At White House, Hansen Attends Summit on Modernizing the Power Grid

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, traveled to the White House today to attend a summit and participate in a state lawmaker panel discussion on modernizing America’s power grid.

Hansen discussed his legislation to help Colorado leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand the state’s use of distributed community solar generation, and his bill to modernize and prepare the electric grid for the future.

“Climate change is impacting our lives every day, and I am laser-focused on preventing the worst consequences of climate change and ensuring an equitable clean-energy transition for our state,” said Hansen. “We need a strong electricity system to make sure we can reduce emissions, lower consumer costs, and improve reliability. I was proud to discuss my legislation to do that today at the White House, and I look forward to continuing my work to update and modernize our grid while supporting the transition to clean energy and saving folks money on their energy bills.”

At the Summit, the White House announced further federal action to deliver a clean and reliable electric grid. The Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment Initiative aims to bring together states, federal entities, and power sector stakeholders to help drive grid adaptation quickly and cost-effectively meet the challenges and opportunities that the power sector faces in the twenty-first century.

This year, Hansen also passed legislation to require state agencies, at the request of a local or tribal government, to provide technical support concerning renewable energy projects like wind and solar and coordinate with local experts to create a set of best-practice local codes for new development.

In 2023 Hansen led the charge to improve greenhouse gas reductions by establishing a goal for Colorado to reach 100 percent net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, an ambitious, yet achievable, goal that aligns with the global scientific consensus.

Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills to Increase Protections in the Funeral Home Industry, Prevent More Tragedy

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law a pair of bipartisan bills to increase protections in the funeral home industry and prevent more tragedy.

“Enough is enough. It is long past time for funeral tragedies in our state to stop. Coloradans should be able to trust the services being provided during the most difficult moments of their families’ lives – but too often in Colorado, our state’s lack of oversight results in tragedy instead,” said Roberts, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “We worked hard this year to correct that. These new laws put in place stronger oversight that will hold funeral homes and crematories to a higher standard, and require folks who work in the industry to be licensed and in good standing. Combined, the laws will help restore faith in this valuable industry and ensure that Coloradans’ remains are handled with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.”

“Until today, we were the only state in the nation that did not require proper licensure for funeral professionals – these bills will help us ensure that our state’s funeral homes and crematories are operated by professionals only with the utmost respect and care,” said Titone, sponsor of SB24-173 and HB24-1335. “These bipartisan bills will expand and extend the Department of Regulatory Agencies' ability to inspect funeral homes and crematories as well as require proper oversight from licensed professionals. Colorado has unfortunately been at the center of many egregious instances of fabricated cremation records and the mishandling of bodies. Funeral homes and crematories must operate within the law – our public health and safety depends upon it and our loved ones deserve it.”

SB24-173, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, establishes licensure of funeral professionals in Colorado. Introduced following numerous tragedies at funeral homes and crematories across Colorado, the new law aligns Colorado with the 49 other states that already require education and licensure for those who work as funeral directors, mortuary scientists, cremationists, and embalmers. 

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 requires 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, 2027. 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 will be able to obtain a provisional license by showing they have worked at least 4,000 hours in the field, received the requisite workplace learning experience, passed a criminal background check, and will be subsequently eligible to qualify for full licensure.

The Governor also signed into law HB24-1335, which extends and expands regulations of the Mortuary Science Code, helping avoid future tragedies caused in part by a lack of oversight by the state.

Sponsored by Roberts, Gardner, Titone, and Soper, the new law also:

• Requires inspection of funeral homes and crematories on a routine basis, including after businesses have ceased operations;

• Allows inspections to occur outside business hours;

• Expands rulemaking authority for the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA);

• Adds failure to respond to complaints as grounds for discipline; and 

• Authorizes DORA to suspend the registration for persons who do not comply with orders following a complaint or investigation.

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Signed! Bipartisan Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers Becomes Law

ALAMOSA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Matthew Martinez and Senator Dylan Roberts that creates a refundable state income tax credit for a farm or ranch that uses certain stewardship practices that benefit the environment, such as improving soil health and water efficiency.

“With the help of this law,  we are ensuring that our farmers and ranchers are recognized and benefit from the work that they do to keep our lands thriving and conserving water as they utilize practices that improve soil health,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This tax credit will benefit our agriculture producers who invest in stewardship practices on their lands, saving them money while they produce and support agricultural systems for our state.”

“As Colorado continues to face drought, we must ensure we’re balancing the needs of our agricultural industry with stewardship practices that benefit the environment,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “This new law creates tax credits that will help improve soil health and water efficiency while supporting Colorado’s family farms and ranches. I’m proud to see this bipartisan policy – one of many we passed this year to support rural Colorado and our agriculture industry – signed into law today.”

HB24-1249, also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, and Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, creates a new refundable income tax credit from 2026 through 2030 for farms and ranches that engage in agricultural stewardship practices. These stewardship practices can include rotational grazing, reductions in tilling soil, compost application and other practices that increase soil health, improve water efficiency, or create more diverse and thriving ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch.

Under this law, farmers and ranchers are eligible for a refundable income tax credit determined by the number of stewardship practices that the farm or ranch uses. The tax credit amounts are:
·        Up to $75 per acre for one stewardship practice, with a maximum yearly credit of $150,000,
·        Up to $100 per acre for two stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $200,000, and
·        Up to $150 per acre for three or more stewardship practices, with a maximum yearly credit of $300,000.

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Signed! Right to Repair Electronic Equipment

DENVER, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to save consumers money and combat electronic waste. HB24-1121, sponsored by Representative Brianna Titone and Steven Woodrow and Senators Jeff Bridges and Nick Hinrichsen, would extend the current right to repair laws to certain electronic equipment, including cell phones, gaming systems, computers and televisions.

“Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, we should have more choices on how to fix them when they break,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “This new law will give consumers more options to fix their broken electronics, saving them money and time on costly repairs. Right to repair laws, like this one, are important for empowering consumers and keeping e-waste out of our landfills. From tractors to mobility devices, I’m proud to carry another consumer-focused right to repair law through the legislature and save Coloradans money.”

“Accidents happen, people drop their phones and break their screens every day, but because of ‘parts pairing’ and repair restrictions, owners aren’t allowed to fix their devices,” said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Colorado has led the nation in expanding right to repair laws, from agricultural equipment to wheelchairs to now electronics. This legislation is good for consumers, small businesses, and our economy.”

“Consumers should have the right to fix their stuff—computers and cell phones included,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “This law strengthens our state’s right to repair laws so that consumers can access the tools and tech they need. This law saves Coloradans money while reducing waste and pollution.”

“Manufacturer-imposed repair restrictions affect a wide variety of products from tractors to cell phones, resulting in surging costs, monopolistic business practices, and thousands of electronic devices thrown out every day,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you can’t repair something that’s yours, do you really own it? I would argue no, which is why this legislation is so important. Right to repair laws are essential for empowering consumers and ensuring a fair market.”

HB24-1121 will require certain digital electronic equipment manufacturers to comply with existing consumer right to repair laws. Specifically, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and others would need to provide software and physical tools to consumers and independent repair providers upon request so they can fix their broken electronics.

Under this law, OEMs can charge a fee for physical tools but software tools must be made available free of charge for the consumer. This law aims to save electronics consumers money on necessary equipment repairs while speeding up the repair process. HB24-1121 also prohibits parts pairing, a technology used by manufacturers to program certain parts together which restricts the consumer's ability to independently repair their devices and allows OEMs to monopolize replacement parts.

Last year, Rep. Titone championed a first-in-the-nation law for the right to repair agricultural equipment. This law saves farmers and ranchers money and time on costly agricultural equipment repairs. In 2022, Representatives Titone and Ortiz passed two trailblazing right to repair laws specifically for wheelchair users. These laws require wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts and software to consumers and eliminate the need for prior authorization to repair powered wheelchairs and other complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients. These laws provided the framework for HB24-1121.

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Governor Signs Hansen Bill to Prepare Future Workforce for Climate Change

Legislation connects high school students with hands-on experience

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed Senator Chris Hansen’s, D-Denver, bill to establish a Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement.

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

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

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

SIGNED! New School Finance Formula to Increase Equity in School Funding, Support Rural Districts

Bipartisan school finance formula drives more resources to support at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education students, and rural districts

AURORA, CO –  Governor Jared Polis today signed a monumental, bipartisan bill to support Colorado students. HB24-1448, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, Senator Rachel Zenzinger and Senator Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, will update Colorado’s outdated and inequitable school finance formula by increasing funding for rural schools and at-risk, special education, and English Language Learner students.

“This law is a monumental step forward for public education in Colorado and a breakthrough achievement for how we fund our schools,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “For far too long, our school finance formula has not invested in the students with the greatest needs, underfunding rural districts and those serving more children in poverty. The new, student-focused formula will increase funding for K-12 education and drive more resources to at-risk students, English Language Learners, special education, and rural school districts. Every student deserves a world class education no matter where they live, and with this new law, we will live up to our promise to set all Colorado students on a pathway to thrive.”

“For my entire time in the legislature I have worked diligently to ensure Colorado’s schools receive the support they need to thrive,” said Senator Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. “Whether as a member of the Joint Budget Committee, serving as Chair of the Education Committee, or as a member of the Public School Finance Task Force, I have been steeped in the development of Colorado’s school finance formula and I’m deeply invested in setting up our schools for future success. I am extremely proud of our work to update Colorado’s school funding formula to ensure it reflects the needs of every Colorado student – regardless of zip code. This new law will ensure that schools are funded equitably and that all students are receiving the resources they need to be successful.”

“With our historic buy-down of the budget stabilization factor, this is the time to update Colorado’s 30 year-old inequitable school finance formula to better reflect our state’s values,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “When it comes to public education in Colorado, we have not been meeting the needs of our most vulnerable students, including our at-risk, English Language Learners, and special education students. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in decades to direct additional dollars to the districts and classrooms serving students with the greatest needs. When we invest in high-quality public education, we’re investing in our future, and I’m beyond proud to be championing a law that prioritizes student outcomes and opportunity for every child in our state.”

HB24-1448 will update Colorado’s school finance formula which has not been significantly modified in 30 years. The current formula, which is built around district-centered factors rather than student needs, is confusing and overly complex. It directs more funding to wealthier districts, rather than directing funds to low-income students, English Language Learners, or those in special education who are shown not to achieve at the same levels as their peers.

This legislation implements the spirit of the recommendations of the School Finance Task Force, which reached overwhelming consensus, in order to drive more resources to the students who need them the most.

With hundreds of millions of additional dollars now going to public schools in Colorado, these changes, which will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and implement in a gradual phase-in over 6 years, will drive more of these new resources to historically underfunded districts with lower property wealth and that serve a higher number of at-risk students, English Language Learners, and Special Education students. When fully implemented, there will be $866 million in the formula for our at-risk students, $142.7 million for English Language Learners, and $240 million in the formula for our Special Education students, in addition to the constitutionally-required $375 million in the Special Education categorical.

