Bill to Prevent Price Gouging on Rent After a Disaster Clears Committee

Legislation aims to address alarming rent hikes after a disaster declaration, such as the Marshall Fire

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today passed a bill that would protect Coloradans who live in an area affected by a disaster from excessive rent increases 

HB24-1259 would prohibit rental price gouging for two years after a disaster declaration issued by the Governor or the U.S. President, where the disaster reduces the availability of housing. Rent increases would be capped at the percentage of the rent increase for the prior year or 10 percent compared to the unit’s rent immediately before the disaster, whichever is greater.

“After the Marshall Fire, hundreds of Coloradans were displaced and increased demand and insurance money flooding into the market caused area rents to skyrocket," said Cutter. "As climate changes causes an increase in natural disasters, it's critical that we take care of people impacted and build more resilient structures and communities. Allowing price gouging to unrealistically inflate rents hurts communities and impedes the return to normalcy. This bill puts reasonable guardrails in place."

The bill would make it a deceptive trade practice to price gouge when providing rental housing during the two-year period, allowing the Attorney General or a district attorney to pursue enforcement actions, including civil penalties, under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Affected tenants would also be able to pursue civil action for violations.

While homeowners insurance policies cover up to two years of rent for people whose homes are uninhabitable, people who were renting prior to a natural disaster don’t have this support. In the year after the devastating Marshall Fire, a report showed many impacted residents saw their rents increase 30 to 50 percent.

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

Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to License Funeral Industry Workers, Prevent More Tragedy Clears Committee

Legislation would license those who work in the funeral industry, ensure proper oversight

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, that would establish licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado cleared the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee today.

Introduced following numerous tragedies at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, SB24-173 would align Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education, certification and licensure of those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers. 

“Colorado families continue to be victimized by our state’s lack of oversight of the funeral industry,” Roberts said. “This is a service that every family needs at some point and everyone should be able to trust that those who are caring for their loved ones’ remains have proper training, oversight, and accountability, just like many other professions and businesses. Enough is enough. We must pass this bill to bring our state in line with the rest of the nation, restore faith in this valuable industry, and to protect Coloradans.” 

"Colorado is the only state that does not require licensure for funeral professionals. This bill creates the necessary standards for those who work in funeral homes and mortuaries to ensure the negligent, even criminal misconduct that has occurred recently does not happen in the future. I am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan effort to protect Colorado families," Gardner said. 

Colorado is the only state in the nation without licensure for directors and employees of the funeral industry, and this lack of oversight and training has resulted in numerous tragic cases of funeral home mismanagement, mistreatment of human remains, and hundreds of impacted family members. 

SB24-173 would require an individual to obtain a license to practice as a funeral director, a mortuary science practitioner, an embalmer, a cremationist, or a natural reductionist starting January 1, 2026. To be eligible for a license, a person must have graduated from an accredited educational institution for that profession, passed the national board examination, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check. 

Those currently working in the industry could obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, completed an apprenticeship, and passed a criminal background check, and after two years will qualify for full licensure. 

SB24-173 is the result of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies recommendation in December that the state establish a licensure program.

SB24-173 will now move to further consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Ahead of First Committee Hearing, Colorado Climate, Community and Business Leaders Applaud Legislation to Establish Passenger Rail in Colorado

DENVER, CO – On the eve of its first committee hearing, Colorado climate, community, and business leaders today applauded legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expand public transportation options across the state. 

SB24-184, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would implement a congestion reduction fee that would be used to offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion, and wear and tear on Colorado’s roads caused by rental vehicles. Proceeds from the fee would create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide transit and rail, as well as other forms of public transportation.

"This bill will give Coloradans more transportation options and cut planet-warming pollution by funding passenger rail and directing more transportation funding toward climate-friendly projects,” said Elise Jones, Executive Director of SWEEP. “To guarantee the success of this initiative and create a complete and connected transit network, we need to pair passenger rail with significant investment in local transit service and land use policies that focus housing and job growth around transit. We look forward to working with the legislature on future efforts to bring this vision to life."

