Bill to Improve Building Accessibility for Coloradans with Disabilities Clears Senate Committee

HB25-1030 would require local governments to ensure building codes incorporate accessibility standards in new and renovated buildings

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve accessibility standards for Coloradans with disabilities sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today. 

“Coloradans with disabilities deserve the opportunity to move about freely and fully participate in society,” said Cutter. “They deserve equal access to public buildings and services. This bill moves us closer to making these things a reality, and to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law nearly 35 years ago.”

“The heart of this bill is about letting all our neighbors live with dignity and respect. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 35 years ago, yet many buildings are inaccessible to many,” said Winter. “One step forward to ensure that we're increasing accessibility is to have local governments update their building codes. Everyone should be able to fully participate in all aspects of society and not be limited by access to a building.”

Beginning January 1, 2026, HB25-1030 would require local governments to ensure that new or substantially amended building codes meet or exceed international accessibility standards. It would also require the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to ensure building codes for public school and health facilities meet these standards. 

For hotels, motels and multiple dwellings in jurisdictions with no local building code, the State Housing Board would be responsible for meeting or exceeding these standards. 

This bill is another in a series of steps Colorado Democrats have taken in recent years to support Colorado’s disability community, including creating the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to serve as an official resource for implementing a statewide strategy to promote successful economic, social, and community integration.

HB25-1030 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Senate Passes Bill to Address High Cost of Child Care

SB25-004 would create transparency with application and waitlist fees for private child care centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, to address the high cost of child care passed the Senate today.

SB25-004 would require private child care centers to provide a transparent fee schedule upon registration, when joining a waitlist, or at the request of a family. The bill would also require application or waitlist fees to be refundable after six months if a child is not admitted and remains on the waitlist. 

"The rising cost of child care is a significant hurdle for countless families across Colorado," said Marchman. "By establishing clear guidelines for application and wait list fees as well as deposits, we can provide tangible relief to working families. With application fees often exceeding $175 per child, these costs add up quickly and put unnecessary pressure on household budgets. This bill ensures child care becomes more affordable and accessible, empowering more families to find the care they need without financial hardship."

"The lack of transparency on child care fees burdens families with unexpected expenses," said Winter. "I hear from so many parents in my community that they are struggling to find child care. Limiting waitlist fees and adding transparency to application fees on child care center websites and forms reduces financial uncertainty and helps parents make informed decisions about what’s best for them."

These requirements would apply to private child care programs outside the Universal Preschool Program, Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, and Head Start. A center may charge a deposit, but if admitted, the deposit must go towards tuition of child care. 

SB25-004 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Marchman Bill to Analyze a Statewide Single-Payer Health Care System Advances

DENVER, CO – Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bill to analyze model legislation for a statewide universal single-payer health care system passed the Senate today.

SB25-045 would require the School of Public Health at the University of Colorado to create a report on the model legislation and would establish the Statewide Health Care Analysis Collaborative in the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to assist the school in developing its report.

“Colorado faces significant health care affordability issues, especially in rural areas,” said Marchman. “Senate Bill 45 is a fact-finding and data-driven approach to analyze the potential for a single-payer, publicly financed health-care payment system in Colorado. This important bill will ensure we get the facts straight with a thorough, independent review of costs, funding sources, and feasibility of such a system before we take legislative action on major health care reform.”

By December 31, 2026, the school would be required to acquire model legislation developed by a nonprofit to enact a universal single-payer health care system and submit a report on the legislation that analyzes costs and connections to federal law, identifies possible revenue sources to cover costs, and evaluates the feasibility of other models.

Under the bill, funding for the study is dependent on receipt of sufficient gifts, grants, or donations.

SB25-045 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Improve Wildfire Response Pass Committee

SB25-007 and SB25-015 would update existing wildfire resiliency and emergency response measures

DENVER, CO – Two bills sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, that would improve Colorado’s prevention of and response to wildfires passed the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today. 

“Because of the real impacts of climate change, we are living with an unpredictable and increasing threat of devastating wildfire,” said Cutter. “As a longtime member and current chair of the Wildfire Matters Review Committee, I am committed to championing solutions that address all facets of this issue. Prescribed burning and easily accessible information on all facets of wildfire are important tools in the toolbox to help protect Coloradans and our forests.”