The new formula puts students first by increasing the student weights for at-risk, English Language Learners, and adding a new special education factor, all set at 25 percent. Smaller districts with a concentration of 70 percent or higher at-risk students will receive an extra 7 percent, to total 32 percent, ensuring their high concentration of at-risk students get the additional funds they need. Funding for every district will increase by at least .5 percent year over year. The categorical funding for special education will continue to increase according to law and Amendment 23.

The new formula is simpler and better accounts for district characteristics by fixing the “Order of Operations” to emphasize student needs. It removes the multiplicative factors that change the base funding per pupil, which currently creates cascading funding impacts throughout the formula that are challenging to track. Instead, factors that increase funding for small districts or districts with high cost of living will be additive and easy to understand. It also creates a new remoteness factor to support rural schools and will hold harmless any districts that drop below current law funding. Access the school finance simulator here to see individual school district impacts.

SIGNED! 2024 School Finance Act to Pay Off Budget Stabilization Factor, Increase Education Funding to Historic Levels

School Finance Act will increase average per pupil funding by $780

AURORA, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed the 2024 School Finance Act, which sets funding levels for Colorado’s public school districts.

Sponsored by Senators Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, SB24-188 raises the base level of per-pupil funding by $780 to $11,450 per-pupil on average. This year’s School Finance Act increases total funding for public schools by more than $500 million to $9.7 billion and completely buys down the Budget Stabilization Factor, a longstanding goal that helps ensure Colorado students get the quality education they deserve.

"Fully funding our schools is one of the main reasons I ran for the state senate, and I am absolutely thrilled that the 2024 School Finance Act will make it happen,” Zenzinger said. “All our students deserve a quality education that meets their needs and prepares them for success. While we have much more to do to truly fully fund our schools, this year’s School Finance Act represents a great start, and will help reduce class sizes, increase teacher pay, and provide a world class education for our children and youth."

“After years of strategic budgeting and planning, the 2024 School Finance Act finally pays off the budget stabilization factor which means schools can increase teacher pay, reduce classroom sizes and better support our students living with disabilities,” said Bird. “This is a record-breaking increase of $780 per-pupil funding which brings the total per-pupil funding to more than $11,450 on average. My passion for public service began with the drive to fully fund our K-12 public schools and support our hardworking educators – this bill fulfills that promise and more to support each and every student in Colorado.”

“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former educator, ensuring our schools and students have the resources they need is personal to me, and this year’s School Finance Act will do just that,” said Buckner. “By eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor and fully funding K-12 education, we’re opening the door to so many more opportunities to improve our schools, support our teachers, and make Colorado the best state in the nation to learn and grow.”

“This year’s School Finance Act is historic because it fully eliminates the budget stabilization factor, increases per-pupil funding by nearly $780 on average and supports our rural school districts directly,” said McLachlan. “Our commitment to improving educational outcomes for each and every student is unwavering, and this year we’re stepping up to help recruit, retain, and support the educators who make all the difference in the education our kids receive. I’m beyond proud of our legislative efforts to drive resources to small rural schools and those who serve students with the greatest needs.”

Increased Funding for Rural Schools: Colorado’s small and large rural school districts often have a difficult time recruiting and maintaining a high-quality workforce needed to support Colorado students and school functions. In conjunction with legislation passed this year to update Colorado’s school funding formula, the 2024 School Finance Act eliminates rural school districts’ reliance on one-time funding, which makes it difficult for districts to plan ahead using multi-year budgets.

Ninth Grade Success Program: This important program helps ninth grade students with the skills they need to successfully reach tenth grade on-track, on-time and with their peers. This year’s School Finance Act increases funding for this program to support our students’ growth and educational trajectory.

Support for Students Living with a Disability: The 2024 School Finance Act amends the definition of “concurrent enrollment” to include students in special education. This means students living with a disability and those who receive transition services on their Individualized Education Program can access college-level courses for credit as well as some credential and apprenticeship programs to create stronger workforce pathways and opportunities.

Governor Signs Bills that Revitalize Colorado’s Community Solar Program, Modernize Electric Grid

Legislation aims to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act and position state to meet climate goals

BOULDER, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed two pieces of legislation that revitalize Colorado’s community solar program, set new standards for equitable clean energy policy, and modernize Colorado’s energy distribution systems. 

SB24-207, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, as well as Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, is a bipartisan law that will put Colorado in a strong position to leverage hundreds of millions of federal dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand access to the clean energy transition, upgrade Colorado’s electric grid, and reduce energy costs.

“Colorado has ambitious goals of rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity generation, building heating and cooling, water heating, and industrial fuel uses,” said Fenberg. “Our bills remove barriers to renewable energy, so every Coloradan who wants to access clean energy will be able to do so at a cost that won’t break the bank. With unprecedented federal funding opportunities through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, now is the time to revitalize Colorado’s grid and solar programs to meet our climate goals.”

“Colorado is committed to meeting our renewable energy goals, and this new law will make it easier for Coloradans to harness renewable energy power, no matter what their living situation is,” said Valdez. “This is an exciting bipartisan bill that allows Coloradans to utilize solar power even if they don’t have rooftop access of their own, saving them money and helping Colorado transition to green energy.”

“After the major power outages at the beginning of April, it was clear that utilities need to do more to guarantee energy resiliency during extreme weather or natural disasters,” said Hansen. “We need a strong electricity system to make sure we can reduce emissions, lower consumer costs, and improve reliability. A part of this also includes making Colorado’s community solar program more accessible to lower-income individuals and renters. Together, these policies will support our transition to clean energy while saving folks money on their energy bills.”

