Bill to Protect Wild Bison Passes Senate

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

DENVER, CO – A bill to classify bison as big game wildlife, unless the bison are privately owned livestock, passed the Senate today. 

SB25-053, sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, would make it illegal to hunt wild bison. The majority of bison in Colorado are either privately owned livestock or living in a refuge, but in recent years, wild bison have crossed from Utah into northwest Colorado. 

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

Similar laws to protect wild bison exist in Utah, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

SB25-053 is one of three bills advanced by the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee last year. 

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

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Suicide and Prevent Firearm Deaths

SB25-034 would allow people to voluntarily waive their right to purchase a firearm 

DENVER, CO – Senator Cathy Kipp’s, D-Fort Collins, bill to reduce firearm suicides by establishing a process for allowing a person to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm passed the Senate today. 

SB25-034 would establish a process to enable a person to voluntarily waive their own right to purchase a firearm through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in the Department of Public Safety. For a person at risk of suicide, the decision to voluntarily suspend access to a firearm can significantly decrease the probability of death.

“Mental health crises can impact anyone, and when they escalate to suicidal thoughts, they are often brief and impulsive. When attempted by means of a firearm, a second chance at life is rare,” said Kipp. “Approximately 90 percent of people who survive their first suicide attempt do not ultimately die by suicide – this bill is about giving people who are in crisis that second chance.”

In 2023, 70 percent of all firearm deaths in Colorado were suicides, and in the same year, the state had the 13th highest rate of firearm suicide. Research shows that delaying access to firearms significantly decreases gun suicides without increasing non-gun-related suicides. 

The bill would also create a pathway for a person to revoke a waiver, upon which time the waiver would remain in effect for 30 days. This 30-day waiting period is intended to provide time for a mental health crisis to pass and a support system to be built. 

SB25-034 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Marchman Bill to Expand Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools Passes Senate

SB25-027 would establish recommendations on the use of trauma-informed practices during safety drills

DENVER, CO – Today a bill sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to improve the use of trauma-informed practices in schools cleared the Senate.

SB25-027 would establish a work group in the Office of School Safety within the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop recommendations on the use of trauma-informed practices in conducting school safety drills. 

"Every child deserves a supportive learning environment, especially when facing adversity," said Marchman. "This bill ensures school safety drills prioritize student well-being while respecting and maintaining local control. By incorporating trauma-informed practices, we are creating a safer, more supportive space for all students to learn and thrive."

Trauma-informed practices equip school personnel with knowledge and strategies to make school safety drills less traumatic and anxiety-inducing for students. Under the bill, the work group would meet throughout 2025 and 2026, and would be required to submit a report to the legislature containing their findings and recommendations.

SB25-027 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Advances Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism

HB25-1294 would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved youth and their families.

HB25-1294, sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would extend a 2021 law that banned certain court fees and fines for youth who are in the juvenile justice system and their families, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. This bill would make this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees.

“Court fees further punish Colorado youth and their families, many of whom are already struggling to get by,” said Exum. “This bill simply extends an existing bipartisan law to continue eliminating court fees for justice-involved youth. This policy supports Colorado families and keeps all of us safer by reducing financial strain and recidivism for these youth.” 

“This bill is one small step that we can take to reduce the financial burden on justice-involved youth and their families,” said Gonzales. “These families deserve the opportunity to support their loved one, walk with them through a path of accountability and rehabilitation, and move on with their lives without the unnecessary financial burden caused by the accumulation of fees.”

The 2021 law also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. This bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service for justice-involved youth. 

HB25-1294 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

ICYMI: Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act Passes Committee

HB25-1225 would expand protections against intimidation for voters and election workers

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to protect voters and election workers from intimidation passed the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee yesterday. 

“Coloradans in rural and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by efforts to suppress voters,” Hinrichsen said. “It is critical that we shore up protections for voters so that everyone, regardless of zip code or identity, feels safe participating in our democratic process.”

HB25-1225, also known as the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act, would expand protections against intimidation, threats, or coercion while voting, attempting to vote, assisting others in voting, or helping to administer an election. Under the bill, carrying a visible firearm, imitation firearm, or toy firearm while engaging in certain election-related activities would be considered intimidation, with exceptions for law enforcement officials and hired on-site security. The bill would also allow an individual who alleges intimidation or coercion to pursue civil recourse. 