“We’ve learned so many lessons from the catastrophic wildfires of recent years, and among the most important of those is to be prepared,” said Marchman. “It is imperative that we strengthen our use of proactive, science-backed approaches like prescribed burns to address dangerous conditions and keep our forests healthy before we find ourselves in a disastrous situation.”

SB25-007 would encourage the use of prescribed burns as a wildfire resilience tool by creating the Prescribed Fire Claims Cash Fund within the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to pay compensation for claims from damage caused by prescribed burns. Unintended damage is rare, but a lack of liability coverage is often a barrier to conducting beneficial prescribed burns. The bill would also create a new avenue for individuals to obtain a ‘certified burner’ designation from the Department of Public Safety, allowing them to conduct prescribed burns on private lands if they are certified in another state.

SB25-015 would scale up Colorado’s existing Wildfire Information and Resource Center website to improve emergency response by requiring the Division of Fire Prevention and Control to post updated information like wildfire statuses, burning restrictions, and prescribed burn activities. 

Both bills were recommended by the Wildfire Matters Review Interim Committee, a bipartisan group of lawmakers tasked with developing legislation to bolster the forestry workforce and improve wildfire mitigation strategies. 

SB25-007 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee and SB25-015 moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. 

Bill to Enhance Support for Military-Connected Children with Disabilities Passes Committee

SB25-073 would guarantee equal rights to enrollment and access to appropriate services for children with disabilities of active-duty military members

DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to support children with disabilities of active duty military members passed the Senate Education Committee today with unanimous support. 

Cosponsored by Senator Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, SB25-073 would clarify that Colorado students with disabilities who are children of active duty military members are entitled to the same rights to open enrollment and guaranteed matriculation as any student who lives in the public school district. It would also require school districts and charter schools to ensure those students receive the appropriate services. 

“Changing schools and hopping from one military base to the next is difficult enough, and a lack of timely access to disability services exacerbates those difficulties tenfold,”said Marchman. “No child should be deprived of access to the educational pathways they need because of their background or ability. This bill would give them the support they need to seize every opportunity available to them and ensure every student has  the potential to succeed.”

In addition to ensuring equal right to enrollment and access to necessary services, the bill clarifies guidelines for providing special education services to students who transfer to a Colorado school from another district or from out-of-state as a result of an active duty military member’s order to change stations. It would also require school districts and charter schools to notify incoming military families of the rights of their children to receive special education services.

SB25-073 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Freedom to Read Legislation Passes Senate

SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries

DENVER, CO – Legislation to create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a written policy on the acquisition, use, and removal of library resources passed the Senate today.

SB25-063, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would require local school boards and the Charter School Institute (CSI) to establish a policy to ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair, and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the CSI could not remove a library resource from its collection. 

“Free societies don’t ban books,” said Cutter. “This bill will ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature, including works that might challenge preconceived notions or present uncomfortable truths. By doing so, we empower Colorado's children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As diverse identities are being erased and marginalized throughout the country, it has never been more important to protect the freedom to read.”

“As an author and owner of a publishing company, I am committed to telling stories that would not otherwise be told,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These are the stories that end up on banned book lists. While other states enact laws to criminalize educators and restrict access to books, this bill sends a strong message that Colorado values our students’ freedom to access diverse voices and opinions.”

SB25-063 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. 

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Bill to Safeguard Voting Rights in Colorado Law Passes Committee

The Colorado Voting Rights Act would strengthen voter protections and access amidst federal uncertainty

DENVER, CO – In anticipation of efforts to dismantle the national Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits discriminatory election practices, the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee approved legislation to protect and strengthen the right to vote in Colorado yesterday. 

SB25-001, sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would codify stronger voter protections, expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities, and prohibit discriminatory election practices, even if federal protections are rolled back.

“The right to vote is under attack by a federal administration testing the limits of its power,” said Gonzales. “Generations of brave activists, women, and people of color have fought for the right to vote – and now, it’s our turn. This bill would ensure that in Colorado, no matter your gender, race, or the language you speak, your sacred right to vote is protected.”

The bill would expand access to multilingual ballots in local elections, protect access for eligible voters confined in local jails, require residential facilities that house people with disabilities to provide nonpartisan voter information, and empower the Attorney General to enforce voting rights. The bill would also prohibit impairing an individual’s right to vote based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, and would create a publicly available, statewide database of election information, without compromising any personal voter data.