“The opportunity to secure our mobility future is now! We have an obligation to Colorado’s future economic vitality to lay the tracks for the Northwest Passenger Rail service from Denver to Ft. Collins, though Boulder County, as the cornerstone of a statewide rail system. We urge our legislative leadership to seize this opportunity,” said John Tayer, Boulder County Chamber CEO & President.

"GreenLatinos supports expanded public transportation to tackle pollution and emissions, prioritizing vulnerable communities reliant on transit. We're dedicated to mitigating negative impacts, such as noise and air pollution, on those living closest to train routes," said Ean Thomas Tafoya, GreenLatinos Colorado State Director.

“We applaud and appreciate President Fenberg's leadership on this innovative approach that will help ensure Colorado can strongly compete for federal rail funding. Front Range Rail will help move Coloradans around efficiently and in a way that reduces our climate pollution -- and we hope to see additional robust investments in expanded local and regional transit, as the Governor laid out in his state of state speech, to ensure that Coloradans will have greener and more affordable and convenient transportation options in communities across the state," said Kelly Nordini, Executive Director, Conservation Colorado.

“We are taking a visionary approach to allow for the reintroduction of passenger rail to our Front Range and mountain communities. With much of the railway infrastructure in place and access to federal funding, the opportunity is now,” said Rob Perlman, Executive Vice President Alterra Mountain Company. “With this nominal fee, Coloradoans and our guests will have access to sustainable transportation to our mountains aboard passenger rail.”

“YIMBY Denver has long believed the freedom to move is essential. Owning a car should be optional for those living in Denver or traveling around our great state. Reliable and efficient transit frees Denverites and Coloradans from the financial burdens of car dependency while also reducing greenhouse gasses and other air pollutants that contribute to our poor air quality along the Front Range. This bill will expand equitable access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreational opportunities across our state without the reduction of planned transit service intended for communities most in need, and combined with the Transit Oriented Communities bill and Federal credit programs TIFIA and RRIF, could unlock opportunities for future housing development in existing communities along planned rail lines.”

"Trains and buses give Coloradans more travel options to get around the state, their city and their community," said Danny Katz, Executive Director of CoPIRG. "More and better transit options allow people to choose to take the bus or train to the places they want to go safely and with less pollution, hassle and costs. I'm glad the Governor and legislative leaders are committed to going big on transit in 2024 from statewide rail to eliminating fares for youth riders to expanding the frequency of local service."

SB24-184 will be heard in the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, March 27. Learn more about the bill HERE, and track the bill’s progress HERE.

First-in-the-Nation Neural Data Protections Bill Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate advanced bipartisan legislation to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act.

As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058, cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Sedalia, would expand the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data.

“Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Priola. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.”

Neurotechnology has increased in popularity in recent years. Scientists and tech companies like Apple, Meta and Neuralink have used neurotechnology to recreate songs from users’ brain waves and translate thoughts using artificial intelligence. Additionally, neural data can reveal intimate information about individuals including identity, health, mental states, emotions and cognitive functions. This type of data can easily be commodified and sold to advertisers, for example.  

In 2021, Chile was the first country in the world to pass a law to protect brain rights so personal neural data could not be sold, trafficked or manipulated. If HB24-1058 becomes law, Colorado will be the first state in the US to protect their residents’ biological and neural data.

HB24-1058 now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature. Follow its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Gonzales, Hinrichsen Bill to Protect Renters, Keep People Housed

DENVER, CO – ‘For Cause’ eviction legislation that would better protect Colorado renters and keep people housed cleared the Senate today.

HB24-1098, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would require a landlord to have cause before evicting or non-renewing a tenant. Under the bill, the reasons a landlord could lawfully evict a tenant include a substantial violation of the rental agreement, destruction of property, interfering with the right to quiet enjoyment, or repeated failure to pay rent in a timely manner.

“Too many families know firsthand the fear and uncertainty that comes with being evicted from your home, as well as all the difficult consequences that arise because of it,” Gonzales said. “Currently, our laws don’t do enough to protect vulnerable renters from being evicted without reason. Implementing ‘for cause’ eviction laws will improve housing stability, prevent displacement, and keep more of our neighbors in their homes.”

