers and exemption statuses, roadblocks remain in place for ONBs, such as their inability to support full-day preschool.

“Colorado is in the midst of an early-childhood education crisis, which is why it’s imperative that we develop a formal licensure process for ONBs and expand childcare options,” Marchman said. “By allowing ONBs to operate full-day programs, we can create job opportunities, make ONBs more accessible to working families, and ensure kids get the quality education they deserve.”

“I’m glad to see Senate Bill 78 move forward, as it would ensure universal safety standards at outdoor nature based schools and break down barriers for working families who want to access this type of education,” said Priola. “With this bill, we can get outdoor nature preschools licensed as child care centers, and increase access to unique early childhood education options for Coloradans.” 

ONBs are growing in popularity due to their unique format and support for students with diverse learning needs. Eighty-two percent of Coloradans work full-time. Full-day licensure for ONBS would break down barriers for working families and add an estimated 340 additional spots for children. Additionally, full-day operations would support these small businesses by creating jobs in local communities.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.

Bill to Increase Use of Transit Clears Committee

Legislation would extend the popular Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program, create a tax credit for purchasing a transit pass, and establish a free transit program for youth

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, to increase the use of transit cleared the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee today.

SB24-032 would create the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program to provide grants to transit agencies around the state for fare free year-round transit services for Coloradans ages 19 and younger. The bill would also extend the successful Ozone Season Free Transit Grant Program that funds Colorado’s free transit rides during peak ozone season, which is set to expire without further legislative action.

“During my time in elected office, Colorado has taken leaps and bounds forward when it comes to smart, successful transportation policy,” said Priola. “Now in my final legislative session in the General Assembly, I’m proud to sponsor new legislation that will improve upon our past work while continuing to innovate. Senate Bill 32 will streamline a statewide transit system to increase usage and save people money.”

“This important bill from the Transportation Legislation Review Committee will make it even easier for Coloradans to opt for a bus or train instead of a car, helping reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” Jaquez Lewis said. “The Ozone Season Grant Program and the Youth Fare Free Transit Grant Program will help lower costs for working families, while the tax credit will help Colorado businesses offer their employees reliable and discounted transportation.”

Finally, the bill would create a statewide transit pass exploratory committee within the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to produce a proposal for implementing a statewide transit pass. The committee would be created by October 1, 2024, and offer a proposal by July 1, 2026. The committee members would be appointed by the executive director of CDOT and must include representatives of transit agencies from throughout the state.

SB24-032 will now move to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Spur Affordable Workforce Housing

Property tax credits and rebates aim to incentivize more affordable rentals 

DENVER, CO – Today, the Colorado Senate passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development.

SB24-002 would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, childcare, behavioral health, economic development and other areas of local concern. For example, under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing.

“Local governments are desperate for solutions to our state’s housing crisis and affordability issues, which is why this legislation is so important," said Roberts. "It will create valuable financial incentives for more long-term affordable rental housing for local workers instead of short-term rentals, more options for childcare, greater support for small businesses, and more. I'm thrilled this bill is moving forward with bipartisan support.”

The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has been effective in addressing the area of specific local concern.

SB24-002 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Coleman’s Bill to Examine Impacts of Systemic Racial Inequities Earns Committee Support

Coleman: “This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.”

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee today advanced legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, that would create a study to examine racial disparities and the impact of systemic racism on Black Coloradans.

SB24-053 would establish a commission to oversee the study with History Colorado conducting historical research across areas like economic mobility, housing, education, health care and the criminal justice system. 

“Black Coloradans have been living with the impacts of systemic and historic racism – and the structural inequities that have resulted from it – for decades,” Coleman said. “Studying that painful legacy is the first step towards addressing it, and would give us a deeper understanding of the impacts of past and current racial discrimination and policies on our community. This is an important opportunity for our state, and I am looking forward to continuing this conversation so we can begin to repair the damage and create a better and more equitable future for all Black Coloradans.”

The study would also include an economic impact analysis of the racial discrimination determined by the study. 

SB24-053 will now move to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Improve Care for Foster Children Passes Committee

SB24-008 would support kinship placement and care for foster children

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously voted to advance Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan bill to improve kinship care options for foster children in Colorado.

SB24-008, co-sponsored by Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would provide additional resources to families and kin who are willing to care for a child involved in the child welfare system. The bill would extend foster care certification to kinship placements, allowing families to access training, resources, and financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of children in their care. 