SB25-001 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Senate Approves Bill to Fully Implement and Enforce Colorado’s High-Capacity Magazine Prohibition

DENVER, CO – Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, legislation to fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition passed the Colorado Senate today.

In 2013, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, those intent on evading existing law are able to cross state lines to legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms.

SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic firearm, like binary triggers. 

“High-capacity magazines are what put the ‘mass’ into mass shootings, which is why over a decade ago Colorado Democrats passed legislation to prohibit magazines that hold over 15 rounds of ammunition,” said Sullivan. “This legislation is another in the list of policies I have worked on to develop evidence-based solutions and reduce gun violence of all types. The people of Colorado have mandated that we do something about the public health crisis that is gun violence, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

“Gun violence continues to have devastating effects on Colorado communities, and we must do more to protect lives,” said Gonzales. “The firearm industry’s profits come, time and again, at the expense of public safety and something has to change. Senate Bill 3 is about holding firearm manufacturers to account, ending the industry’s profit motivation, and enforcing the law we have had on the books for more than a decade. I’m honored to join Senator Sullivan on this legislation and in his work to reduce gun violence in Colorado.”

An amendment was added to allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing thorough vetting by a local sheriff and completing a firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. Certification would last five years. If after those five years, an individual seeks to purchase a semiautomatic firearm, they would again be required to be vetted by a local sheriff and take a refresher course. 

Additional amendments expand the definition of heir to include individuals beyond the next of kin to whomever one may designate in their will, and ensure a gunsmith instructor at a private or public school regulated by the state may purchase a semiautomatic firearm.

Additionally, SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns. The sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill would not impact possession of currently-owned firearms.

SB25-003 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Worker Protection Act

Legislation would update the 80-year old Colorado Labor Peace Act

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today approved Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, legislation to update Colorado’s labor law on a preliminary vote.

SB25-005, the “Worker Protection Act,” would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act by eliminating the requirement for employees to conduct a second election to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process.

“Colorado is the only state that requires a second election to achieve union security, putting up an additional obstacle for workers who want the freedom to negotiate to put more money in the pockets of working families, decrease the wealth gap and increase worker safety,” said Rodriguez. “Aligning Colorado’s labor laws with most other states requiring only one election will empower workers to stand up to level the playing field with corporate employers.”

“We have an obligation to do right by hardworking Coloradans who are demanding we pass the Worker Protection Act,” said Danielson. “It is time we change the 80-year-old law that makes it hard for workers to unionize. Let’s make it easier for workers to get better pay, better benefits, and more safety on the job, and pass the Worker Protection Act.”

Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the ​​National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. The proposed legislation would modernize the Colorado Labor Peace Act by repealing the requirement for the second election.

SB25-005 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response

SB25-042 would address gaps in crisis response resources so that Coloradans experiencing a behavioral health crisis get the care they need

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve and better integrate behavioral health crisis response resources passed the Senate today.

SB25-042, sponsored by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would help people with serious mental illness access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. 

“We’ve made significant progress over the past several years in expanding access to behavioral health care and lowering costs of mental health treatment,” said Cutter. “However, Colorado still has serious gaps when it comes to emergency crisis response. This bill puts together several life-saving improvements so that Coloradans can access the treatment they need during a behavioral health crisis.”

“The fight to improve mental health care is personal for me, and a top priority in my work as a legislator,” said Amabile. “Coloradans with serious mental illnesses cycle through emergency rooms, jail, and even homelessness because of gaps in our crisis response resources. This bill will help Coloradans access the care they need to get better.”

The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also convene a group to compile and publish resources on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. 

SB25-042 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Bill to Fully Implement and Enforce Colorado’s High-Capacity Magazine Prohibition Earns Initial Senate Approval

DENVER, CO – Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, legislation to fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing high-capacity magazine prohibition earned initial approval by the Colorado Senate today.

In 2013, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Currently, those intent on evading existing law are able to cross state lines to legally buy magazines in neighboring states and attach them to high-powered, military-style firearms.

SB25-003 would fully implement and enforce Colorado’s existing law by prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill would also prohibit the purchase and sale of after-market accessories that increase the rate of fire of a semiautomatic firearm, like binary triggers. 