This bill is the latest in a series of legislation passed by Colorado Democrats in recent years to protect voters from intimidation, including a 2022 law to prevent armed voter intimidation by prohibiting the open carry of firearms at or near polling centers.

HB25-1225 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Save Coloradans Money by Cracking Down on Rent Algorithms Passes Committee

HB25-1004 would prohibit landlords from using price-fixing software

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today passed legislation that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on rent algorithms that drive up housing prices.

HB25-1004, sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, would save Coloradans money on housing by prohibiting the use, sale, and distribution of software that facilitates coordinated rental pricing. Violations would be considered price fixing under the Colorado Antitrust Act.  

“While our communities are struggling to pay their rent, keep a roof over their heads, and provide for their families, corporate landlords are using software to raise rents for everyone,” said Gonzales. “Colorado renters deserve better. This bill would clarify the law to prohibit corporate landlords from illegal price fixing that lines their own pockets at the expense of hardworking Colorado families.” 

“Renters across the state – including in Pueblo – are being squeezed by rising rents and the growing presence of corporate landlords who drive up prices and displace small, local owners,” said Hinrichsen. “Price fixing is already illegal, but new software is allowing corporations to skirt the law and coordinate pricing away from the public eye. This bill modernizes Colorado law to keep pace with new technology and helps ensure rental housing stays affordable for our communities.”

A recent report found that coordinated rents from algorithmic pricing increase rent prices by $136 per month for Denver renters, or close to $1,600 per year. 

In January 2025, Colorado joined a federal lawsuit to sue six of the largest landlords in the US for participating in algorithmic pricing schemes that harm renters. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser also joined a federal lawsuit in August 2024 against RealPage, Inc. for allegedly using illegal agreements with landlords to carry out a price-fixing scheme that has cost Coloradans millions of dollars in rent payments.

HB25-1004 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Safeguard Services for Veterans

SB25-282 would protect veterans from paying too much for services from unaccredited bad actors

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, to protect veterans from paying too much for veterans’ services from unaccredited bad actors passed the Senate today. 

“Too often, those who have bravely served our country are misled into paying thousands of dollars in fees and even going into debt for services they receive for free from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” Ball said. “Without preventing honest consultants in the industry from doing business, this bill would address the backlog in claims from the DMVA while cracking down on bad actors who mislead and defraud our nation’s veterans.” 

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, SB25-282 would protect veterans from unaccredited consultants, often called “claim sharks,” who charge money to help navigate the application process to receive benefits from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). 

The bill would mirror the regulations the federal government uses to regulate social security benefits from the Social Security Administration. It would require that businesses must unambiguously notify veterans that they can receive the same services for free from the DMVA, clearly state that they are not affiliated with the DMVA, and limit the amount of money consultants can receive from veterans’ back pay.

SB25-282 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care Clears Committee

SB25-130 would ensure that emergency abortion and miscarriage care remain protected

DENVER, CO – Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman’s, D-Aurora, bill to protect Coloradans’ rights and freedoms by strengthening legal protections for emergency reproductive health care passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. 

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

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

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

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

The bill will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Passes Committee

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced legislation to strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws.

HB25-1239, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would expand protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) to protect vulnerable communities, especially Coloradans with disabilities. 

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

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

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

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

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

HB25-1239 now heads to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Protect Families of Deceased Relatives Unanimously Passes Senate

HB25-1108 would prevent landlords from going after family members when a tenant dies

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to prevent landlords from going after family members to collect rent when a tenant dies. 

“In the aftermath of the sudden death of a loved one, the last thing their families should be worried about is paying fees and damages for terminating a lease early,” Bridges said. “This bill would ensure family members aren’t on the hook for covering unreasonable outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement so they can grieve in peace.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1108, known as “Letty’s Act,” would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring the payment of certain costs if a lease is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the landlord is provided notice the unit is vacated, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement.

A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early.