Community solar projects generate electricity that flows directly to the electricity grid. Community solar subscribers pay for a share of the electricity generated by the project, and then receive bill savings on their electricity bill in the form of a monthly credit. Community solar paired with storage alleviates stress on the grid and avoids costly transmission system upgrades.

Colorado was the first state in the nation to pass community solar legislation - however, only one percent of Xcel’s customers are able to participate in community solar due to the program’s outdated design and limited size. 

The law improves the future of community solar in Colorado by: 

• Requiring investor-owned utilities to continue allowing for the development of community solar projects;

• Reserving at least 51 percent of community solar projects for income-qualified residential subscribers;

• Delivering income-qualified residential customers a 25 percent bill credit discount, which increases to up to 50 percent with federal tax credits;

• Adopting subscriber enrollment methods and consumer protections; and

• Giving the Public Utilities Commission discretionary authority to evaluate community solar program requirements in 2028 and beyond.

In order to accomplish Colorado’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meet state and federal decarbonization targets, Colorado’s electric grid needs updating. The second law, SB24-218, also sponsored by Fenberg and Hansen, as well as Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, includes a suite of policy changes to modernize and prepare the electric grid for the future. Improving the distribution system helps communities and utility consumers electrify heating and cooling in buildings, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and solar energy, and reduce air pollution. 

“Colorado Democrats are making significant progress on environmental protections, and this law helps our state prepare for more electrification,” said Duran. “It’s crucial that we continue our efforts to combat climate change, which is why we passed this law to better expand our capacity to distribute electricity, support our workers, and create jobs.”

“Addressing the threats of climate change is a top priority of mine at the Capitol, and I am proud that our legislation is now Colorado law,” said Brown. “Renewable energy is on the rise, and we have to ensure our infrastructure is up-to-date to accommodate our new energy systems. This new law will boost our economy and modernize our electrical grid to ensure a safe and smooth transition to renewable energy.”

Coloradans have faced delays when installing electric vehicle chargers or rooftop solar, and delays in meeting our larger transportation and building electrification goals will persist if the distribution system isn’t updated. 

The law directs investor-owned utilities with more than 500,000 customers (qualified utility) to modernize the electric grid to the benefit of customers and to achieve state energy goals by:

• Improving distribution system planning to ensure investments meet transportation and building electrification goals, support distributed energy resources, and prepare for a changing energy marketplace;

• Addressing the cost allocation for infrastructure upgrades to avoid one customer paying for the cost of a system upgrade that would support state electrification goals and benefit other customers;

• Providing a long-term structure for how utilities will recover costs for distribution system upgrades while maintaining rate stability;

• Making workforce investments to provide the skilled workforce required to achieve these infrastructure upgrades;

• Clarifying the process and timeline for accommodating beneficial electrification loads and connecting customer-sited distributed energy resources to the qualified utility electrical grid;

• Establishing a Virtual Power Plant program that can help save customers money by taking advantage of distributed energy resources; and 

• Expanding the undergrounding of powerlines and other community benefit investments to avoid the risks of wildfires and power outages during severe weather events.

SIGNED! Fenberg Bill to Prevent Forced Mineral Development Becomes Law

Fenberg: “This bill creates guardrails that will allow local governments to decide for themselves whether their mineral holdings will be developed or not.”

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, that bolsters the rights of mineral owners, especially local governments, by putting protections around “forced pooling” orders was signed into law today. Forced pooling is the “mandatory consolidation of leased and unleased minerals to access one common underground mineral reserve.”

SB24-185 ensures publicly-owned minerals aren’t developed against the will of local governments. For forced pools of privately owned oil and gas, it promotes transparency around the process for proving that oil and gas operators own or control the requisite 45 percent of the mineral rights within a drilling unit in order to force pool the remaining minerals in the unit.

“Many local governments in Colorado own minerals that have been purchased with public funds, and because of our ‘forced pooling’ law, our communities have been forced to develop those minerals against their will and without their consent,” Fenberg said. “This bill creates guardrails that will allow local governments to decide for themselves whether their mineral holdings will be developed or not.”

Prior law required oil and gas operators to own or control 45 percent of the mineral rights within a drilling unit in order to force pool others’ minerals, but it did not require operators to submit sufficient evidence of their proportion of ownership or control. SB24-185 requires operators to provide a list of the public leases that make up the 45 percent threshold. 

The new law also prevents drilling from starting until a force pooling order has been issued, which ensures the 45 percent mineral right threshold has been met before extraction begins.

New Bill to Boost Electric Vehicle Charging Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed HB24-1173 into law, which will increase access to electric vehicle charging stations.

“Coloradans are adopting electric vehicles at record rates because they are less expensive to own and operate and are good for our air,” said Rep. Alex Valdez, D-Denver. “This new law will make it easier for drivers to charge up their vehicles and travel across our state. Making EVs cheaper and easier to own improves our environment, provides choices to consumers and saves Coloradans money.”

“Electric vehicles will reduce pollution and help us meet our statewide climate goals, while also saving Coloradans money on gas and maintenance costs,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “As more and more Coloradans make the switch to electric vehicles, we must have a charging infrastructure that gives drivers the freedom to move throughout our beautiful state. From the Eastern Plains to the Western Slope, this new law will ensure electric vehicle drivers are able to charge up and enjoy every corner of Colorado.”

“Expanding access to electric vehicles is a key component of our strategy to reduce emissions and create a healthier environment,” said Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont. “As someone who has traveled around a good part of Colorado in an EV, this new law will make it easier to find EV charging stations so we can give Coloradans more travel options while reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”

HB24-1173, sponsored by Representative Alex Valdez and Senators Kevin Priola and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, expands access to electric vehicle charging by removing barriers to new charging stations. The new law streamlines the permitting and approval process for new charging stations to make it easier for Coloradans to charge their EVs. The new law intends to balance local responsibilities while removing arbitrary roadblocks for new charging stations.