“High-capacity magazines are what put the ‘mass’ into mass shootings, which is why over a decade ago Colorado Democrats passed legislation to prohibit magazines that hold over 15 rounds of ammunition,” said Sullivan. “This legislation is another in the list of policies I have worked on to develop evidence-based solutions and reduce gun violence of all types. The people of Colorado have mandated that we do something about the public health crisis that is gun violence, so that’s what we’re going to do.”

“Gun violence continues to have devastating effects on Colorado communities, and we must do more to protect lives,” said Gonzales. “The firearm industry’s profits come, time and again, at the expense of public safety and something has to change. Senate Bill 3 is about holding firearm manufacturers to account, ending the industry’s profit motivation, and enforcing the law we have had on the books for more than a decade. I’m honored to join Senator Sullivan on this legislation and in his work to reduce gun violence in Colorado.”

An amendment was added to allow a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing thorough vetting by a local sheriff and completing a thorough firearm certification course that includes information on safe gun usage, federal and state firearm laws, deescalation and crisis intervention strategies, range time, and more. Certification would last five years. If after those five years an individual seeks to purchase a semiautomatic firearm, they would again be required to be vetted by a local sheriff and take a refresher course. 

Additional amendments expand the definition of heir to include individuals beyond the next of kin to whomever one may designate in their will, and ensure a gunsmith instructor at a private or public school regulated by the state may purchase a semiautomatic firearm.

Additionally, SB25-003 would prohibit the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns. The sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, would not be impacted by the bill. The bill would not impact possession of currently-owned firearms.

SB25-003 will be heard on third reading in the Senate before moving to further consideration by the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Senate Votes to Advance Worker Protection Act

Legislation would update the 80-year old Colorado Labor Peace Act

DENVER, CO – The Colorado Senate today advanced Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, legislation to update Colorado’s labor law on a preliminary vote.

SB25-005, the “Worker Protection Act,” would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act by eliminating the requirement for employees to conduct a second election to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process.

“Colorado is the only state that requires a second election to achieve union security, putting up an additional obstacle for workers who want the freedom to negotiate to put more money in the pockets of working families, decrease the wealth gap and increase worker safety,” said Rodriguez. “Aligning Colorado’s workers’ laws with most other states requiring only one election will empower workers to stand up to level the playing field with corporate employers.”

“We have an obligation to do right by hardworking Coloradans who are demanding we pass the Worker Protection Act,” said Danielson. “It is time we change the 80-year-old law that makes it hard for workers to unionize. Let’s make it easier for workers to get better pay, better benefits, and more safety on the job, and pass the Worker Protection Act.”

Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the ​​National Labor Relations Act and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. The proposed legislation would modernize the Colorado Labor Peace Act by repealing the requirement for the second election.

SB25-005 will be heard on third reading in the Senate before moving to further consideration by the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Strengthen Shield Protections for Reproductive Health Care Clears Committee

SB25-129 would protect patients and providers from hostile out-of-state attacks on reproductive health care

DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for reproductive health care passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. 

SB25-129, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would strengthen Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive health care. 

“We have worked hard in Colorado to protect the freedom to decide what to do with our futures and our bodies, and we won’t allow anyone to put these freedoms in danger,” said Cutter. “As attacks on reproductive rights continue across the country, we are working to implement strong and responsive laws in Colorado to shield health care patients and providers from hostile out-of-state action.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law would expand protections for patients, providers, and helpers against interstate criminal and civil threats. These measures, like prescription label privacy, telehealth protections, and robust legal safeguards, will ensure that Colorado remains a national leader for reproductive health care and freedom.” 

The bill would protect providers by allowing their name to be excluded from a medication abortion label and requiring subpoena requests to include an affirmation that they do not pertain to legally protected health care. The bill would also prohibit attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses, and insurers from complying with hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. 

Finally, the bill would update Colorado’s 2024 telehealth law to clarify that out-of-state health care providers offering telehealth services to Colorado patients are protected under the state’s shield law. 

In 2023, Colorado Democrats passed legislation to establish shield laws to protect health care providers and people who travel to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care from out-of-state lawsuits and criminal prosecution. 
 
The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track SB25-129’s progress HERE.

