New Bipartisan Law Will Preserve Rural Access to Health Care

Bipartisan legislation will safeguard independent pharmacies that rural communities rely on

ALAMOSA, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed bipartisan legislation into law to preserve access to pharmacies and health care in rural communities.

“Health care access in rural communities is already limited, and this law works to preserve the local pharmacies that Coloradans rely on,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “From regular prescription refills to immunizations, pharmacies are a lifeline in our communities. This bipartisan law aims to maintain health care access for Coloradans in our part of the state by establishing fair reimbursement rates for rural pharmacies. It also permits telehealth for rural pharmacies to make it easier and less expensive for Coloradans to get the health care they need.”

“Independent rural pharmacies are so important to the people who live in the rural and mountain communities that I represent. They rely on them for essential services like prescription refills, medical supplies, immunizations, and so much more,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This bipartisan law will ensure fair reimbursement rates and audit recovery practices so that drug delivery for independent and rural pharmacies are adequate enough to level the playing field against corporate health care giants and safeguard essential health services.”

HB25-1222, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, helps preserve access to rural health care by:

• Ensuring a fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies,

• Allowing the delivery of drugs by rural independent pharmacies to underserved communities,

• Clarifying fair audit recovery practices so rural independent pharmacies don’t close, and

• Allowing remote prescription evaluations for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans.

For Coloradans living in rural communities, these modifications will maintain access to vital prescriptions and health care services close to home without having to travel long distances or face unnecessary delays.

Signed! New Law Will Strengthen Community, Environmental Protections

SAN LUIS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law to strengthen community and environmental protections during new fence construction in the San Luis Valley.

“To protect our environment and the Colorado Way of Life in the San Luis Valley, we need to boost local control surrounding fence construction,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “When I visited the newly constructed fence in my community, I was appalled by the negative impact on our environment and the livelihoods of my neighbors. Many San Luis Valley residents have land rights beyond the fence dating back to before Colorado’s statehood. This law requires individuals to submit an application before constructing certain new fences to prioritize local voices.”

“It is an honor to work on HB25-1023 alongside Representatives Martinez and Bacon, Senator Simpson, and dedicated and resilient Hispano community leaders. This bill is personal for me – my family’s roots go back in this part of the state for generations, long before it was Colorado or even Mexico,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “In spite of that exceptional and unique history, billionaires repeatedly violated sacred and hard-fought communal land agreements, and in so doing disrupted wildlife, ranching, and community life. HB25-1023 is about honoring those commitments and respecting the rights and agency of our communities.”

“Communities in the San Luis Valley have long had the legal right to access lands they held before Colorado became a state, but a massive, private fence now encircles this property, preventing community access and harming the environment,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “This law helps prevent further ecological damage and permits access for animal grazing while ensuring that Coloradans and their livestock can still traverse the land their families have called home for generations.”

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, HB25-1023 requires individuals to submit an application to local government officials before constructing or installing a contiguous fence of a certain size in the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant lands. The law empowers local governments to determine if the benefits of a fencing project outweigh the harms in their community. Local governments must pass an ordinance or resolution opting into these requirements. 

Recent fence construction on one of the Sangre de Cristo land grant properties has caused environmental damage, including land erosion and limiting wildlife movement, and has kept out local residents with legal access to the land grant. This law takes aim at future, unauthorized fencing construction projects to protect the natural habitats in the San Luis Valley.

Signed! Pair of Bills to Bolster Workforce Readiness and Support Colorado Students

DENVER, CO – Governor Polis on Friday signed two bills into law to support Colorado students and bolster workforce readiness. 

HB25-1278, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, will implement recommendations from the Accountability, Accreditation, Student Performance, and Resource Inequity Task Force created by HB23-1241. 

Co-sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1278 makes a number of improvements to benchmarks for student success, including standardized assessments and performance indicators. It will also increase measures to gauge accountability from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), including the appointment of an Accountability Work Group to provide feedback on state and federal accountability policies and make recommendations to the State Board of Education. 

“Making sure that every student is receiving a high quality education no matter where they attend school is critically important,” said Bird, sponsor of HB25-1278 and SB25-315. “A new law I sponsored will update how we measure the quality of education being offered in our public schools. The goal is to ensure that K-12 students are receiving the best education to prepare them for the future ahead – whether that be higher education or career readiness. Additionally, we’re streamlining how our state funds career readiness programs so our students have more, higher quality opportunities to find in-demand, well-paying careers after graduation.”

“Meeting students where they are and providing accurate benchmarks to measure their success is one of the best ways we can support students and educators,” said Michaelson Jenet. “I’m proud to sponsor this new law that will invest in our students and invest in our state’s future.”

“As a teacher, I know students succeed in the classroom when they have resources tailored to them,” said Lukens. “This new law will ensure that statewide tests are more accessible for all students – including students living with a disability and Spanish-speaking students. We want every student, no matter where they live in Colorado, to receive a world-class education and this law implements some important accountability measures to ensure the diverse needs of our K-12 students are being met.”

The updated state accountability laws for public schools and districts will better measure student outcomes and create a new sub-indicator to support postsecondary and workforce readiness before graduation.