Polis Signs Bills to Reduce Emissions, Spur Renewable Energy

Denver, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will reduce emissions, spur renewable energy development and create jobs.

“New technologies can help Colorado meet our climate goals, improve our air quality, save money on energy, and create jobs,” said Rep. Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “The new laws signed today will advance geologic storage to reduce carbon in our atmosphere and make it easier for local communities to approve new renewable energy projects that lower costs for consumers. Together, these laws will deploy new technologies to boost our economy and protect our Colorado way of life.”

“Colorado is blazing our own trail to become a national leader on climate policy,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver, sponsor of HB24-1346 and SB24-212. “From providing support to local renewable energy projects to embracing new technologies, these bills are part of a comprehensive climate strategy that will benefit all Coloradans environmentally and financially.”

HB24-1346, sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Karen McCormick and Senators Chris Hansen and Kevin Priola, will reduce emissions by establishing a clear regulatory framework for the geologic storage of carbon. It also improves the Energy and Carbon Management Commission’s enforcement procedures.

“Carbon sequestration has the potential to create jobs and use our natural resources to reduce carbon pollution that is warming our planet and leading to more devastating climate consequences,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB24-1346. “As a geologist, I know that there are lots of opportunities for this new technology to help us meet our climate goals and support a Just Transition for our workforce. I’m excited Colorado will be at the forefront of developing the safe and responsible use of geologic storage to help address carbon pollution.”

SB24-212, sponsored by Senator Chris Hansen and President Steve Fenberg and Representatives Karen McCormick and Kyle Brown, will spur the development of renewable energy projects. The new law will make it easier for new projects to be approved by helping local governments develop codes and procedures for approving and reviewing new renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and the supporting energy transmission.

“Colorado needs to massively scale up our renewable energy capacity over the next 15 years if we’re serious about meeting our ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-212, said. “Development of renewable energy resources will benefit all Coloradans by generating cost savings on electricity bills, providing more stable energy prices, reducing harmful air pollution, and increasing our energy security.”.

“Renewable energy creates jobs, reduces costs for consumers and improves our air quality, which is why we are making it easier for these critical projects to get off the ground,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB24-212. “With this new law, local governments will have more tools to support renewable energy projects in Colorado, which will lead to lower energy costs, less reliance on fossil fuels and good paying jobs across our state.”

Gov. Polis Signs Two Bills to Support Students into Law

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two pieces of legislation to support Colorado students. SB24-164 will improve transparency surrounding higher education costs and reduce barriers to completing higher education degrees or certificate programs. HB24-1076 will create the Purple Star School Program to recognize K-12 public schools that provide support to military students and their families.

“Throughout my time as an educator and Chair of the Senate Education Committee, it became clear that bolstering the ways students can transfer hard-earned credits is essential to improving student outcomes,” said Senator Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB24-164. “This new law is a pivotal step towards creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado. By prioritizing the needs of students, we can pave the way for greater educational outcomes and economic mobility for students and families.”

“Creating a more inclusive, transparent, and student-centric higher education system in Colorado means we put students first,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, sponsor of SB24-164. “This law will make it easier for students pursuing higher education in Colorado to understand the cost of their degree or certificate. It will also ensure that students transferring from a community college to a four year institution receive credits they deserve for the classes they’ve successfully completed.”

SB24-164 is also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, R-Monument, and House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs. This law will make it easier to transfer college credits, improve transparency in higher education reporting, and ensure rights for students enrolled in postsecondary institutions.

Transparency requirements include:
·        Transparency of the cost of postsecondary education;
·        Seamless transfer of general education and transfer pathway courses;
·        Transparency regarding if credits are accepted or rejected from an institution; and
·        The ability to appeal an institution’s decision not to accept transfer credits.

A major challenge transfer students face is the transferability of postsecondary credits. On average, transfer students lose a full semester of credits, which translates to time and money lost. There are current methods that exist within Colorado’s higher education framework to ease transitions between higher education institutions such as transferable lower division courses, common course numbering, and guaranteed transfer pathways. SB24-164 will build on this framework by bolstering student rights and easing the transfer of course credits.

“Children of military families are especially vulnerable to the changes that come with moving schools, making new friends and joining extracurricular activities mid-season,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This legislation will help students that are part of military families during the transition process so they can focus on learning, growing and socializing within a program that fosters support.”

“Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “This new law will help uplift kids in military families by making sure they get the support they need to thrive at school. I’m proud to sponsor this law that will help military family members get connected to the support and resources they deserve.”

“This important law uplifts our military families which strengthens communities, supports our workforce and recognizes the day-to-day sacrifices made by those who serve our nation and their families,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, sponsor of HB24-1076. “As the representative for a community with a long tradition of military service, the bill getting signed into law today will help ease the school transition for kids in military families, making it easier to call our great state home.”

HB24-1076, also sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, establishes the Purple Star School Program to designate and recognize K-12 public schools that show a strong commitment to military-connected students and their families. The Purple Star School Program has been adopted by 42 other states and is proven to help military-connected students combat the academic and socio-emotional challenges they often face due to frequent relocation, transferring schools, parental deployment and changing environments.

To qualify for the Purple Star designation, schools must:
·        Designate a staff member as a Military Liaison,
·        Maintain a website with resources for military-connected students and families,
·        Maintain student-led transition programs, and
·        Offer professional development opportunities relating to military-connected students.