“Evictions are skyrocketing to all-time highs all across our state, and it’s resulting in far too many families experiencing homelessness or other negative impacts,” Hinrichsen said. “This legislation will strengthen critical protections for renters and prevent them from being unnecessarily evicted by giving landlords clear, reasonable standards to follow. I am excited to champion this important legislation that will give renters the security and stability they deserve.”

The bill also allows a landlord to non-renew a tenant if they take the unit off the rental market for personal or business reasons, including substantial repairs or renovations, conversion or demolition of the unit, selling the property, or if they or a family member moves into the unit. 

Exemptions to the ‘For Cause' eviction bill include rentals within or adjacent to the landlord’s primary residence, short-term rentals, mobile homeowners, and for employers who provide housing to employees. In addition, the provisions would not apply during the first year of a tenant’s residency.

Evictions threaten the health and safety of Coloradans, with research showing that individuals who experience an eviction are more likely to report poorer physical or mental health outcomes. In 2023, Denver set a new record of annual evictions, reaching nearly 13,000 filings.

HB24-1098 will now move to the House for consideration of amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Coleman, Hansen Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed a bill that would increase protections and prevent foreclosures for homeowners in metropolitan districts.

HB24-1267, sponsored by Senate President pro tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would prohibit metropolitan districts from foreclosing based on delinquent fines and fees and require them to publish clear policies and procedures for imposing fines and handling disputes between a metropolitan district and a homeowner. 

“Keeping families housed is a key priority of mine,” Coleman said. “But a lack of transparency and confusing, hard-to-follow rules in metro districts can saddle homeowners with large fines and make it hard for folks to stay in their homes. This bill will give metro district homeowners more freedom and better protection from foreclosures, and ultimately keep more Colorado families housed.”

“Metro districts can be an important tool in helping create more badly-needed housing for our communities – but too often homeowners in metro districts face entirely preventable foreclosures,” Hansen said. “By creating more avenues for dispute resolution and creating clearer rules and practices, we can help ensure a fair process for foreclosures and keep more of our neighbors in their homes.”

Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including:

• Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines;

• Prohibiting metro districts from requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials;

• Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing; and 

• Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases.

HB24-1267 further protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices.

HB24-1267 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Winter & Marchman’s Bill to Protect LGBTQIA+ Youth Clears Committee

HB24-1039 would require public schools to use a student’s preferred name and pronouns

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Education Committee voted to advance Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland bill to protect LGBTQIA+ youth in Colorado schools.

HB24-1039 would clarify the responsibility of school districts to adhere to non-discrimination laws, including addressing students by their self-identified preferred names independent of a court-ordered legal name change.

“Kids learn best when they feel safe and when they feel like themselves,” Winter said. “Tragically, trans kids are 77 percent more likely to try and commit suicide than their peers. Although many schools across Colorado already honor students’ chosen names and pronouns, not all do. This policy change will save lives by ensuring that every Colorado school respects a student’s right to go by a name of their choosing and that schools are safe spaces for all students.”

“We want to ensure Colorado schools are safe and welcoming learning environments for all students,” said Marchman. “Names matter, and addressing students by their chosen name can have a huge effect on a student’s mental health and comfort level in the classroom. This legislation supports healthy learning environments and helps set students up for successful educational careers, and I’m excited to see it advance.”

Public schools and institute charter schools would need to use a student's preferred name upon request and implement a written policy outlining how a school would honor the request. The bill defines a chosen name as any nomenclature an individual formally requests, reflective of their gender identity and differentiated from their legal name.

HB24-1039 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow its progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bipartisan Suicide Prevention Bill Clears Senate

Legislation would ban the sale of high-potency sodium nitrate products to prevent suicides

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate advanced Senator Dylan Roberts’, D-Frisco, bill to prevent suicides by regulating the sale of sodium nitrite products to Coloradans.