HB25-1108 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Two Roberts Bills to Improve Water Access and Management Pass Senate

DENVER, CO – Two bipartisan bills sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to modernize and improve Colorado’s water management programs passed the Senate today. 

“Securing our state’s water future is one of the most pressing issues facing Colorado, especially for the rural and mountain communities I represent,” said Roberts. “Both of these bills update and expand tools and resources we use to ensure that we’re prepared to have enough water in the face of a hotter, drier future.”

HB25-1014, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would streamline permitting for Colorado’s groundwater and cut red tape for the Division of Water Resources to more efficiently issue and extend permits for Coloradans who want to build a water well. 

HB25-1115, cosponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, would expand power for the Colorado Water Conservation Board to administer programs to monitor, measure, and disseminate data on snowpack using the latest technologies. These measures would strengthen our state’s ability to forecast water supply and flood hazards. 

HB25-1014 and HB25-1115 now head to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors

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

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted unanimously passed the Senate today. 

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

HB25-1184, cosponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, would allow for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities.

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

HB25-1184 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Committee Approves Construction Defects Reform Bill

DENVER, CO – The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee today approved legislation to reform Colorado’s construction defects laws and accelerate the development of condominium and townhome units to create more affordable housing options.

Sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, HB25-1272 would encourage condo builders to work with third-party inspectors to help identify and correct any construction issues upfront, establish clear guidelines for construction defect claims, and adjust the statutes of limitation for construction defect claims.

“HB25-1272 will make fair and balanced reforms to our construction defects laws, ensuring that high-quality homes are built, problems are fixed before sale and excessive costs that deter development can be reined in,” said Coleman. “This bill is a proactive solution that incentivizes responsible development, making it a win-win for homeowners and builders alike. It’s intended to meet the demands of our communities, respond to changing demographics, and provide housing that is adaptable to different housing sizes and needs. With this legislation, we can create more attainable housing opportunities and ensure that more Coloradans can achieve the dream of homeownership.”

“In Colorado’s mountain and rural communities, there are teachers, police officers, small business owners, nurses, and other crucial working folks who desperately want to be able to buy a home and put roots down, but there’s not any housing available for them to purchase,” said Roberts. “For years, construction defects laws have stunted the development of condos and townhomes, generally more affordable housing options for first-time buyers. This legislation will change that and help ensure that we have a healthy mix of housing units, allowing more Coloradans to achieve their dream of homeownership.”

The bill would create the Multifamily Construction Incentive Program and allow builders to opt in to the program if they offer a warranty for defects and damage and hire a third-party inspector to periodically review the construction throughout the building process. In exchange for providing these additional safeguards upfront, participating builders would receive additional protections against construction defect claims, which are costly for both sides to litigate and discourage condo development.

Under HB25-1272, a homeowner who purchases a property built under the program would have six years to bring an action for damages if the builder provides a warranty that meets minimum coverage requirements. The homeowner would have a duty to mitigate damage caused by an alleged defect and notify the builder, who must offer a fix to any defect claims. When a participating construction professional receives a claim, they must provide documentation to the claimant related to building plans, soil reports, maintenance recommendations, and insurance. If the issue is not resolved through this warranty process, the homeowner may proceed with a defect claim.

The bill would exempt a construction professional participating in the program from liability for a damage or defect if they can prove the damage or defect was caused by:

• Certain weather conditions, an act of war, terrorism or vandalism,

• A homeowner’s unreasonable failure to timely mitigate damages or complete ongoing home maintenance, or

• Misuse, abuse, or neglect after the sale to the claimant.

From 2007 to 2022, the number of condo developers working in Colorado declined by 84 percent in part due to the potential for expensive lawsuits. Meanwhile, the median age of first-time homebuyers in Colorado rose from 35 to 38 in the past year. Despite the downturn in condo construction, consumer demand remains high. 

HB25-1272 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

JOINT RELEASE: Funding Boost for Mass Shooting Response Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation into law that will help drive up grant funding to boost mass shooting victim support services.

“Mass shootings have a ripple effect on Colorado communities, and trauma-informed services for survivors and victims require funding,” said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. “Victims deserve every resource available to help them heal and move forward. This law will help bring in grant funds to boost victim support across our state, helping Colorado communities who have been devastated by gun violence.”