SB25-315, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, Kirkmeyer, and Reps. Bird, and Emily Sirota, D-Denver, restructures existing postsecondary workforce (PWR) readiness funding into a singular, coordinated distribution mechanism in the CDE to improve access to programs that will boost highly-skilled, in-demand career opportunities. 

The new PWR Innovation Grant Program will distribute grants to local education providers for the development and implementation of programs that support students in completing postsecondary credit, credentials, or work-based learning.

“Opportunity is a Colorado value, and this bill ensures that more kids across our state will have the skills they need to succeed in Colorado’s highly skilled workforce,” said Bridges. “I’ve said for years that every high schooler should graduate with an associates degree, certificate, or meaningful internship. Over the last 10 years, we’ve made incredible progress toward that goal, and this bill will ensure that those opportunities are available in districts throughout the entire state.”

“We’re taking steps today to help our students land good-paying, high-demand careers after graduation,” said Sirota. “This law simplifies the postsecondary workforce readiness grant program to make it easier for our students to access education programs, including work-based learning and apprenticeships. Strengthening Colorado’s workforce requires us to invest today in our students, and this new law boosts educational opportunities and opens career pathways for students.”

Earlier this week, Governor Polis signed an executive order directing Colorado’s state agencies - including the Departments of Education, Higher Education, Labor & Employment, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade - to coordinate more closely on the state’s efforts to better prepare learners for the future.

Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia Signed Into Law

SB25-200 will require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado

DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law bipartisan legislation to jumpstart early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia 

SB25-200 is sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Matt Soper, R-Delta. This new law will require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia, adding to existing reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.

“Supporting students with dyslexia requires a different approach than supporting those with general reading challenges – they need specific tools to succeed,” said Kolker. “The vast majority of other states already require universal dyslexia screenings, and with this law, Colorado is stepping up. Early intervention is everything, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right information and support.”

“Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability, yet Colorado schools do not have a universal screening process,” said Hamrick. “As a former teacher, I know early intervention is key to setting our students on a pathway to success. Our new, bipartisan law will require Colorado schools to implement a universal dyslexia screening to ensure our elementary students receive the support, resources and tools they need to thrive.”

“My ‘why’ for this bill is my amazing daughter, who has dyslexia,” said Mullica. “Even as a family actively involved in her education, we struggled to get her the support she needed to thrive. The screenings schools currently use for reading challenges don’t go far enough, and one-size-fits-all interventions simply don’t work. By implementing universal, early dyslexia screenings through this law, we can ensure that no child – regardless of their background or circumstance – falls through the cracks.” 

According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Before this law, Colorado was one of only seven states that did not mandate screenings for dyslexia.

SIGNED! 2025 School Finance Act

HB25-1320 will drive $256 million more to Colorado’s K-12 public schools for the 2025-2026 school year

WESTMINSTER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to implement the new school funding formula and sustainably drive more funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools.

“It’s a great day for students, teachers and schools in Colorado! The bipartisan 2025 School Finance Act boosts funding by $256 million and turns on the new school finance formula that will drive more resources to the students who need them the most,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Despite nearly universal declining enrollment, the 2025 School Finance Act ensures that no district drops below the funding amount they received this school year. We’re deeply committed to investing in our K-12 public schools, and this year’s School Finance Act supports rural schools and our most vulnerable students while creating a sustainable pathway to significantly increase school funding.”

“This is the first time since the 1990s that we’ve instituted a new funding formula for our schools,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “From boosting per-pupil funding to supporting underserved districts and at-risk students who need a helping hand, this year’s School Finance Act is good for families, teachers, and most importantly, students. It’s a strong investment in Colorado’s kids and public schools and ultimately, a strong investment in Colorado’s future.” 

“As a teacher, I know how important adequate funding is to create an environment where students can succeed,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “The 2025 School Finance Act invests $256 million more in our public schools this year, meaning funding will rise by over $410 per student on average. The law implements the new school funding formula to better support every student in our public schools. Our law drives funding to our K-12 schools equitably and sustainably, so our students can maximize their learning potential.”

Colorado lawmakers have worked diligently to drive record-breaking funding to Colorado’s K-12 public schools. Since 2019, when voters gave Democrats the trifecta, total funding for schools has increased by over $3 billion, while Colorado schools have lost tens of thousands of students. Since the 2018-2019 school year, average per-pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. 

The 2025 School Finance Act will drive $256.7 million more to Colorado’s public schools than last school year, bringing the 2025-2026 school funding total to a record $10.035 billion despite Colorado facing a declining student enrollment environment. Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, HB25-1320 acknowledges unique challenges for rural and remote districts, increases education funding to keep up with inflation, and prioritizes sustainable funding for years to come. 

In last year’s School Finance Act, lawmakers delivered on their promise to pay off the Budget Stabilization Factor. At the same time, HB24-1448 modernized the school funding formula used to determine the total program funding for Colorado’s K-12 public school districts for the first time in 30 years. This legislation created a more student-centered formula designed to drive more resources to rural and underserved districts, as well as students living with a disability, at-risk students and English Language Learners. 