“We know that relatives are often the best placement option for children involved in the child welfare system,” Zenzinger said. “This bill will help close the kinship gap by giving families and kin access to similar resources as other foster placements. Ultimately, this bill is about providing the support and stability that our children and youth in care deserve.”

Kinship placements maintain family connections and provide normalcy for children who have been removed from their homes. Kinship care can promote safer and faster reunification with parents, and prevent further long-term involvement in the child welfare system. The bill is a result of recommendations from the 2023 Colorado's Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Report.

SB24-008 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Water Conservation in Landscaping Bill

SB24-005 moved forward with bipartisan support

DENVER, CO – Today, the Colorado Senate passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan bill to more efficiently conserve water by prohibiting the use of water guzzling non-native turf grass on seldom used areas. 

SB24-005, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf in any newly developed commercial, institutional, industrial, and state property. It also applies to other little-used areas like parking lots and medians. This would help the environment not only by saving water, but by reducing reliance on pesticide and gas powered lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that naturally survive in Colorado’s climate and support our local birds and bees.

“Protecting our limited and threatened water supply is one of the biggest priorities for the communities I represent on the Western Slope,” said Roberts. “As we work to conserve our water resources, it’s essential that we make smart decisions now to prevent overuse in the future. This bill would reduce unnecessary landscape water usage and further position Colorado as a leader in effective water management.”

Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. 

By transitioning away from non-native turf grass, the bill encourages developers, city planners, and managers to choose plants that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate, as opposed to non-native, water-intensive plants such as Kentucky bluegrass or invasive species. 

SB24-005 will now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Veterans Services Clears Senate

The bill aims to improve veterans services that are currently impacted by delays 

DENVER, CO – Today, the Colorado Senate unanimously approved Senator Rhonda Fields’, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to decrease delays at veterans centers and improve veterans services.

SB24-004, co-sponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of County Veterans Service Offices, which provide free assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, some counties receive state funding for veterans service officers (VSOs) even if the VSO is not accredited with the federal government, and therefore unable to help veterans file claims. 

“Veterans and their families make big sacrifices to serve our country and defend our freedom, and it’s critical that we support them when they return to civilian life,” said Fields. “Right now, too many veterans are waiting for weeks on end to get assistance, or they live in a county without someone who can actually help them file a claim. It's time we fix these discrepancies so our nation’s heroes can get the support and resources they’ve earned no matter where they live.”

This bill would tie funding for VSOs to the number of federally accredited VSOs in a given county and their hours worked, incentivizing them to get the training they need to meet the needs of veterans throughout Colorado. The bill would also direct counties to provide faster service to veterans.

SB24-004 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Follow the bill's progress HERE.

State Legislators Unveil Bipartisan Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Housing

Legislation would increase housing options Coloradans can afford to help meet demand

DENVER, CO - State legislators today unveiled bipartisan legislation to create more housing options Coloradans can afford by allowing homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

“We need an all-hands approach to tackle Colorado’s housing crisis, and that includes allowing homeowners to have Accessory Dwelling Units on their properties,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “ADUs are typically a more affordable option for renters, and they give homeowners the freedom to use their property to house a family member or earn some extra income. By allowing ADUs to be built and offering financing to lower- and middle-income Coloradans, we can make it easier for Coloradans to afford to stay in the communities where they live and work.”

“Colorado families and communities are begging for solutions to help address the housing crisis and build more homes for working Coloradans,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton. “Our bill will give more Coloradans the freedom and support they need to build ADUs on their property, allow more older Coloradans to age in place, and create more affordable housing options in our communities.”

"The people of the state, as well as local governments, have been pleading with the legislature to address and provide solutions to the housing affordability crisis," said Rep. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. "I am strongly of the belief that this bill, while not being the complete solution, will provide relief to the citizens of Colorado and justify why we have been chosen to legislate."

“Everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to live, but too many families are struggling to afford the cost of housing in our state,” said Sen. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “By giving folks the flexibility to build ADUs on their property, as well as providing grant funding to help cover construction costs, we can bring down housing prices and keep more Coloradans in the communities they call home.”

HB24-1152 would allow homeowners in high-density areas to build an ADU and creates a new state grant program to help local governments implement policies to promote the construction of ADU’s.

The bill would provide eligible local governments with access to grants that support lower and middle-income Coloradans building an ADU, property owners renting their ADU at an affordable rate or ADUs intended to serve demonstrated housing needs in the community. The bill also provides grants to increase housing accessibility and availability for Coloradans with disabilities.