“Colorado families like mine have experienced an unimaginable amount of trauma and heartbreak because of the scourge of gun violence in this country, and it’s our job as lawmakers to support them however we can,” said Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This law clarifies the definition of a mass shooting in order to obtain every possible resource to financially and emotionally support our communities and quantify data analysis to shore up our response in the aftermath of senseless tragedies.”

“It’s the unfortunate truth that mass shootings are a part of the American experience, and this law is one of many efforts that Colorado Democrats are taking to reduce gun violence and support victims,” said Rep. Michael Carter, D-Aurora. “There are federal grant programs that support responses to mass shootings and improve crisis training for first responders, and we should take advantage of any opportunity to strengthen our response. I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that protects Colorado communities, especially our schools, from gun violence.”

SB25-059 directs the Division of Criminal Justice to apply for, accept, and utilize federal grant money or other grant funds to improve Colorado’s mass shooting response. The law also defines “mass shooting” as a shooting where at least four people, other than the perpetrator, are injured or killed with a firearm.

JOINT RELEASE: SB25-003 Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Today Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB25-003, sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Meg Froelich, D-Englewood.

Beginning August 1, 2026, SB25-003 implements and enforces Colorado’s existing law by requiring a permit and firearm safety training to purchase high-powered firearms that accept detachable magazines. The bill also prohibits the purchase and sale of all rapid fire conversion devices, like bump stocks and 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.”

“Semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used far too many times to terrorize Colorado communities,” said Boesenecker. “The trauma, grief, and loss due to mass shootings are felt deeply in our communities, and as a former public school teacher and a parent of three children, I worry daily about the safety of some of the most vulnerable Coloradans. With this legislation becoming law today, we will help save lives and prevent future tragedies in Colorado.”

“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.”

“Semi-automatic weapons paired with high-capacity magazines result in a much greater loss of innocent lives, which is why we must fully enforce Colorado Democrats’ decade-old law banning high-capacity magazines,” said Froelich. “Coloradans deserve to grocery shop, go to school, and worship without worrying about being a victim in the next mass shooting. This gun violence prevention law requires that all firearm purchasers complete a rigorous safety training course and acquire a permit to purchase the most deadly weapons on the market to ensure that they are not a danger to themselves or our communities.”

SB25-003 allows a person to purchase a semiautomatic firearm with a detachable magazine after undergoing a background check 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.

The bill does not impact the sale of shotguns, commonly used hunting rifles, semiautomatic firearms that have fixed magazines, and the majority of handguns. While SB25-003 prohibits the sale of gas-operated semiautomatic handguns, the sale of recoil-operated handguns, which make up over 90 percent of the pistol market, are not impacted by the bill. The bill does not impact possession of currently-owned firearms.

In response to the 2013 Aurora theater shooting, Colorado Democrats passed legislation that prohibited the sale and transfer of magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines have been used in numerous mass shootings in Colorado, including the 2021 Boulder King Soopers shooting, the 2022 Club Q shooting, and the Columbine High School massacre.

Bipartisan Bill to Protect Families of Deceased Relatives Unanimously Passes Senate Committee

HB25-1108 would prevent landlords from going after family members when a tenant dies

DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to prevent landlords from going after family members to collect rent when a tenant dies unanimously passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee. 

“In the aftermath of the sudden death of a loved one, the last thing their families should be worried about is paying fees and damages for terminating a lease early,” Bridges said. “This bill would ensure family members aren’t on the hook for covering unreasonable outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement so they can grieve in peace.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1108, known as “Letty’s Act,” would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring the payment of certain costs if a lease is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the landlord is provided notice the unit is vacated, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement.

A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early.

HB25-1108 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Identify Outstanding Warrants, Reduce Recidivism Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, to identify outstanding warrants and help reduce recidivism. 

Cosponsored by Senator Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, HB25-1116 would require the Department of Corrections (DOC) to search for and notify relevant parties of an outstanding warrant or pending Colorado court cases at certain points when a person is in custody.