Pair of Bills to Improve Treatment of People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System Pass Committee

SB25-041 & HB25-1058 would refine competency restoration and sanity examinations while expanding supportive housing for incarcerated individuals

DENVER, CO – A pair of bills sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to improve the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal justice system passed the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their interactions with law enforcement and the justice system, especially people battling serious behavioral health issues,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These bills work to streamline and protect access to the resources that the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system need to heal and eventually re-enter their communities feeling healthier, stronger and more productive.” 

“Coloradans seeking support in the aftermath of mental health crises deserve comprehensive care and a system willing to treat them with dignity,” said Amabile. “Every American is owed the right to fair criminal trial, and we owe it to victims, defendants, their families and their communities to implement an equitable and dignified environment for proceedings to take place.”

Approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee today, SB25-041 would allow the Colorado Department of Human Services to continue providing inpatient services for up to 90 days after an individual’s case is dismissed because the person is deemed “incompetent to proceed.” The bill also allows the department to work with community organizations to provide permanent supportive housing for these individuals or those who complete the Bridges of Colorado program.

Earlier this week the committee also approved HB25-1058, which would update protections for defendants pleading not guilty by reason of insanity by explicitly prohibiting “truth serums” and polygraph tests from sanity examinations, an antiquated practice that is no longer used but still legal. In addition, if a sanity examination is recorded, the bill would prohibit a defendant from being dressed in prison or jail clothing and prohibit restraints from being visible on the recording.

SB25-041 and HB25-1058 were recommended by the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, which is responsible for overseeing its associated task force and implementing recommendations regarding the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems until 2027.

SB25-041 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and HB25-1058 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration. 

Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes Committee

SB25-008 would streamline access to necessary legal documents for vulnerable populations

DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program requires 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, would update the program to allow eligible individuals to access ID 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,” said Hinrichsen. “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.”

“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,” said Kipp. “This adjustment is necessary to ensure that our Necessary Documents Program is utilized to its full potential.”

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

SB25-008 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

ICYMI: Senate Committee Passes Bill to Address the High Cost of Child Care

SB25-004 would create transparency with application and waitlist fees for private child care centers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, to address the high cost of child care passed the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee yesterday.   

SB25-004 would require private child care centers to provide a transparent fee schedule before applications are submitted. The bill would also require application or waitlist fees to be refundable after six months if the child is not admitted and remains on the waitlist. 

"The rising cost of child care is a significant hurdle for countless families across Colorado," said Marchman. "By establishing clear guidelines for application and wait list fees as well as deposits, we can provide tangible relief to working families. With application fees often exceeding $175 per child, these costs add up quickly and put unnecessary pressure on household budgets. This bill ensures child care becomes more affordable and accessible, empowering more families to find the care they need without financial hardship."

“The lack of transparency on child care fees burdens families with unexpected expenses,” said Winter. “I hear from so many parents in my community that they are struggling to find child care. Limiting waitlist fees and adding transparency to application fees on child care center websites and forms reduces financial uncertainty and helps parents make informed decisions about what’s best for them.” 

These requirements would apply to private child care programs outside the Universal Preschool Program, Colorado Childcare Assistance Program, and Head Start. Under the bill, a waitlist fee could only be used to cover the administration costs of managing a waitlist or processing an application. A center may charge a deposit, but if admitted, the deposit must go towards the first month of child care.

SB25-004 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Legislation to Prohibit Excessive Sentencing for “Failure to Appear” Passes Senate

Bill would ensure that an individual’s failure to appear at a scheduled municipal court date may not form the basis of a criminal charge or jail time

DENVER, CO – A bill to protect Coloradans, particularly low-income and unhoused individuals, from excessive sentencing for missing a municipal court date passed the Senate today. 

Sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, SB25-062 would address the excessive penalties some Colorado municipal courts impose for Failure to Appear (FTA) charges, which can significantly exceed the punishment for the original offense, typically a charge for loitering or trespassing.

“We need to hold people accountable for their actions, and this bill ensures local governments still have the tools to do that,” said Hinrichsen. “But in Pueblo, a person spent over a year in jail simply for missing court over a littering charge, while people with more serious offenses were released early due to overcrowding. This isn’t public safety, it’s weaponized cruelty. This bill will ensure local resources are focused on true public safety concerns.”