Finally, the bill includes funding through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to directly help homeowners with down payment assistance or to buy down interest rates on loans connected with ADUs.

Recent polling found that 78 percent of Colorado voters support a law that allows ADUs to be built on single family home properties.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Spur Affordable Workforce Housing Clears Committee

Property tax credits and rebates aim to incentivize more affordable rentals 

DENVER, CO – Today the Local Government & Housing Committee passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan legislation to grant local governments the authority to create property tax rebate programs to address areas of specific local concern including affordable housing development.

SB24-002, co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing, childcare, behavioral health, economic development and other areas of local concern. For example, under the bill, a municipality would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize  property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing.

“Local governments are desperate for solutions to our state’s housing crisis and affordability issues, which is why this legislation is so important," said Roberts. "It will create valuable financial incentives for more long-term affordable rental housing for local workers instead of short-term rentals, more options for childcare, greater support for small businesses, and more.  I'm thrilled this bill is moving forward with bipartisan, unanimous support.”

The bill allows a local government to renew a tax rebate or incentive program for up to one year if they find that it has been effective in addressing the area of specific local concern.

SB24-002 now heads to the Senate floor. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Kolker, Marchman Bill to Increase Access to School-Based Health Care Clears Committee

Legislation would expand the existing School-Based Health Center Grant Program to include telehealth services and mobile health units

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, that would increase access to school-based health care cleared the Senate Education Committee today.

School-based health centers are located in schools throughout Colorado and provide primary medical and behavioral health care to children and young adults. Currently, the School-Based Health Center Grant Program supports the establishment, expansion, and ongoing operations of school-based health centers. SB24-034 would expand the grant program to school-linked health care services including telehealth services and mobile health units.

“For years, the state’s School-Based Health Center Grant Program has been instrumental in providing quality health care to students who need it most,” Kolker said. “Expanding this successful program to include services like telehealth will help ensure every student seeking care can receive it in a timely, convenient manner. I’m thrilled to see us take another step forward to ensure every Colorado kid has the support they need to thrive.”

“School-based health centers deliver critical care where and when students need it,” said Marchman. “However we still see gaps in care, especially in rural school districts. This new legislation would allow medical entities, in partnership with school districts, to use grant funding to support telehealth, mobile services and referrals for nearby services. This reduces barriers to care by bringing primary medical, behavioral, oral and preventative health care directly to school communities.”

SB24-034 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Education Committee Approves Bill to Prepare Future Workforce for Climate Change

Hansen bill connects high school students with hands-on experience

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Education Committee passed Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bill to establish a Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement.

SB24-014 would prepare high school students to lead in addressing economic and social impacts of climate change while gaining real-world experience. The seal is granted to students who gained skills and knowledge on the impacts of climate change by taking two climate literacy courses and completing an experimental learning project (ELP). For the ELP, schools could connect students with apprenticeships and trades in communities to expand professional opportunities in the green workforce.

“Today’s youth have seen and lived through the effects of climate change firsthand,” said Hansen. “The Seal of Climate Literacy would provide students with tools and education to address climate change in their communities. With this bill, students can get hands-on experience that will prepare them for their future and learn skills that can help support the transition to a low-carbon economy.” 

According to a Working Nation report, green jobs are expected to grow by 10.3 percent over the next five years in Colorado. Additionally, studies show climate education is an effective way to reduce emissions and prepare youth for a warming environment.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Agriculture & Natural Resource Committee Signs Off on Bipartisan Water Conservation in Landscaping Bill

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee passed Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bipartisan bill to more efficiently conserve water by prohibiting the use of water guzzling non-native turf grass on seldom used areas. 

SB24-005, co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf in any newly developed commercial, institutional, industrial, and state property. It also applies to other little-used areas like parking lots and medians. This would help the environment not only by saving water, but by reducing reliance on pesticide and gas powered lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that naturally survive in Colorado’s climate and support our local birds and bees.

“Protecting our limited and threatened water supply is one of the biggest priorities for the communities I represent on the Western Slope," said Roberts. "As we work to conserve our water resources, it’s essential that we make smart decisions now to prevent overuse in the future. This bill would reduce unnecessary landscape water usage and further position Colorado as a leader in effective water management.”

Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. 

By transitioning away from non-native turf grass, the bill encourages developers, city planners, and managers to choose plants that thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate, as opposed to non-native, water-intensive plants such as Kentucky bluegrass or invasive species. 