SIGNED! Bipartisan Bill to Restore Wolverines in Colorado

SB24-171 will enhance Colorado’s biodiversity

GEORGETOWN, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation to restore the North American wolverine in Colorado.

SB24-171, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, and Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo, authorizes 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.”

“Aiding in the restoration of wolverines in Colorado is a win-win for our state’s biodiversity and this threatened species,” said McLachlan. “This reintroduction is backed by biologists alongside a broad coalition of stakeholders and has been deliberated upon for years to effectively and safely bring wolverines back to Colorado. Our beautiful state provides the ideal mountainous habitat for wolverines, who live in solidarity and are built to withstand our cold, snowy winters.”

“Wolverines were a part of our state’s natural ecosystem for generations, and this law will responsibly and thoughtfully reintroduce them into the mountainous landscapes in Colorado they once called home,” said Mauro. “Adapted for scavenging and surviving cold, alpine temperatures, wolverines strengthen our state’s biodiversity. This reintroduction effort is years in the making with CPW leaders, including my dad, John Singletary, working to ensure the wolverine reintroduction would be science-based and what’s best for our state’s ecosystem.”

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. 

SB24-171 also requires 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 will be contingent on the federal government designating wolverines as a “nonessential experimental population” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.

Bipartisan Water Conservation Bill Signed Into Law

PAONIA, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bipartisan water conservation bill into law. HB24-1436 will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow the state to keep and spend all sports betting tax revenue to fund water conservation and protection projects.

“From agricultural use to recreation that drives our tourism economy, protecting Colorado’s waters is essential and will ensure its availability for generations to come,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We’re asking for a reaffirmed commitment from Colorado voters to fund our water conservation projects by keeping excess revenue from Colorado’s sports betting tax. I’m proud to carry this law to continue our bipartisan commitment to the future of water in Colorado.”

“Water is Colorado’s most precious natural resource, because it powers everything we do, from agriculture to our outdoor recreation economy, which is why I am fighting tooth and nail to secure our state’s water future,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Now, we’re giving Colorado voters an opportunity to join in the fight and allow sports betting revenue to fund critical water projects that will benefit communities across our state. I am proud of this bipartisan effort that will help protect our precious water resources and our Colorado way of life.”

In 2019, Colorado voters approved Proposition DD, allowing the state to keep and spend $29 million of sports betting tax revenue per year for water conservation efforts. Current law requires any additional revenue above $29 million to be refunded to casinos and online sports betting entities.

HB24-1436, also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, and Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, will refer a ballot measure to Colorado voters to allow revenue above the $29 million cap to be transferred to the Water Plan Implementation Cash Fund. This fund supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects.

Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts also sponsored legislation this session to restore critical protections for Colorado’s streams, rivers and wetlands for Colorado waters that are not federally protected.

Bills to Improve Wildfire Mitigation in Rural Communities, Continue Wildfire Prevention Awareness Signed Into Law

NEW CASTLE, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation that will improve wildfire mitigation. HB24-1006 will make it easier for rural communities to locate and apply for state and federal wildfire prevention grants. HB24-1024 will expand wildfire prevention efforts through community education.

“Rural communities like mine are often most at risk for wildfire-related damage and displacement,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024. “HB24-1006 will connect rural communities to state and federal wildfire mitigation grants and assist with the application process so they can prevent wildfire devastation and keep their homes and businesses safe. I’m also proud that HB24-1024 is now law, extending the Colorado State Forest Service wildfire outreach campaign so we can continue efforts that will make our communities more wildfire-resilient.”

“We must use every tool available to protect our communities and prepare for the increased number and intensity of wildfires,” said Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, sponsor of HB24-1006 and HB24-1024. “These new laws will help get these tools and valuable information into communities under threat of wildfire, including those in under-resourced rural communities.”

“Rural communities often have fewer resources to mitigate destructive wildfires, which can leave communities in disarray,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, sponsor of HB24-1006. “This law makes it easier for our rural communities to find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. From wildfire prevention tactics to increased emergency response efforts, there are many wildfire mitigation efforts that can keep our communities safe and better prepared.”

HB24-1006 will help rural communities find and apply for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants. Specifically, this law establishes a rural grant navigator program within the Colorado State Forest Service to aid rural communities in locating and applying for wildfire mitigation grants. Grants can help communities obtain the resources they need to combat wildfires through prevention tactics, response efforts, and risk management.

HB24-1024 requires the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) to continue its enhanced wildfire outreach campaign through 2027, as well as other outreach efforts that increase awareness of wildfire risk mitigation in the wildland-urban interface.

“Many Colorado communities are in wildfire-prone areas, but the Marshall Fire tragedy taught us that we must be prepared for the worst as wildfires can quickly spread into our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Tammy Story, D-Conifer, sponsor of HB24-1024. “This new law will expand on the great work that the Colorado State Forest Service has done to educate Coloradans on wildfire risk and mitigation strategies so we can continue to protect our communities from wildfires.”

This legislation builds on a 2022 law, also sponsored by Representative Story, that directed CSFS to create a working group and implement an enhanced wildfire awareness month outreach campaign for 2023 and 2024.

SIGNED! Bipartisan Bills to Make Mountain Roads Safer

CMVs represent about 7 percent of traffic, but account for more than 52 percent of traffic incidents; and wrecks involving CMVs take nearly twice as long to clear as passenger incidents

GYPSUM, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law bipartisan legislation that would improve safety and keep traffic flowing on Colorado’s mountain highways and better enforce commercial driving infractions.

SB24-100, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Perry Will, R-New Castle, and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction, improves 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 also bans commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from driving in the left lane on I-70 in several key stretches where crashes are most frequent and disruptive, except to lawfully pass.