“Right now, our process to search for and notify people of outstanding warrants is inefficient and wastes taxpayer money,” said Ball. “This bill is about increasing efficiency in these search processes to allow Coloradans to address their existing warrants – typically for low-level offenses – while they are already incarcerated. This will help reduce recidivism and ensure that Coloradans leaving the justice system and re-entering their communities are better equipped to do so successfully.”

The bill would require the DOC to search for these records upon initial evaluation of the Time Computation Unit and between three and eight months before a community corrections eligibility date.

The bill would also require the DOC to establish policies that address requests for additional searches by the public defender liaison to the department. If an outstanding warrant or pending case is discovered during a search, the DOC would be required to notify the offender, a public defender liaison, and the court that issued the warrant.

HB25-1116 now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. Track the bill’s progress HERE.

Bipartisan Bill to Support Colorado Seniors Passes Committee

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

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to allow some senior living facilities to offer community-based programs and services to seniors who are waiting to be admitted unanimously passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

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

HB25-1184, cosponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, would allow for the expansion of community-based care services offered by senior living facilities to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities.

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

HB25-1184 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Protect Insurance Coverage for Preventive Health Care Passes Senate

SB25-196 would safeguard insurance coverage for preventive health care services in the event of federal action

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to proactively protect insurance coverage for preventive health care in the event of federal action. 

“Regular check-ups, cancer screenings, and immunizations are life-saving care that must be protected,” Jodeh said. “In recent months, we’ve seen dangerous threats to cut fundamental departments at the federal level that protect patients and providers. This bill ensures that even if those cuts do happen, Coloradans’ health care remains protected. Preventative services today mean avoiding emergency events tomorrow—events that can leave families with crippling debt and devastating health outcomes.”

“As an emergency care nurse, I’ve seen the worst-case scenarios that happen when preventive care measures are not taken – often because they’re not covered by insurance,” Mullica said. “This bill will make life-saving preventive care more accessible and help more patients avoid those worst-case scenarios.”

SB25-196 would give the Colorado Commissioner of Insurance within the Department of Regulatory Agencies the authority to reinstate recommendations on preventive care from federal agencies such as the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States Department of Health and Human Services in the event that any of these agencies are repealed, dismantled, or disempowered. It would also permit the Commissioner to consult the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force for Colorado Health Care in developing their recommendations. 

Since January, the Trump Administration has made devastating cuts to essential services for Americans. Recently, the administration cut billions of dollars from state health services, prompting measures such as this one to protect Coloradans’ access to health care.

SB25-196 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Expand Housing Protections for Vulnerable Coloradans Passes Senate

HB25-1240 would bolster legal protections for Coloradans who use housing vouchers

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that would bolster housing protections for Coloradans who receive support through housing vouchers and other housing subsidies.

HB25-1240, sponsored by Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would ensure that tenants who use housing subsidies are afforded the same protections as other renters. 

“Eviction prevention is one of the most effective tools for maintaining housing stability and preventing homelessness,” said Winter. “Tenants who receive housing assistance - often seniors, veterans, young families, and people with disabilities - are particularly vulnerable to housing insecurity and they should be guaranteed the commonsense protections in this bill to prevent eviction and expand access to safe, stable housing.” 

“This bill is personal for me – I was raised by a single mom and my family lost our home in the Great Recession,” said Wallace. “I know what it’s like to experience housing instability and to need a little help to make ends meet. Coloradans who use housing vouchers should have the same protections as every other renter. This bill would help keep working families in their homes and prevent eviction.”

The bill would require a landlord who owns four or more units to comply with the 30-day eviction notice requirement under the federal CARES Act, safeguarding protections for Colorado renters even if this federal protection is repealed. The bill would also require landlords to respond to a tenant’s request for information needed for a rental assistance application and to cooperate with rental assistance administrators. Additionally, it would strengthen enforcement of measures to prevent discrimination against tenants who use housing assistance. 

Current law requires landlords to reimburse tenants for the difference between rent that they have paid and the fair rental value when the landlord has violated warranty of habitability laws. This bill would ensure that tenants who receive housing subsidies are also entitled to these reimbursements. 

HB25-1240 would also direct the Division of Housing to compile and publish a list of resources for landlords, including information to help determine if a landlord’s property is covered under the bill and financial resources available to them.

HB25-1240 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.