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB24-1081 would ban the sale or transfer of high-potency sodium nitrite products, those that contain 10 percent or greater of sodium nitrite, thereby restricting sales solely to businesses with a verified commercial need. The bill would also require warning labels on approved products to highlight sodium nitrite’s lethality. 

“Colorado tragically has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, with a particularly alarming high number of suicide deaths among Colorado’s youth,” said Roberts. “In recent years, we have seen a disturbing trend where people struggling with suicidal ideation and seeking help online are winding up in a web-based wasteland that offers advice on “how to” take one’s own life. This bill seeks to restrict the availability of the extremely potent sodium nitrite chemical and appropriately highlight its lethality so that we can restrict this means of suicide and save lives.”

Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have reportedly been used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to complete suicide.

Under the bill, sellers would be required to verify that commercial businesses require the product before a transaction could be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators would face $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, and up to $1 million for a second violation.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration of Senate amendments. Follow its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Roberts Bill to Improve Safety, Keep Traffic Flowing on Mountain Highways Earns Senate Approval

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would improve safety and keep traffic flowing on Colorado’s mountain highways earned Senate approval today.

SB24-100, also sponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would improve safety by allowing the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to establish a zone with double speeding fines for commercial drivers in Glenwood Canyon. The bill would also ban commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from driving in the left lane on I-70 when there are three lanes in that direction, except to pass vehicles going under the speed limit in several key stretches where crashes are most frequent and disruptive.

“The last few winters on our mountain highways have been particularly challenging with way too many avoidable closures as the result of unprepared CMV drivers,” Roberts said. “We can’t control the weather, but avoidable crashes, spin-outs, and other accidents have unnecessarily closed our highways and hurt our economy by delaying the delivery of goods, negatively impacting tourism and the businesses in the mountains that rely on visitors, and causing lost time and frustration for the constituents I represent and every Coloradan that travels to the Western Slope. We can do better and this bipartisan bill will help immensely.”

According to CDOT, CMVs represent about 7 percent of traffic, but account for more than 52 percent of traffic incidents. Wrecks involving CMVs take nearly twice as long to clear as passenger incidents. 

SB24-100 would further expand locations where CDOT may require traction equipment from parts of I-70 to key mountainous stretches of other state and U.S. highways, and it would give port of entry officers the powers of a peace officer when enforcing highway closures while directing CDOT to study additional locations for chain-up stations.

SB24-100 will now move to the House  for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Professionals In Schools

DENVER, CO – The Senate passed legislation to boost the number of  behavioral health professionals in Colorado schools by creating the “School Psychologist Licensure Interstate Compact.” 

HB24-1096, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would create new pathways for out-of-state school psychologists to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. The "School Psychologists Licensure Interstate Compact" would be an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed school psychologists can obtain and easily transfer a license to another member state. 

“One of my top priorities in the legislature is making sure Colorado’s youth have access to the behavioral health care services they need,” Kolker said. “Right now, if a licensed school psychologist wants to move to Colorado from another state, our licensing requirements make it harder to find work. Our legislation would streamline job transitions from other states, while also increasing behavioral health care access for students.” 

“As a teacher, I know how important it is for our students to have access to quality, trusted behavioral health care,” said Marchman. “When students are mentally healthy, they are better equipped to live up to their potential in the classroom. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to boost our schools’ behavioral health care workforce and position Colorado to attract highly skilled talent.”

This legislation aims to reduce barriers for school psychologists by easing the state-to-state licensure process to increase special education services and access to behavioral health care in Colorado schools. The compact would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state. To participate in the compact, applicants must already be licensed school psychologists.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Follow its progress HERE.

Roberts & Winter’s Bipartisan Victim Protections Legislation Clears the Senate

HB24-1122 would reduce barriers for victims of crimes and improve safety for survivors

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, that would reduce barriers for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and other crimes when seeking civil protection orders.

“Too often, civil protection orders get slowed down or outright denied due to unnecessarily arduous processes, leaving survivors vulnerable to future harm,” Roberts said. “This bipartisan bill makes commonsense updates to civil protection order processes to help ensure survivors pursuing safety measures are better protected from additional abuse and violence.”