SB24-005 will now head to the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Fields & Michaelson Jenet’s Bill to Promote Behavioral Health First Aid Clears Committee

SB24-007 would create a behavioral health first aid training program in the Office of Suicide Prevention

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to advance Senators Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to promote adult, teen, youth behavioral and mental health by creating a behavioral health first aid training program.

SB24-007 would create the Behavioral Health First Aid Training program in the Office of Suicide Prevention. The program would train educators, employees of youth-based nonprofits, faith leaders, law enforcement, first responders, and active duty or retired military personnel to recognize and respond to symptoms of mental illness or substance use challenges in both young people and adults and provide tools to help those in crisis.  

“This program will help trusted adults know how to identify and help teens in crisis,” Fields said. “This bill is a step towards a Colorado where youth know they can both ask for help and actually receive it from the adults they already know and trust.” 

“Behavioral health first aid trainings make sure that more Coloradans have the tools to support themselves and others,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This bill will empower more people to be able to recognize warning signs and know how to help. It’s about making sure Colorado is a place where we help our neighbors.”

Behavioral Health First Aid Trainings would include guidance on how to respond to an individual experiencing mental health challenges, including crisis intervention strategies, warning sign recognition training, and resources to help folks in crisis ask for help.

Nearly 100,000 people have received evidence-based behavioral health first aid trainings in Colorado so far. The new bill will help expand the reach, especially into the more rural areas of the state.

SB24-007 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Danielson, Ginal Bill to Bolster Support for Older Coloradans Earns Committee Approval

Legislation would improve access to resources, help aging Coloradans stay in their homes

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, that would improve state support for older Coloradans cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee today.

SB24-040 requires the General Assembly to adjust the General Fund appropriation for senior services by inflation, so that older Coloradans can continue receiving the critical support they need to live healthy and independent lives. Services that would be improved include in-home care, legal services, and elder abuse prevention programs.

“Every Coloradan deserves to be supported, but too often older Coloradans are treated like an afterthought,” Danielson said. “This bill will begin to address that and help folks access things they need, like transportation services and home meal delivery. I’m committed to making sure every Coloradan can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

“Colorado hasn’t done enough to support older Coloradans, and it’s time we change that,” Ginal said. “This bill will strengthen services for our aging population to help access the care and resources they need to remain in their homes, allowing folks to stay independent and lead safe, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

The bill also requires the Department of Human Services, the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, and Area Agencies on Aging to review the adequacy of the appropriation for state funding for senior services and report the findings to the General Assembly every three years.

SB24-040 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Veterans Services Clears Committee

The bill aims to improve veterans services that are currently impacted by delays

DENVER, CO – Today the State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee unanimously passed Senator Rhonda Fields’, D-Aurora, bipartisan bill to decrease delays at veterans centers and improve veterans services.

SB24-004, also sponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, would increase the efficiency and effectiveness of County Veterans Service Offices, which provide free assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, some counties receive state funding for veterans service officers (VSOs) even if the VSO is not accredited with the federal government, and therefore unable to help veterans file claims. 

“Veterans and their families make big sacrifices to serve our country and defend our freedom, and it’s critical that we support them when they return to civilian life,” said Fields. “Right now, too many veterans are waiting for weeks on end to get assistance, or they live in a county without someone who can actually help them file a claim. It's time we fix these discrepancies so our nation’s heroes can get the support and resources they’ve earned no matter where they live.”

This bill would tie funding for VSOs to the number of federally accredited VSOs in a given county and their hours worked, incentivizing them to get the training they need to meet the needs of veterans throughout Colorado. The bill would also direct counties to provide faster service to veterans.

SB24-004 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Follow the bills progress HERE.

Roberts Introduces Bill to Enhance Commercial Vehicle Safety, Reduce Closures On I-70 And Highways Across Colorado

SB24-100 would ensure all commercial vehicles carry chains, provide enhanced left lane prohibitions during winter months and more speed limit enforcement in Glenwood Canyon

DENVER CO – Bipartisan legislation to enhance the safety of commercial vehicles on Colorado’s highways during the winter months was introduced in the Colorado State Senate today. SB24-100, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, comes after continued chain violations, commercial vehicle accidents, and unnecessary highway closures continue to plague travelers in Colorado and damage our economy. 