For the 2025-2026 school year, HB25-1320 will:

• Provide $83.2 million more for public schools next year than the old school finance formula

• Increase average per-pupil funding by $412, bringing the total per-pupil funding to $11,863, and

• Ensure that 157 of 178 districts will see an average 2.9 percent increase in funding, while the remaining 21 districts with significantly declining enrollment are held harmless.

HB25-1320 implements the new school funding formula at 15 percent per year for six years, and then 10 percent for the final seventh year of implementation, while still maintaining the four-year averaging model for the 2025-26 school year. 

This new law also creates the “Kids Matter Fund” within the State Education Fund. Beginning July 1, 2026, the state treasurer will be required to transfer into the account 0.00065 percent of existing state revenue collected from federal taxable income each year. For the 2026-2027 school year, revenue will amount to an estimated $230 million for schools. The account will be used to protect per pupil funding and funding for programs, including special education.

HB25-1320 is designed to give the legislature the flexibility to continue increasing school funding while adapting to changing budget realities. To maintain the financial health of the State Education Fund (SEF), HB25-1320 provides the flexibility to adjust the percentage of the formula implemented each year or the averaging components of the formula to ensure a healthy reserve in the fund’s balance.

Signed! New Law Protects Gender-Affirming Health Care Coverage

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will protect gender-affirming health care insurance coverage for LGBTQ+ Coloradans.

“While the GOP continues to attack the LGBTQ+ community, Colorado Democrats passed this new law to ensure trans Coloradans have access to gender-affirming care,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This law codifies insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, protecting access to medically necessary and evidence-based health care. We’re creating a Colorado that respects, protects and values the trans community.”

“Trans and nonbinary Coloradans deserve access to the evidence-based, lifesaving care they need,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “Colorado already requires insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, and this new law strengthens those protections by writing them into law and ensuring they can’t be easily undone. The law also removes testosterone from the prescription drug monitoring program which has been misused in other states to target providers and patients. I’m proud to sponsor this new law that will protect what already works and safeguard our freedoms.”

“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we ensure Colorado law protects trans people,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Colorado has become a safe haven for trans Americans who face relentless attacks from their government, which is why I sponsored this law to protect gender-affirming health care coverage. As the first openly trans legislator in Colorado, I am proud to pass this law to ensure our state continues to be a place where trans people can safely live and thrive.”

“In Colorado, we believe in bodily autonomy and the freedom to live as our authentic selves,” said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “Everyone has the right to make personal health care decisions without political interference. At a time when the trans community is being targeted across the country, I’m proud to stand up for the individual rights and liberties of all Coloradans.”

HB25-1309 codifies into Colorado statute that health care insurance plans cannot deny or limit gender-affirming health care that is determined medically necessary by a health care provider. Gender-affirming care can include hormone therapy, facial reconstruction, hair removal and other treatments or procedures. The law also adds privacy protections for Coloradans who undergo hormone therapy by exempting testosterone from Colorado’s prescription drug use monitoring program tracking requirements.

This January, President Trump signed an executive order to restrict access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, leading to medical providers across the country ending medically necessary care overnight. Congress is currently considering the Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill, which includes a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people on Medicaid and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. This would impact over 270,000 transgender adults throughout the country who receive health care through Medicaid.

Currently, 26 states have passed legislation banning gender-affirming care. One report found that 94-percent of trans and non-binary adults feel unsafe due to bans on gender-affirming care.

JOINT RELEASE: Wage Theft Prevention Legislation Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law that will combat wage theft in all industries, boosting the economic security of Colorado workers by ensuring they are paid for their work.

“This new law is a huge win for hardworking Coloradans and continues our bold efforts to boost wages and create an economy that works for everyone,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Wage theft is the largest source of theft in our state, with women and communities of color disproportionately becoming victims of wage theft. With this new law, we’re allowing workers to more quickly access their owed wages and strengthening protections for whistleblowers so Coloradans can receive the money they have worked hard to earn.” 

“Colorado workers lose hundreds of millions of dollars per year in wages due to theft from bad-acting employers," said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “Many of these workers are heads of their households already struggling to make ends meet. With this legislation, Colorado’s labor force would more quickly and easily access their owed wages so they are fairly compensated for the work they do.”

“When employers refuse to pay their employees for the work they’ve already completed, it is the same thing as stealing money out of their wallet,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “Wage theft hurts Colorado workers and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Our new law will help provide better support for workers to ensure they can be fairly paid for the work they do.”

“I am committed to making sure every hardworking Coloradan receives the money they earned,” said Sen. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge. “This new law fights wage theft and protects whistleblowers so all workers can speak up without fear of retaliation.”

HB25-1001 helps protect workers who make wage theft claims and prevent wage theft occurrences by holding bad-acting employers accountable and increasing the wage theft claim cap. Currently, wage theft claims are capped at $7,500. This law increases the cap to $13,000 starting July 1, 2026, with that claim amount adjusting for inflation beginning in 2028.

Wage theft can include not paying workers minimum wage, non-payment of wages, misclassifying workers as independent contractors or as management to avoid paying overtime, and taking tips that were meant for the employees.