“Civil protection orders are a critical safety tool for survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” said Winter. “I’m grateful to the many brave advocates and survivors for their work on this important legislation, and I’m proud that we’re able to reduce barriers and ensure survivors receive the support and protection they need.”

Increased victim protections under HB24-1122 include:

• Broadening the definition of domestic violence, changing sexual abuse to sexual violence including sexual harassment, and reframing these forms of violence as patterns of behavior rather than discrete actions;

• Clarifying and narrowing reasons why a civil protection order may be denied and directing judges to make a temporary protection order permanent without requiring additional evidence of testimony from the survivor when the respondent doesn’t appear at the hearing;

• Prohibiting a court from serving an abuser with a notice of a civil protection order unless the protection order is granted, improving the safety of victims after they take action against their abuser;

• Addressing temporary care and control of any shared children in the civil protection order when requested by one of the parties and prohibiting judicial officers from redirecting survivors to file in a district court instead;

• Prohibiting the court from hearing a motion to dismiss or modify a civil protection order if filed incorrectly;

• And preventing survivors from paying their abuser’s attorney’s fees.

HB24-1122 will now return to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Coleman, Hansen Bill to Protect Homeowners in Metro Districts Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government & Housing Committee today passed a bill that would increase protections and prevent foreclosures for homeowners in metropolitan districts.

HB24-1267, sponsored by Senate President pro tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, would prohibit metropolitan districts from foreclosing based on delinquent fines and fees and require them to publish clear policies and procedures for imposing fines and handling disputes between a metropolitan district and a homeowner. 

“Keeping families housed is a key priority of mine,” Coleman said. “But a lack of transparency and confusing, hard-to-follow rules in metro districts can saddle homeowners with large fines and make it  hard for folks to stay in their homes. This bill will give metro district homeowners more freedom and better protection from foreclosures, and ultimately keep more Colorado families housed.”

“Metro districts can be an important tool in helping create more badly-needed housing for our communities - but too often homeowners in metro districts face entirely preventable foreclosures,” Hansen said. “By creating more avenues for dispute resolution and creating clearer rules and practices, we can help ensure a fair process for foreclosures and keep more of our neighbors in their homes.”

Starting January 1, 2025, HB24-1267 would prohibit a metro district from foreclosing on a lien based on a resident’s delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metro district. It would also create rules and guidelines for metro districts to comply with when enforcing policies on owners, including:

• Requiring metro districts to adopt written policies regarding the imposition and collection of fines;

• Prohibiting metro districts from requiring residents to use specific flammable roofing or other materials;

• Establishing a fair process that gives an owner notice and an opportunity for a hearing; and 

• Outlining procedures for dispute resolution between metro districts and residents, including mediation and court cases.

HB24-1267 further protects residents’ property rights by allowing them to display flags and signs, modify their property to accommodate a person with a disability, park an emergency vehicle in a driveway, remove vegetation for fire mitigation purposes, use a rain barrel, operate a family child care home or install renewable energy devices.

HB24-1267 will now move to consideration before the full Senate. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Roberts’ Bipartisan Bill to Restore Wolverines in Colorado Clears Committee

SB24-171 would enhance Colorado’s biodiversity

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation that would restore the North American wolverine in Colorado cleared the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee today.

SB24-171, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would authorize Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) to reintroduce wolverines and enhance Colorado’s biodiversity. 

“Wolverines were a natural part of Colorado's landscape for centuries and it’s long past time for us to bring them back and help play our part in restoring this threatened species and improving the health of our mountain ecosystem,” Roberts said. “This is the right way to do wildlife reintroduction - backed by science, supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders through years of deliberation, proper legal protections for agriculture and business, and with bipartisan support.”

“During my storied career as a game warden, I fell in love with our state’s beauty and I developed a great respect for Colorado’s wildlife,” Will said. “I am always a strong proponent for the reintroduction of wildlife species to our ecosystem as long as it is done responsibly by wildlife experts. The introduction of any species should not be done with ballot-box-biology. This bill ensures the reintroduction of wolverines is done responsibly in a process that is science-based and transparent.”