Every winter, I-70 drivers face regular closures and delays, many of which are caused by commercial vehicle crashes. Commercial drivers, many of whom come from out-of-state without training on winter driving in the mountains, drive without chains and often pass other vehicles by speeding in the left lane, losing control of large vehicles and shutting down traffic. In the worst circumstances, these crashes can result in the injury or death of those on the road. 
 
“Having safe and efficient highway corridors in the mountains and across the state is vital for our residents and our economy,” said Roberts. “I am just as tired as everyone I represent and everyone who uses I-70 to visit our mountain communities when unprepared commercial vehicles and irresponsible driving unnecessarily shut down our highways. My new bill, SB24-100, proposes common sense reforms that will reduce crashes and keep our highways open.” 

"I am excited to work alongside my Western Slope colleagues and our state agencies to address safety along I-70,” said Velasco. “Glenwood Canyon is the gateway to the west and we are the keepers of precious resources like the Colorado River and the White River National Forest. For us, open roads mean thriving communities and access to clean air and clean water. We all care about keeping roads open and safe, from our working families who commute every day to our business community. With this bill, we will continue to address long standing issues to keep workers and communities safe when they travel along the beautiful Glenwood Canyon."

“This bill is necessary to improve the safety for the motoring public and ensure the highway remains open for commerce,” said Will. 

SB24-100 would require commercial vehicles to carry chains when traveling on I-25 and any interstate, U.S. highway, and state highway west of I-25, including the mountainous sections of I-70. The bill would restrict commercial vehicles to the right lane on I-70 between Morrison and Glenwood, unless they are passing a vehicle going under the speed limit, and provide enhanced speed limit enforcement through the Glenwood Canyon. Finally, SB24-100 would require the Colorado Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of increasing the number of chain up stations and rest areas in the state to help ensure that commercial vehicle drivers have necessary equipment and needed rest before facing harsh winter weather. 

SB24-100 has been assigned to the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee.

Michaelson Jenet Bill to Make I Matter Youth Mental Health Program Permanent Clears Committee

Youth mental health services program is set to expire in June

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, that would make permanent the first-of-its-kind I Matter youth mental health program cleared the Senate Health & Human Services Committee with bipartisan support today.

The I Matter program connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, but the program is currently set to repeal on June 30th, 2024. SB24-001 makes that program permanent, ensuring Colorado students can continue receiving quality mental health care at no cost to them or their families.

“The success of I Matter has been huge for Colorado students, and for the first time in a decade, youth suicide rates have declined - but we must do more to address the mental health crisis gripping our kids, ” said Michaelson Jenet. “That is why making the I Matter program permanent is so important. This critical tool is a game changer, and I am excited to get this bill passed and ensure Colorado students can access the free mental health care they need to thrive.”

Launched after the pandemic by Michaelson Jenet, I Matter has served 7,933 young people since 2021, and 5,024 have received three or more sessions. According to the Colorado 2023 Kids Count report, youth suicide in 2023 decreased 30 percent from the year before.

SB24-001 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senators Cutter and Kolker Connect with Coloradans, Discuss Legislative Priorities

LAKEWOOD, CO – Today, Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, met with constituents in central Jefferson County to discuss the issues that matter most to Coloradans, and what they’re doing to tackle them.

Already this session, Cutter and Kolker have introduced bills to protect Colorado communities from wildfires and bolster the behavioral health care workforce, respectively. 

“It was great to meet with constituents at Red Rocks Community College today," said Cutter. "I always enjoy the opportunity to engage wit my community on the issues they care about - wildfire, transportation safety, behavioral health and environmental issues. I look forward to making progress in all of these areas this session and will continue to keep my community updated."

“I’m always glad to meet with members of my community and learn what issues are top-of-mind for them,” Kolker said. “Whether it’s improving behavioral health care or supporting students or building safer communities, I’ll continue to bring my constituents' voices to the Capitol as we work to build a better Colorado for all."

This session, Colorado Democrats are taking action to make Colorado more affordable and will focus on creating more housing and bringing down prices, improving the education system and finally paying off the Budget Stabilization Factor, and improving and expanding the transportation system.

Senate Democrats Recognize Roe v. Wade Anniversary, Affirm Commitment to Defending Abortion Rights in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Senate Democrats today passed a resolution sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, recognizing the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade and calling for the right to an abortion to be enshrined in the Colorado Constitution.

“After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a wave of anti-abortion legislation spread across the country, ripping away millions of Americans’ ability to access abortion care and putting the health and safety of thousands of our neighbors in jeopardy,” Gonzales said. “We’ve fought back by solidifying Colorado as a safe haven for abortion and reproductive health care - but we must go further to ensure that the right to an abortion is secure. Enshrining abortion rights in our state’s Constitution will guarantee that every Coloradan can make their own choices and access the care they need.”