The law will expedite the process so the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) can pay wage theft victims more quickly. CDLE can now crack down on worker misclassification, a technique used to avoid providing benefits and overtime wages.

To deter employers from stealing wages, CDLE must publish wage theft determinations and update a list of wage theft violators on the division’s website. Under the law, CDLE must report wage theft violations to licensing and permitting bodies if there is a willful violation that is not remedied within sixty days.

HB25-1001 allows third parties to bring complaints on a worker’s behalf and extends anti-retaliation and discrimination measures for all workers who raise complaints, allowing for similarly situated employees to speak up for others. 

A 2022 report by the Colorado Fiscal Institute found that nearly 440,000 low-wage Colorado workers experience $728 million in wage theft annually. Workers of color and women are most likely to be victims of wage theft, and the most common industries for wage theft are retail, construction, and food service. Reps. Duran and Froelich and Sen. Danielson have championed numerous bills to ensure workers receive the wages they’ve earned, including legislation in 2022 that ensures Colorado workers are able to recover legally earned wages.

JOINT RELEASE: New Law Will Strengthen Victim Protections and Housing Security

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence. HB25-1168 improves housing security, expands access to justice, and keeps Coloradans safe.

“Housing instability is one of the biggest threats to people who experience gender-based violence, with 11 percent of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro Area fleeing domestic violence,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “Many victims can’t safely leave their abuser, which is why our new law strengthens Colorado’s victim protection laws and establishes new mechanisms to improve a victim’s access to justice and safe housing. Gender-based violence is traumatic, and no one deserves to face long-lasting financial consequences or homelessness as a result.”

"Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This law gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity."

“The Violence Against Women Act is near and dear to my heart, and I’m proud to sponsor this law to better align Colorado law with these protections to keep victims safe,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “As a judge, I know how important it is to have strong protections in statute, and this law is a meaningful change that better allows victims to end their leases early while providing a payment plan to protect landlords and keep victims housed. This law is a huge win for survivors of gender-based violence to ensure they have the tools they need to build a strong, safe future away from their abuser.”

"Too often, survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking face a lose/lose situation when it comes to their housing," said Sen. Mike Weissman.  "It can be expensive to try to stay in one's home or expensive to relocate, on top of the immense personal cost of victimization. Whatever difficult choice they make, this important new law will help survivors by offering payment plans for back rent or limiting the costs of relocating such as losing a security deposit. Either way, survivors have a better path to safety, stability, and a chance at a fresh start."

Currently, a tenant cannot be found guilty of unlawfully residing in a property if the tenant is experiencing domestic violence or domestic abuse and they provide a police report or civil or emergency protection order proving they were a victim. HB25-1168 expands these victim protections to include victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking and allows self-attestation or a letter signed by a qualified third party to be used as proof, reducing hurdles to accessing critical protections.

Additional victim protection expansions include:

• Allowing victims who terminate a lease to not be held liable for property damage caused by their abuser during incidents of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse,

• Ensuring victims can change locks to their rental property on their own as long as they provide a copy of the key to the landlord as soon as reasonably possible, if the victim provides documentation to prove they are a victim-survivor,

• Prohibiting a landlord from assigning debt allegedly owed by a tenant who is a victim-survivor to a third-party debt collector unless the landlord provides at least a 90-day notice to the tenant and complies with the requirement to provide the tenant with documentation of the economic damages, and

• Requiring tenants to pay no more than one month’s rent after they vacate the residence and terminate the lease if, within 30 days, the landlord provides proof of economic damages as a result of the early lease termination.

To strengthen eviction protections, this law also requires landlords to offer a repayment plan to victim-survivors for late or unpaid rent before a court may issue an eviction order. The repayment plan cannot exceed nine months from the date the plan was established.

A 2023 report from the Colorado Coalition of the Homeless found that 1,265 Coloradans experiencing homelessness also reported being a victim of domestic violence.

JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Legislation to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act

HB25-1239 will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act

DENVER, CO - Governor Polis yesterday signed a new law to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws.

HB25-1239, sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, and Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, will expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. 

“People with disabilities should have the same rights to seek damages after experiencing discrimination as any other protected group,” said Weissman. “This bill ensures that people with disabilities can be compensated for attorney fees, emotional distress, and other noneconomic harms if they experience discrimination or violation of their civil rights.”

“Under threat from the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws,” said Zokaie. “When someone is wronged, we have a duty to create a pathway to justice. With this new law, we’re upholding our shared values of fairness, dignity, and equality under Colorado law and better protecting Coloradans who experience discrimination.”

“The cost of hiring an attorney prevents many Coloradans from pursuing justice after facing discrimination,” said Daugherty. “People with disabilities who are denied housing or turned away from public spaces deserve a clear path to hold wrongdoers accountable and access the support they need to move forward.”

“This law addresses unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination,” said Boesenecker. “From housing discrimination to inaccessible building entrances, Coloradans with disabilities have faced barriers to access for far too long. This law provides crucial recourse to people with disabilities and other victims of discrimination to ensure they can receive the justice they deserve.”