“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. By increasing commonsense safety measures, these bipartisan bills will make I-70 and mountain passes safer.”

“My community of Glenwood Springs experiences the most accidents of the entire stretch of I-70, and road closures due to these accidents can have negative consequences on our businesses and the safety of our residents,” said Velasco. “When I-70 is closed, employees can’t make it to work and first responders can’t address an emergency in a timely manner. The goal of our new law is to reduce accidents on I-70 so we can keep our roads open and communities safe.”

SB24-100 further expands locations where CDOT may require traction equipment from parts of I-70 to key mountainous stretches of other state and U.S. highways, and to enable this, directs CDOT to study additional locations for chain-up stations. It also gives port of entry officers the powers of a peace officer when enforcing highway closures.

HB24-1135, sponsored by Representatives Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, as well as Roberts and Will, aims to increase road safety by keeping unqualified commercial drivers off the road. First, it upgrades the severity of three offenses from traffic infraction to class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense: operating a CMV without a commercial driver license; operating a commercial motor vehicle while under 21 years of age; or driving a commercial vehicle with more than one license. It also adds legal accountability for employers who knowingly employ underage or unlicensed drivers. 

“Coloradans deserve to drive on safe roads, and our law will create stronger guardrails to help prevent traffic accidents,” said Snyder. “This new law will help ensure that people have the proper qualifications to operate commercial vehicles so Coloradans can have peace of mind while on our roads.” 

Additionally, during the 2024 legislative interim, the bill requires the Transportation Legislation Review Committee to analyze the enforcement of impaired driving offenses, including situations involving a driver that refuses to take or complete a blood or breath test as required by law.

Sponsors Release Statement on Bills to Make Youth Sports Safer

DENVER, CO – Senate President Pro Tempore James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, the sponsors of SB24-113, and Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsors of HB24-1080, released the following statement today regarding their bills to make youth sports safer in Colorado:

"Youth sports are important for kids to grow, play, and learn - and when families sign their kids up for youth sports programs, they should be able to trust their kids are safe. We've worked hard this session on policies that ensure adults who run youth sports are safe, and can be trusted to be around our children. SB 113 requires youth sports coaches to complete abuse prevention training and abide by a code of conduct policy, while also establishing a process for handling violations of the policy. And HB 1080 requires background checks and CPR training for youth sports coaches. Taken together, these measures ensure children participating in out-of-school sports programs are surrounded by adults who have gone through background checks and basic health and safety training. We urge Governor Polis to sign both pieces of legislation into law, to keep kids safe."

SIGNED! Legislation to Reduce Lead and Noise Pollution, Protect Colorado’s Air

SUPERIOR, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to reduce lead and noise pollution caused by airplanes.  HB24-1235, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Shannon Bird and Senate President Steve Fenberg and Senator Rachel Zenzinger, will protect communities from aviation fuel lead emissions and noise pollution.

“More than 25 years after the phase-out of leaded gasoline for passenger vehicles, leaded aviation fuel is still present in Colorado and can have adverse health effects on our communities, especially children and youth,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “This law will improve our public health and help transition aircraft away from the use of leaded fuel. Our community-driven legislation works to ensure that airports are good neighbors to their surrounding communities by addressing both the dangers of lead exposure and the quality of life impacts of noise pollution.”

“Over the last few years, I have received countless constituent emails, phone calls, and town hall questions about pervasive noise and lead pollution caused by aviation,” Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, said. “Time and time again, impacted Coloradans were told that due to federal preemption, there was nothing that could be done to protect them from these negative impacts. This year, we got creative and came up with a policy that asks airports to do their part to reduce aviation noise while supporting them in their transition away from leaded fuels. However, this marks just the first step in meaningfully addressing the problem. There’s much more work ahead to ensure impacted communities and regional airports can coexist in Colorado.”

“As our state’s population grows, smaller airports are seeing more traffic than ever before, which means increased noise and air pollution in our communities,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “Coloradans have the right to live peacefully in their homes without the constant noise of low level air traffic; this law will require creation of noise mitigation plans and airports will need to help educate pilots about how they can minimize their impact on residential neighborhoods. There is no safe level of lead exposure for our children, and our law works to clean up our air while prioritizing the health of our neighbors.”

“Communities I represent in Jefferson County are experiencing firsthand the effects of aviation noise and lead pollution,” Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada, said. “These adverse impacts take a toll on a person’s well-being and simply shouldn’t have to be a part of life for folks living near regional airports like Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. This important law is our response to community concerns to help neighborhoods and airports find a way to coexist, protect the health of Coloradans, and make sure our state remains a great place to live and raise a family.”

HB24-1235 will help ensure communities and airports coexist better by easing the transition to unleaded fuels for aircraft owners and airports and ensuring airports maintain sustained noise mitigation efforts. Specifically, this law:
·        Incentivizes aircraft owners to transition their planes from using leaded to unleaded fuel by providing a refundable income tax credit for qualified expenses
·        Ensures that the lesser of 10 percent or $1.5M of State Aviation System grant funding per year goes toward aiding the transition to unleaded aviation gasoline
·        Requires grant recipients to both adopt a plan for phasing out sales of leaded gasoline by 2030, and establishes a noise abatement plan
·        Adds two members to the Colorado Aeronautical Board who are residents of communities affected by aviation
·        Requires the Division of Aeronautics to work with the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to evaluate, educate,  and provide technical assistance to airports regarding adverse impacts of aircraft noise and leaded aviation fuel

This new law aims to respond to community concerns about increased aviation activity in the Denver Metro area which is home to two of the top five airports with the most general aviation activity in the country. Leaded fuel, commonly used by recreation pilots and pilots-in-training, is a leading source of lead emissions and excessive exposure to lead has many harmful health effects across various bodily functions.