“We’ve made tremendous progress in Colorado to protect reproductive rights, but there is more we can do to make sure that Coloradans can continue to access the life-saving care they depend on,” said Winter. “The right to an abortion has been challenged in Colorado 49 times since 2010, and that number is sure to continue rising. We must act now to safeguard the right to abortion in Colorado and ensure that all Coloradans have the power to control their body and their future.”

In 2022, Colorado Democrats passed the Reproductive Health Equity Act, which enshrined the right to abortion care in Colorado law so that no matter what happens at the federal level, Coloradans will still be able to access this fundamental right. In 2023, Democrats passed the Safe Access to Protected Health Care Package which protects the rights of patients, providers, and future health care professionals and those assisting patients, prohibits deliberate misinformation in our communities, and makes care more affordable and accessible by closing gaps in insurance coverage.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

Colorado Senate Democrats Unveil First Five Bills of 2024 Legislative Session

Legislation will make housing and health care in Colorado more affordable, improve support for students, families, and communities

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate Democrats unveiled their First Five bills of the 2024 legislative session today.

The bills aim to maintain access to critical mental health support for students, make Colorado safer, improve support for Colorado’s veterans, protect our state’s dwindling water supply, and incentivize long-term rental housing.

“Democrats have made significant progress these past few years, from saving people money and improving public safety to supporting our schools and taking bold action to address climate change, and now we’re ready to keep the momentum going to move our state and our communities forward,” said Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder. “This session, we’re laser focused on tackling the issues that matter most to Colorado families, and I look forward to positioning our state well for the future and building a stronger, safer and healthier Colorado for us all.”

“Over the past few years we’ve worked hard to make Colorado a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This year, we’re returning to the Capitol to build on our progress and deliver results that position our state well for the future,” Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, said. “ This session, Democrats will continue to address the issues that are top of mind for folks and pass policies that ensure every Coloradan has the resources they need to thrive.”

SB24-001
Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City
Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville

Colorado Democrats are committed to expanding quality mental health care and setting students up for success. The I Matter program connects K-12 students with a therapist for up to six free virtual counseling sessions, with some in-person appointments available. This bill would make the I Matter program permanent.

SB24-002
Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco
Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock

SB24-002 would allow local governments to establish property tax incentive programs to address critical issues related to housing and economic development, including alleviating housing shortages. For example, under the bill, municipalities and counties would be able to authorize tax credits or rebates that incentivize property owners to convert rental properties from short-term to long-term, boosting the availability of workforce and more permanent housing.

SB24-003
Senator Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial
Representative Meg Froelich, D-Greenwood Village

In order to make Colorado safer, SB24-003 would give the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the ability to investigate illegal activity involving firearms. The bill appropriates $1.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to create a team that investigates known prohibited convicted felons attempting to illegally purchase firearms, and other illegal firearm violations such as ghost guns. 

Creating a framework within the CBI to address illegal transfers, ghost guns, and investigations based on tip line requests would help to improve safety across the state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

SB24-004
Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling
Representative William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, Representative Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock

SB24-004 would increase the efficiency of County Veterans Service Offices, which provide free assistance to veterans and their families. Currently, some counties receive state funding for veterans service officers (VSOs) even if the VSO is not accredited with the federal government, and therefore unable to help veterans file claims. This bill would tie funding for VSOs to the number of accredited VSOs in a given county and their hours worked, ensuring offices are able to meet the needs of veterans and efficiently prepare and present claims all throughout Colorado.

SB24-005
Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa
Representative Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, Representative Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango

Outdoor watering of landscaping uses about half of all municipal water. Much of this is used to grow non-native turf grass, which requires large amounts of water to thrive. While some of this turf is used for parks, sports fields, and yards, much of it serves no community purpose, such as highway frontages and strips alongside industrial properties. The state has supported turf replacement as a key tool for water conservation, and now this bill focuses on limiting its installation in the first place. 

SB24-005 would promote water-wise landscaping by prohibiting the installation of nonfunctional turf, invasive plant species, and artificial turf on commercial, institutional, industrial, and state properties. This would help the environment not only by saving water, but eliminating the need for lawn chemicals and emissions from lawn equipment, while opening up space for native plants that survive in Colorado’s climate with little maintenance and support our local birds and bees.