This law comes from a task force established by the legislature in 2023 to study the rights of Coloradans with disabilities and make recommendations. HB25-1239 is the largest expansion of CADA enforcement rights since CADA was passed nearly 70 years ago.

This new law will allow victims of discrimination to receive monetary compensation for unfair housing practices, discrimination in places of public accommodation, or a violation of their civil rights under the CADA for all protected classes. Under the law, victims will be able to recover attorney’s fees and costs, and either recovery of actual monetary damages, non-economic damages of up to $50,000, or a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation per aggrieved party.

Awards for damages for non-economic loss or injury will be limited to $50,000. A defendant will be entitled to a 50 percent reduction of the amount of the non-economic loss or injury if the defendant corrects the violation within 30 days of the complaint and did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the violation.

Signed! Bill to Protect Wild Bison

SB25-053 will make it illegal to hunt wild bison by classifying them as wildlife

GOLDEN, CO – The Governor yesterday signed into law a bill to classify bison as big game wildlife unless the bison are privately owned livestock. SB25-053, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, will make it illegal to hunt wild bison. 

“This new law will protect wild bison, which is a priority for the Native community as well as wildlife conservationists,” said Danielson. “Bison are crossing into Colorado from states like Utah, where they are protected, into a state where they can be poached without consequence. It’s our responsibility to protect these animals that play a key role in our state’s culture, history, and environment.”

The majority of bison in Colorado are either privately owned livestock or living in a refuge, but in recent years, wild bison have crossed from Utah into northwest Colorado. 

SB25-053 is one of three bills advanced by the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee last year. Similar laws to protect wild bison exist in Utah, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

JOINT RELEASE: GOP Budget Is Devastating for Coloradans

US House votes to slash Medicaid, kick Coloradans off health insurance, and cut food assistance to give tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans

DENVER, CO — Speaker Julie McCluskie, President James Coleman, House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and JBC members Shannon Bird, Jeff Bridges, Emily Sirota, and Judy Amabile today released the following statements after the US House passed Trump’s Medicaid cuts. 

Statement from Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon: 

“Coloradans across the state– from rural health providers to seniors in long term care– are counting on us to speak up now and tell members of Congress to oppose this bill. This shouldn’t be partisan. We pay more in federal taxes than we receive back, and now Republicans in Congress want to take even more. Trump’s budget kicks vulnerable people off their health care, cuts food assistance for children, and will force rural health clinics to close or turn away patients. This is an all hands on deck moment to stop these painful cuts that will devastate Coloradans."

Statement from Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver:

“Congressional Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill benefits billionaires on the backs of hardworking Coloradans and Americans. Nearly one in five Coloradans rely on Medicaid for health care. That’s over one million Coloradans from Denver to Durango, and everywhere in between. The vote to advance this package is an expected, yet disappointing step forward, and I urge Colorado’s federal delegation to do all they can to defend our access to essential medical care and fix the mess that Washington is creating for us here at home.”

Statement from House Majority Leader Monica Duran:

“Congress should be cutting taxes for working families, not cutting Medicaid and food assistance and rolling back consumer protections. These GOP cuts will harm the most vulnerable in Colorado and force us to choose between bad and worse options to keep our budget balanced. Furthermore, this bill defunds Planned Parenthood, which would disproportionately limit access to family planning and preventive care like screenings and tests for women and people of color. I am deeply alarmed that this bill has moved forward.”  

Statement from Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver:

“The GOP’s reconciliation bill prioritizes the interests of the wealthiest Americans and powerful corporations over working families. From sweeping tax breaks for billionaires to buried provisions like a 10-year federal preemption on any and all AI safeguards, the bill reflects a consistent pattern: advancing the agenda of Big Tech and other special interests at the expense of consumer protections and public accountability."

Statement from JBC Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County:

“Here in Colorado, we know what it’s like to make difficult decisions to balance our state budget. Every year, the Joint Budget Committee does so carefully, thoughtfully, and with the best interests of Colorado families in mind. While we budget with a scalpel, Congressional Republicans are using a chainsaw. This budget is irresponsible and reckless, and it will hurt Coloradans. Smart investments yield strong returns, and every dollar we invest in health care, education, and families pays dividends in a healthier, more productive workforce and a stronger economy. Slashing essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP will hurt families today, and jeopardize our state’s long-term stability and opportunity.”

Statement from JBC Vice Chair Shannon Bird, D-Westminster:

“Everyone who works hard deserves a fair opportunity to thrive and live the American dream, but Republicans in Congress just voted to make it harder. Instead of cutting costs for families, they are stripping health care from Coloradans and increasing copays for low-income people. Colorado’s budget simply cannot absorb these cuts, and if this bill passes, we will have to slash core services that people depend on and expect.  I am concerned that this bill will cause chaos in the stock market and crash people’s retirement savings, raise costs on consumers and worsen the economic volatility that’s hurting families under the Trump administration.”   

Statement from JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder:

“Republicans in Congress are hellbent on making it harder for everyday Coloradans to stay on Medicaid. Millions of Coloradans rely on Medicaid and Medicare, and the drastic cuts to these programs in Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will have devastating impacts from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. This further compounds our state’s budgetary challenges and will force the Joint Budget Committee to make impossible decisions about the future of Medicaid funding in Colorado and our ability to provide core services to hardworking families.”