Wolverines are the largest terrestrial species of weasel in the world and live solitary lives in high alpine regions, meaning Colorado provides some of the best remaining wolverine habitat in the United States. Wolverines were listed as “threatened” in 2023 under the Endangered Species Act. 

The bill would also require CPW to create rules for providing payment of fair compensation to owners of livestock for losses caused by wolverines and to create a robust public communications plan. Reintroduction would be contingent on the federal government designating wolverines as a “nonessential experimental population” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

SB24-171 will now move to further consideration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Fields’ Bipartisan Bill to Support Military Families Clears Committee

HB24-1097 would expand the Occupational Credential Portability Program to support military families

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, to extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and Gold Star spouses of military members.

“Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Fields said. “This bill will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to sponsor this bill that will help military family members get the support and resources they deserve.”

Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, HB24-1097 would allow dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program, making it easier for them to get professional licenses in Colorado.

The bill also changes the Occupational Credential Portability Program by:

• Increasing the duration of licenses from three to six years and making them renewable;

• Requiring that regulators, when reviewing an application, focus on whether an applicant has a license in good standing;

• Expanding eligibility to spouses and dependents of Armed Forces Reserve, Ready Reserve, and National Guard members in Colorado; and

• Waiving the application and renewal fee for Colorado credentials issued to eligible individuals.

The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by bipartisan 2020 legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of eligible individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers.

HB24-1097 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Marchman Bill to Boost Behavioral Health Care Workforce Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health & Human Services Committee unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to expand access to behavioral health care in Colorado. 

HB24-1002, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would create new pathways for out-of-state social workers to gain professional licensure to practice in Colorado. This bill would create the "Social Work Licensure Compact,” which would be an agreement between Colorado and six other states where licensed social workers can obtain and easily transfer a license to another member state.

“The need for social workers in Colorado is clear, so we are working to break down barriers and allow more skilled professionals to join our workforce,” said Marchman. “When we support the behavioral health care needs of Coloradans, it’s a win-win for the safety of our communities and our economy.”

This legislation aims to reduce barriers for social workers by easing the state-to-state licensure process and increasing behavioral health care access in Colorado. The “Social Work Licensure Compact" would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocate from state-to-state.

The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. Follow its progress HERE.

First-in-the-Nation Neural Data Protections Bill Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Business, Labor & Technology Committee advanced bipartisan legislation to add biological and neural protections to the Colorado Privacy Act.

As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058, cosponsored by Senator Mark Baisley, R-Sedalia, would expand the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data.

“Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Priola. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.”

Neurotechnology has increased in popularity in recent years. Scientists and tech companies like Apple, Meta and Neuralink have used neurotechnology to recreate songs from users’ brain waves and translate thoughts using artificial intelligence. Additionally, neural data can reveal intimate information about individuals including identity, health, mental states, emotions and cognitive functions.This type of data can easily be commodified and sold to advertisers, for example.  

In 2021, Chile was the first country in the world to pass a law to protect brain rights so their personal neural data could not be sold, trafficked or manipulated. If HB24-1058 becomes law, Colorado will be the first state in the US to protect their residents’ biological and neural data.

HB24-1058 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Follow its progress HERE.

ICYMI: Pair of Comprehensive Bills to Slash Ozone Emissions, Deliver Cleaner Air Clear Committee

In 2022 the EPA downgraded the Denver Metro and North Front Range to a ‘severe’ nonattainment zone

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee approved two bills to improve Colorado’s air quality and better the health of communities and the environment in ozone-impacted areas. 

Colorado’s Denver Metropolitan and North Front Range ozone nonattainment zone has been in violation of federal air quality standards for ozone since 2012. As there are many diverse causes to ozone emissions, SB24-165, sponsored by Senators Kevin Priola, D-Henderson, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would instate a multi-pronged emissions reduction approach. The bill would do the following:

• Require a pause in oil and gas pre-production activities for three months during ozone season;
   

• Codify Governor Polis’ nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions reduction executive order, which directs state agencies to reduce NOx emissions 50 percent by 2030;
   

• Create a public database for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Energy and Carbon Management Commission of oil and gas air emissions data; and
   

• Clarify that the motor vehicle emission budgets developed for NOx and volatile organic compounds in the ozone nonattainment State Implementation Plan must decline starting in 2030 and every five years after for on-road and non-road mobile sources.