Signed! Legislation to Streamline Sustainability Practices, Help Colorado Reach Climate Goals

New law creates the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals

BOULDER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Hansen, D-Denver, and Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Representatives Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, to create the Office of Sustainability to coordinate efforts to implement Colorado’s climate goals.

“Colorado has passed nation-leading legislation in recent years to set reasonable and reachable climate goals and put us on a path to a sustainable future,” said Hansen. “With the many policies we’ve passed, there are a number of agencies and offices working independently towards the same goals. The Colorado Office of Sustainability will ensure these many moving parts are working in concert to implement our climate goals, reduce emissions, and put our state on a path to climate sustainability for generations to come.”

“Colorado’s beauty is part of what makes our state so special, and it’s important that we do our part to meet the climate goals we’ve created to protect our environment and our communities,” said Amabile. “With our new law, we’re better aligning sustainability measures across numerous state agencies and higher education institutions to promote more environmentally sustainable practices.”

“From my first day as a legislator, I've worked on sustainability issues,” Cutter said. “It is critical that we fully support and employ in state agencies the practices that align with our goals and values as a state. From coordinating efforts on sustainable infrastructure projects to leveraging federal funding available for sustainable practices, the Office of Sustainability will be a critical asset as we continue our work to achieve Colorado’s climate goals.”

“Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws in the past few years to help us meet our climate goals, but it can be difficult for all of the agencies and offices that are running sustainability programs to coordinate effectively,” said McCormick. “Our new law creates the Colorado Office of Sustainability to support clean energy technology adoption and boost coordination so we can reach our climate goals in an efficient and impactful way.”

SB24-214 creates the Office of Sustainability within the Department of Personnel and Administration to streamline sustainability practices across state agencies. The Office is charged with:

• Facilitating sustainable infrastructure projects with other state agencies, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, and waste diversion;

• Conserving water, including through xeriscaping and native plant landscaping;

• Developing baseline metrics for reducing negative environmental impacts;

• Tracking financial savings from implementation of sustainability policies; and

• Seeking federal funding to support sustainability practices.

The law also advances a range of other measures to make progress on state climate goals including: 

• Creating the Sustainability Revolving Fund to replace state-owned gas and diesel-powered equipment located in the ozone nonattainment area on the Front Range;

• Initiating a study to advance the adoption of energy-efficient heat pump technology; and

• Requiring newly constructed buildings that receive state financial assistance – which is growing due to new investments in affordable housing – to use energy-efficient appliances.

SIGNED! Legislation Aimed at Establishing Passenger Rail for Colorado Becomes Law

SB24-184 creates dedicated funding to leverage historic federal investment from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for reliable, safe, and convenient transit and passenger rail for Colorado

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law legislation aimed at leveraging millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to Colorado and expanding public transportation options across the state.

SB24-184, sponsored by Senate President Steve Fenberg, D-Boulder, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, alongside House Speaker Julie McClusike, D-Dillon, and Representative Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, implements a congestion impact fee that will offset climate impacts and mitigate the congestion caused by rental vehicles. Revenue generated from the fee will create a sustainable funding source to be used as a matching source for federal investment opportunities for statewide rail, as well as other forms of public transportation.

“For years Coloradans have been waiting for the promise of a fast, efficient passenger rail system that makes it easy, safe, and affordable to travel all across our great state,” Fenberg said. “Now, with the availability of critical federal funds through President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver on that promise. I am excited to have championed this new law that will secure more efficient transit options while cutting emissions, reducing traffic, and connecting communities across Colorado.” 

“Once in a generation federal infrastructure funding is giving us the opportunity to build an expanded passenger rail system that will create the transportation options Coloradans have been asking for,” said McCluskie. “In addition to creating transit that reduces traffic and air pollution, passenger rail projects, including Mountain Rail, will create Colorado jobs and boost economies throughout the state. This law is a long time in the making, and I am excited to make significant progress towards passenger rail infrastructure.”    

“Expanding our transit system and making it easier for folks in my district to travel across our great state is a key priority of mine at the Capitol,” said Marchman. “Expanding passenger rail service will connect communities like mine with the rest of the state and save people both time and money on their commutes, all while emitting less pollution and reducing traffic. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity to expand our transit options so that more Coloradans can get where they need to go safely and efficiently." 

“The Front Range Passenger Rail is a long time in the making, and this law will help us secure federal funding by creating a long-term funding mechanism to make expanded passenger rail a reality across Front Range communities,” said Boesenecker. “From Fort Collins and the Western Slope to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Coloradans have been asking for more transit options. This law will build on existing transit systems and expand transit partnership opportunities to ensure we’re providing transportation services that work for the needs of our communities.”

The law encourages RTD, Front Range Passenger Rail, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to coordinate efforts to secure the funding needed to establish passenger rail service from Denver to Fort Collins.

It also directs the Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) to use three studies in the near term to fund regionally important transit and rail projects originating from the Front Range Passenger Rail Service Development Plan, the Mountain Corridor Service Development Plan, and the Statewide Connectivity study that aims to build a more comprehensive statewide bus system, building on the successes of Bustang, Snowstang and Pegasus.

Finally, SB24-184 requires CTIO to create a new, multimodal strategic capital plan that aligns with CDOT’s ten-year plan, statewide transit plans, greenhouse gas pollution reduction goals, and other greenhouse gas reduction priorities and pollution reduction planning standards.