Statement from Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver:

“GOP politicians in DC just voted to take health care and food assistance from vulnerable people so they can give massive tax cuts to billionaires and the wealthiest Americans. The message from Washington Republicans is clear: Trump, Musk and their billionaire backers are more important than hardworking people. Their budget cuts will harm those who can least afford it and make it harder for Colorado to fund higher education, K-12, public safety initiatives, and the critical services Coloradans rely on. We will be forced to reduce health care eligibility, cut services or pay providers less, jeopardizing our safety net and critical access facilities.”

JOINT RELEASE: Gov. Polis Signs Bill to Support Small Business

DENVER, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to streamline the licensing and permitting process for food truck operators.

“Food trucks are a great option for entrepreneurs who want to jump into the restaurant scene without high overhead costs,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “Colorado was recently added to the Michelin Guide, driving up interest in local talent who want to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. This law streamlines small business permitting so they can focus on making delicious food, not filling out paperwork.”

“Small business owners and consumers across our state should have access to all of the innovative restaurant options Colorado’s hospitality industry has to offer,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “With this new law, arbitrary regulations and red tape won’t hinder the trailblazing restaurateurs across Colorado from supporting themselves and other small businesses.”

“This new law modernizes food truck permitting to help Colorado small businesses thrive,” said Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora. “The food truck scene is popular throughout Colorado, but barriers like duplicative licenses and stringent restrictions make it difficult to run a successful business. With this legislation, we’re making it easier for Coloradans to operate their food truck businesses to boost local economies and small business owners while ensuring health standards are met for consumers.”

HB25-1295, also sponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, will establish reciprocity amongst the state and individual local governments for food truck licensing and permitting to cut red tape. Businesses are required to hold a valid fire safety permit and food safety license, and local governments will retain their authority to enforce their laws, regulations, and codes. 

Under the new law, if a food truck operator holds valid licenses and permits from one local government, they can use those same credentials to operate in other participating cities and counties across Colorado. The law requires local governments to honor these permits so long as basic health and safety standards are met, and it streamlines the approval process with a 14-day turnaround requirement for permit reciprocity applications. This law bars municipalities from imposing blanket restrictions on food trucks, such as banning them in commercial zones where brick-and-mortar restaurants are allowed or enforcing excessive proximity limits.

Many food trucks have been able to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant, including Mama Jo’s Biscuits and BBQ, Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, Kiké’s Red Tacos and three-time James Beard Award nominee, Yuan Wonton.

Snyder Bill to Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence Signed into Law

SB25-116 ensures alimony decisions consider domestic violence and abuse history

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence navigating divorce and spousal support proceedings.

Cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, SB25-116 ensures that proceedings involving spousal support consider a spouse’s history of domestic violence. It also broadens disclosure requirements related to restraining and protection orders.

“Survivors who make the courageous decision to leave their abusive spouse often face complex legal systems and serious financial burdens,” said Snyder. “No survivor should be forced to pay spousal support to the person who harmed them. This law brings much-needed clarity and ensures that courts have the full context to make fair and just decisions.”

Under current law, courts consider a list of relevant factors when determining spousal support. This new law expands that list to include whether a spouse has engaged in domestic violence, coercive control, economic abuse, litigation abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior against the other spouse. 

The law also extends the disclosure window for prior restraining or protection orders from two years to five, ensuring judges have access to a more complete history of abuse during divorce or separation proceedings.

SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors

HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed bipartisan legislation to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors waiting to be admitted. 

“As the demand for senior living facilities increases, we’re creating more options for older Coloradans on the waiting list to access programs and services offered by facilities,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. This law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access community-based services that help them lead healthier, stronger lives.” 

“The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Opportunities to socialize, access transportation and nutrition support are incredibly beneficial services that help older Coloradans lead healthier, fuller lives.”

HB25-1184, also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay one-time admission.

Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and nutrition counseling.

Signed! Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program

SB25-008 streamlines access to necessary legal documents for vulnerable populations

PUEBLO, CO – Yesterday, the Governor signed into law legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations. 

Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program helps Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and drivers’ licenses. SB25-008, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, updates the program to allow eligible individuals to access identity documents for free directly at the point of service. 

“The Necessary Documents Program is crucial for the most vulnerable members of our communities – low income earners, unhoused populations, victims of domestic violence, people who are affected by natural disasters, and disabled or elderly Coloradans,” Hinrichsen said. “Equitable access to legal documents is essential to a fresh start so that more Coloradans can get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.”

“For years, the Necessary Document Program has provided life-changing services to vulnerable Coloradans, and this new law will improve the program by streamlining free access to these important documents,” said Froelich. “Coloradans who survive house fires, domestic violence, homelessness and other dangerous circumstances often can’t access important identification documents that are required to fulfill everyday needs, like housing, health care and food. By updating this program, we can better protect Coloradans in their darkest moments.”