“Communities like those I represent up and down the Front Range have had to bear the consequences of unhealthy ozone levels for far too long,” said Priola. “We must take action now to reverse the effects of climate change and preserve our environment, including improving our air quality. Due to the complexity of air pollution and the wide array of sources that cause our high ozone emissions, we must tackle this problem in a holistic way – which is exactly what these bills aim to do.”

“Fifty-eight percent of Coloradans live in the nine-county area that experiences unhealthy ozone levels in the summer,” Cutter said. “Toxic ozone levels have far reaching health impacts, including shortness of breath, asthma attacks, increased risk for respiratory diseases, and lower birth weights for children born in high-ozone areas. While Colorado has worked hard to address the ozone problem, we need even more, faster action to reduce these harmful emissions.” 

The second bill, SB24-166, sponsored by Priola and Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would strengthen enforcement of state and local air quality regulations. Under the current level of enforcement, the state is predictably falling further and further behind federal ozone air quality standards.

SB24-166 would create a “repeat violator” category for any polluter that violates Air Pollution Control Division's (APCD) regulations five times over three years, and requires mandatory fines for further violations by that repeat offender. Additionally, agencies would have to issue a compliance order for known high-frequency violators and violators would be required to take active steps to reduce emissions.

“Colorado has struggled to reduce air pollution for too long, leaving disproportionately impacted communities to suffer the worst impacts from toxic ozone levels,” said Winter. “The leniency in our current enforcement system fails to stop polluters from repeating their violations, which allows these polluters to keep degrading our air quality with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. This puts local residents’ health at risk – especially folks from historically marginalized communities. The stakes for cutting ozone emissions have never been higher, so it’s time we ramp up the consequences for repeat violators and deliver cleaner, healthier air for Coloradans.”

In February 2024, Suncor oil refinery paid a fine of $2.5 million for three years of air quality violations, when they could have been fined up to $30 million. The settlement represents just 0.04 percent of Suncor’s net profit. Because of the lax enforcement and penalties, the bill would increase the maximum fines local governments can impose for violations of local air quality regulations, with higher penalties for disproportionately impacted communities. 

Finally, SB24-166 would create a right for the public to enforce APCD’s regulations against any polluter if the APCD fails to do so.

SB24-165 and SB24-166 both head to the Senate Finance Committee for further review. Follow their progress HERE and HERE, respectively.

JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Protect Streams, Rivers and Wetlands in Colorado Introduced

DENVER, CO – House Speaker Julie McCluskie today introduced legislation to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands. HB24-1379 is also sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts and Representative Karen McCormick.

“This Colorado approach to protecting our streams, rivers and wetlands will provide certainty to communities, sustain our water quality, and ensure future generations can enjoy the great Colorado outdoors we all love,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Clean water is our most precious resource on the Western Slope–necessary for everything from our booming outdoor recreation economy and agriculture industry to high country breweries, ski resorts and increasing household demand. I’m proud Colorado is stepping up to secure our water future after the Supreme Court removed important protections and left our waterways in jeopardy.”

“Protecting Colorado's threatened water supply is a key priority for the communities I represent on the Western Slope, and is far too important to be left in limbo, which is why we're taking action now," said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. "This critical bill will help us protect our precious water resources while appropriately balancing the agricultural and community needs in our state."

“Water is a precious resource and is critical to our economy and way of life. I am committed to protecting Colorado’s water today and building a more water-efficient, sustainable, and resilient future. Today, we further our commitment to protect Colorado’s water for the next generation of Coloradans,” said Governor Polis.

The Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to define waterways of the United States and the Army Corps of Engineers to regulate discharges from dredge and fill activities into waters that meet that definition. The May 2023 US Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA redefined what constitutes waters subject to federal regulation and placed an estimated 60 percent of Colorado wetlands at risk of losing protections.