“There are proven ways to improve court appearance rates, like automatic text reminders,” said Weissman. “But excessive jail time for minor municipal offenses like trespassing and loitering isn’t one of them. Instead, it criminalizes poverty and has devastating, lifelong consequences for our communities. By limiting this practice, we can keep families together and uphold fairness in our justice system.”

FTA charges disproportionately impact low-income and unhoused individuals who often miss court for reasons like lack of transportation or child care. 

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Track the bill progress HERE. 

Freedom to Read Legislation Clears Committee

SB25-063 would create safeguards against book bans in public school libraries

DENVER, CO –  Legislation to create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a written policy on the acquisition, use, and removal of library resources passed the Senate Education Committee today. 

SB25-063, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would require local school boards and the Charter School Institute (CSI) to establish a policy to ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair, and consistent process. Without a policy in place, a local school board or the CSI could not remove a library resource from its collection. 

“Free societies don’t ban books,” said Cutter. “This bill will ensure that the next generation of Coloradans has the opportunity to access a broad spectrum of literature, including works that might challenge preconceived notions or present uncomfortable truths. By doing so, we empower Colorado's children to become well-informed, open-minded individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As diverse identities are being erased and marginalized throughout the country, it has never been more important to protect the freedom to read.”

“As an author and owner of a publishing company, I am committed to telling stories that would not otherwise be told,” said Michaelson Jenet. “These are the stories that end up on banned book lists. While other states enact laws to criminalize educators and restrict access to books, this bill sends a strong message that Colorado values our students’ freedom to access diverse voices and opinions.”

SB25-063 would also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation. 

The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Bill to Increase Stock of Affordable Factory-Built Housing Passes Committee

SB25-002 would increase the supply of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers on factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing

DENVER, CO – Senators Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, bill to increase the stock of affordable factory-built housing passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee yesterday. 

SB25-002 would increase the stock of affordable housing by reducing regulatory barriers to the construction, installation, and inspection of factory-built structures like tiny homes and modular housing. Modular housing is usually less expensive than traditional homes and can be assembled quicker, which can help expand permanent housing opportunities and build more affordable housing options. 

"Every Coloradan should be able to afford to live where they work," said Bridges. "We have an affordability crisis here in Colorado, and while there's no silver bullet for housing, there are silver BBs. This is one of them. Our bill will increase Colorado's housing stock by bringing down construction costs, giving more folks the opportunity to live where they work, raise a family, and call Colorado home.”

“Right now, the people that keep our communities running – teachers, nurses, and firefighters – can’t afford to live where they work,” said Exum. “Expanding opportunities for them and their families to thrive and grow together in a stable, safe environment is vital to strong, lasting success for Colorado communities.”

This bill would direct the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures by July 1, 2026. The new building codes would supersede current regulations only for factory-built structures. 

The bill heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee next for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Colorado’s Behavioral Health Crisis Response Clears Committee with Unanimous Support

SB25-042 would address gaps in crisis response resources so that Coloradans experiencing a behavioral health crisis get the care they need

DENVER, CO –  Legislation to improve and better integrate behavioral health crisis response resources passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee with unanimous support today.

SB25-042, sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would help people with serious mental illness access care by extending inpatient mental health care coverage, compiling resources on effective crisis response programs, and collecting and reporting data on existing gaps. 

“We’ve made significant progress over the past several years in expanding access to behavioral health care and lowering costs of mental health treatment,” said Cutter. “However, Colorado still has serious gaps when it comes to emergency crisis response. This bill puts together several life-saving improvements so that Coloradans can access the treatment they need during a behavioral health crisis.”

“The fight to improve mental health care is personal for me, and a top priority in my work as a legislator,” said Amabile. “Coloradans with serious mental illnesses cycle through emergency rooms, jail, and even homelessness because of gaps in our crisis response resources. This bill will help Coloradans access the care they need to get better.”

The bill would increase the number of covered days for inpatient mental health care from 15 to 60 and ensure that no one is prematurely discharged from an emergency mental health hold until they no longer meet the criteria for the hold. The bill would also convene a group to compile and publish resources on existing crisis response programs including alternative, mobile, and co-responder programs. Lastly, the bill would require the Behavioral Health Administration to report on shortages and gaps within the continuum of care and funding opportunities. 

SB25-042 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.