“Identity documents are critical when it comes to accessing health care, housing, employment and transportation. We need to remove unnecessary barriers of getting identification documents to ensure more Coloradans are able to access these important documents,” Kipp said. “This adjustment is necessary to ensure that our Necessary Documents Program is utilized to its full potential.”

SB25-008 streamlines administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Eligible individuals will still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States.

Bill to Increase Affordable For-Sale Housing Signed Into Law

SB25-006 invests up to $50 million to activate development of affordable for-sale housing

DENVER, CO – On Thursday, legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Representative Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City, to unlock Colorado’s ability to invest in affordable for-sale housing was signed into law. 

Cosponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, SB25-006 will allow the state treasurer to invest up to $50 million in Colorado Housing Finance Authority bonds to buy down the construction and mortgage costs of affordable for-sale housing that would otherwise not be built. These funds will give low interest rates to builders in exchange for long-term affordability protections and low mortgage rates to low- and middle-income buyers to ease their way into the housing market.

“We know that affordable and attainable housing is a challenge facing our whole state,” said Roberts. “This law will allow us to use existing resources to help build more ‘starter homes’ which is key to giving hardworking Coloradans the opportunity to own a home and accumulate generational wealth.” 

“This bipartisan law will save people money on housing and open up additional funding to build homes that work for every budget,” said Rutinel. “Coloradans sent us to the Capitol to help make our state more affordable, and that is especially true when it comes to the housing crisis. More ‘starter homes’ in our communities will support local workforces and make it easier for hardworking Coloradans to become homeowners.”

The $50 million is expected to finance homeownership for 175-200 new low- and middle-income residents.

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Bills to Protect Colorado’s Water

DILLON, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to protect and conserve Colorado’s water resources. 

HB25-1115 will improve how Colorado measures snowpack and our water supply HB25-1311 will phase out sports betting tax incentives to capture more revenue for water conservation, and SB25-040 studies the future of severance tax revenue to create a sustainable funding stream for water projects.

“Water is a part of our Western identity, and we must take steps now to preserve and protect the water resources we have,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of HB25-1115 and HB25-1311. “To effectively manage Colorado's water supply, we need all the research and data available to inform our decisions. These bipartisan laws increase funding for essential water conservation efforts and research. We’re taking action now to better protect the freshwater Coloradans rely on for ourdoor recreation, agriculture and household use.”

“Securing our state’s water future is one of the most pressing issues facing Colorado, especially for the rural and mountain communities I represent,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB25-1115, HB25-1311, and SB25-040. “I’m proud to have sponsored these bipartisan laws, which will ensure we have accurate data and sustainable funding sources to conserve and manage Colorado’s water supply. We’re working today to make sure that our communities have the water we need for generations to come.” 

HB25-1115, also sponsored by Representative Matt Soper, R-Delta, will help protect and preserve Colorado’s fresh water resources by empowering the Colorado Water Conservation Board to to oversee a statewide water supply measurement and forecasting program. This statewide approach includes collecting and disseminating data on snowpack levels and investigating the latest advances in snowpack measurement and water supply forecasting. 

When voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, they legalized sports betting and set an effective tax rate of 10 percent on betting to be used for industry regulation, gambling addiction services, and water projects. However, casinos are only paying an effective 5.89 percent tax rate due to allowable deductions for payouts to customers, federal excise tax, and “free bets”.

HB25-1311, also sponsored by Representative Soper, will bring sports betting companies closer to the voter-approved effective tax rate of 10 percent by prohibiting sports betting operators from deducting “free bets” as a tax write-off, increasing funding for the Colorado Water Plan by a projected $3.2 million in the 2025-2026 fiscal year and $12.9 million in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. 

“This new law sets Colorado on the right path for creating reliable and sustainable funding for our future water projects,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of SB25-040. “Every sector of our economy relies on water, and we’re taking the step now to preserve and conserve this precious resource.” 

“From agriculture, recreation and household use – the Colorado way of life depends on our freshwater resources,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of SB25-040. “Our new bipartisan law will make sure Colorado has a sustainable and dependable funding stream dedicated to water projects for generations to come.” 

SB25-040 will help Colorado create a sustainable and reliable funding stream for water projects. This new law permits the Department of Natural Resources to study the future of severance tax revenue and energy grants. Severance tax revenue is volatile and incredibly unpredictable; this law will help Colorado identify new, reliable ways to fund water projects. The task force must develop and deliver recommendations by July 2026.

JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Bill to Improve Winter Road Safety Signed Into Law

New law will allow vendors to help drivers install traction devices on Colorado roads

GEORGETOWN, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation to improve Coloradans’ access to chains and traction devices while navigating winter road conditions.

SB25-069 is sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, as well as Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose. It will allow the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles. 

“Preventing avoidable crashes, spinouts, and delays on I-70 and highways across the state is crucial for public safety and saving Coloradans time and money,” said Roberts. “This new bipartisan law will authorize a proven chain-assist program for commercial trucks that is working in other states as well as close a loophole that will ensure passenger vehicles have proper tires. It is another significant step we are taking to prevent crashes and reduce unnecessary delays on our roads during the winter.”