“Protecting our vital freshwater resources is one of the most important things we can do as Colorado lawmakers,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont. “Everyone from our farmers and ranchers to the native plants and animals that call Colorado home, rely upon our rivers, streams and wetlands. This important legislation provides certainty and clarity for businesses and landowners while protecting Colorado’s watersheds–securing our water future for generations to come.”

The legislation introduced today protects Colorado waters that are not federally protected. The permitting framework is based on well-established approaches already used by the Army Corps of Engineers and will provide clarity on when a permit is needed. Normal farming and ranching activities, such as plowing, farm road construction, and erosion control practices would not require a permit.

"As demands on water resources increase, and the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, Colorado will be wise to step up its efforts in wetland preservation," said Gregory Hill, fourth-generation farmer, Yuma County. "Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts are stepping up where the courts have left off. I applaud their leadership to fill in the gap in regulation left by the Supreme Court, and to regulate and preserve our wetlands and all the benefits provided by them.

Until the recent decision, the Army Corps’ permitting program safeguarded the vast majority of Colorados’ state waters from pollution caused by dredge and fill activities. Dredge and fill activities involve digging up or placing dirt and other fill material into wetlands or surface waters as part of construction projects. These operations are necessary in many infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing developments, flood mitigation, and utility pipelines. The legislation provides a way for these projects to move forward and to protect Colorado’s water resources.

"As the owner of a brewery in a resort town I depend on cold, clean water to craft award-winning beers. Clean water allows me to run my business, create jobs and contribute sales tax revenue for my community. Our town depends on clean water for a multitude of tourist activities that bring people from all over the world. We need to protect our waterways and wetlands. House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Senator Dylan Roberts' bill is a needed remedy to a terrible decision by the U.S. Supreme Court," said Tom Caldwell Co-owner and Head Brewer at Big Trout Brewing Company, Winter Park, Colorado.

"The Supreme Court’s Sackett decision threatens my community's water supply and resilience to climate change, especially those already living with disproportionate impacts of polluted water," said Steve O'dorsio, Adams County Commissioner (District 4) and member of Governor Polis' WOTUS Task Force. "I applaud Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts for introducing HB24-1379. This legislation creates regulatory certainty allowing for responsible development to occur in a manner that also protects the wetlands and streams which are critical to providing safe, affordable, drinking water for all."

Roberts’ Bills to Improve Consumer Health Insurance Protections, Increase Availability of Telehealth Services Clear Committee

Roberts: “The bills advanced today ensure that Coloradans won’t be nickel-and-dimed if their health insurance provider goes out of business, and that folks in rural areas have access to high-quality telehealth and remote health monitoring services.”

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced two bills sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would improve consumer health insurance protections and increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas.

“Coloradans in my district know firsthand how challenging and expensive it can be to access critical health care services,” said Roberts. “During my time in the legislature, I’ve worked hard to implement protections for Colorado patients and providers and deliver high-quality, affordable health care services to underserved areas. The bills advanced today ensure that Coloradans won’t be nickel-and-dimed if their health insurance provider goes out of business, and that folks in rural areas have access to high-quality telehealth and remote health monitoring services.”

HB24-1258 would ensure that Coloradans whose old insurer leaves the marketplace is credited for all out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles and prescription drugs. The legislation comes as a direct response to the Friday Health Plans shutdown and would protect and save Coloradans money by not requiring them to pay health insurance deductibles twice.

The second bill, SB24-168, would increase the availability of telehealth monitoring services in rural and underserved areas. Co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bill would direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to reimburse the use of telehealth monitoring for outpatient services for Medicaid patients and provide coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Additionally, the bill would create a grant program to assist rural and shortage area providers in obtaining remote telehealth monitoring equipment. Funds from the grant program could also be used for providers training staff on utilizing remote monitoring equipment.

Both bills now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track HB24-1258’s progress HERE and SB24-168’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Zenzinger Bill to Improve Care for Foster Children Passes Senate

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

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

SB24-008, also sponsored by Senator 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 House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.