“Communities in my district, like Vail and Avon, are frequented by people who may not have winter driving experience or the knowledge to use life-saving traction devices on their vehicles,” said Lukens. “This poses a serious threat to road safety, which is why we sponsored this law to provide a safe environment for drivers to receive assistance installing or removing tire chains and other traction devices. We’re giving drivers the option to seek these roadside services from experienced professionals to keep themselves and their fellow drivers safe.”

“Glenwood Canyon has the most accidents and road closures along I-70 nationally, which is why we need this law to protect Colorado drivers,” said Velasco. “Keeping Western Slope roads open and safe is a priority in my district to ensure that residents, tourists and long-haul truckers can get where they need to go quickly and safely. I’m proud that this bill is becoming law today to make road travel safer for all drivers.”

The law includes procedures for issuing a permit to vendors, qualifications to be issued a permit, and a requirement that those installing tire chains or traction devices wear reflective clothing and use traffic control devices. The law also requires that, between September 1 and May 31, rental car companies notify their renters of Colorado’s traction laws and the penalties for any violation of the law.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! New Law Will Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care

DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care. 

“The people of Colorado deserve safe and accessible access to abortion and miscarriage care without exception, especially when lives are at stake in emergency situations,” said Gonzales. “We owe it to all Coloradans, and particularly the Coloradans most negatively impacted by barriers to reproductive care, to ensure that emergency care is always granted, no questions asked.” 

“The Trump administration has deeply eroded federal protections for reproductive health care, and it’s our responsibility to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant people in Colorado,” said Froelich. “Our law ensures that emergency providers have the clarity they need to do their job and save lives – just as they have done since 1986. Our legislation rules out all ambiguity so pregnant people can receive the life-saving emergency care they need, including an abortion.”

"In response to near total abortion bans in other states, the U.S. Supreme Court has so far done nothing, and the Trump administration has decided not to even ask it to try," said Weissman. "As a part of our efforts to protect Coloradans’ fundamental freedoms in volatile times, it is imperative that we clarify in state law to patients and providers alike that emergency care in Colorado will remain comprehensive and accessible."

“Our state has been a leader in abortion care because Coloradans understand that access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care saves lives,” said Zokaie. “As the federal EMTALA law crumbles under the Trump administration, this law stands up to protect life-saving emergency care for pregnant patients. In states where reproductive health care is restricted, pregnant people are being denied emergency abortion or miscarriage care until it’s too late; we won't let that happen in Colorado.”

SB25-130 ensures emergency access for pregnant people who need abortion or miscarriage care without discrimination based on financial need or the type of care required. It also creates clarity for providers by defining employment protections for individual health care providers, treatment log requirements, and guidelines for transfers and discharges. 

The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a nearly 40-year-old law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment, including abortion and miscarriage care, regardless of ability to pay. However, the Supreme Court is allowing states to deny pregnant people abortion care in life-threatening emergencies by sending cases back to lower courts. In response to threats to these federal protections, this new law will ensure that life-saving emergency care will remain protected in Colorado.

New Law Will Make Housing More Affordable

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation into law that will save people money on housing by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings. 

“This smart stair policy is safe and will help us create more housing Coloradans can afford,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “Firefighting technology and fire protection techniques have significantly improved in the last few decades, and it’s time that we modernize our building codes to account for these safety improvements and reduce the cost of building multi-family housing. This law reduces the cost of building family-sized apartments and condos that will help us meet Colorado’s housing needs and save people money on housing.”

“Single-stair buildings are a safe and practical solution that make it far easier to build apartments with enough bedrooms to comfortably house Colorado families,” said Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver. “Single-stair buildings can also be impressive architectural additions to our neighborhoods. This new law modernizes our building codes and positions Colorado at the forefront of innovative solutions to our housing crisis."

“Colorado Democrats are committed to passing legislation that will make housing more affordable,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This law eliminates second stairwell requirements for certain buildings to drive down building costs and create more livable space. Coloradans sent us here to pass policy that will make our communities more affordable, and this policy will help open up more housing opportunities that work for every budget.”

“Colorado is facing a housing crisis and we must explore every option to build more homes that families can afford,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “Modernizing outdated building codes to allow for single-stair apartment buildings, where modern technology and building materials makes doing so safe, is a simple and effective solution that will open up opportunities to build more affordable housing and revitalize our neighborhoods. This policy is a critical way that we can increase housing supply, drive down costs, and ensure that every Coloradan has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 requires a municipality of 100,000 or more residents that is served by an accredited fire protection district, fire department, or fire authority to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings up to five stories to be served by a single exit. 

Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include:

• Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor,

• Safety features throughout the building, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems,

• Aerial access by the building’s applicable fire department or protection district, and

• Buildings constructed of non-combustible or fire-resistive construction materials.

Under this law, the Department of Local Affairs must consult with the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association on implementation and data collection regarding single stair buildings constructed in each jurisdiction and the reporting of that data to the legislature during annual SMART Act hearings.

According to a 2025 Pew Study, there has been no evidence of increased safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by 6- to 13-percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80-percent due to improved window placement, which allows cross-ventilation.