Senate Gives Initial Sign-Off to The Colorado Defense Fund

The Colorado Defense Fund sets aside $4 million to “Musk-proof” Colorado from federal actions that threaten the Colorado way of life

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate gave initial sign-off to Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Judy Amabile’s, D-Boulder, legislation to protect Colorado taxpayers and critical state services from funding freezes and federal actions that threaten the Colorado way of life.

The Colorado Defense Fund, HB25-1321, comes in the wake of recent adverse action by the Trump administration, including federal funding freezes, disruptions to essential services, and mass lay-offs. The bill would set aside $4 million to protect Colorado’s interests from federal efforts to freeze funding, halt contracts, or otherwise disrupt essential services for Coloradans.

“Our Colorado way of life is not insulated from the chaos we’re seeing from Washington,” said Bridges. “We’ve already seen unprecedented funding and grant program freezes from the federal government that have halted services that Coloradans rely on, with little consideration of long term impacts. This additional funding will ensure that Colorado is ready to respond swiftly and effectively to future federal actions that threaten nonnegotiable services like health care, early childhood education, and public safety.”

“Federal funding provides essential services like fixing our roads and improving access to health care – services that Colorado cannot fully fund alone,” said Amabile. “When billionaires in Washington play games with taxpayer money, everyday Coloradans are going to feel the impacts. The Colorado Defense Fund is a critical way for us to protect our taxpayers from federal overreach and preserve our Colorado way of life.”

Coloradans pay more in federal taxes than the state receives back in federal funding, making federal funding freezes even more painful for taxpayers. The legislation stands up for Colorado, protects Colorado taxpayers’ return on investment, and minimizes the impact of volatile federal actions on our economy and the Colorado way of life.

Under the bill, the governor could use funds to respond to federal action. This includes working to mitigate the impacts of disruptions in federal funding and responding to legal proceedings, inquiries, hearings, and investigations initiated or threatened by the federal government. These funds could also be used to defend or protect state officers and employees acting in their official role. 

In January, the Trump administration, through the recommendation of Elon Musk’s DOGE, froze more than $570 million in federal funding to Colorado. In response, Colorado joined a 22-state lawsuit to restore federal funding. 

While most of the funding has been restored through a federal judge, more than $69 million in public safety grants are still being withheld by the federal government. Colorado’s ability to deliver on essential government services relies on $13.9 billion in federal funding. 

Sweeping federal action has caused uncertainty and disruption for Colorado. For example, the federal government recently revoked more than $250 million in federal public and behavioral health care funding and $25.6 million already allocated to address drought in the Colorado River Basin has been paused. 

HB25-1321 will next be heard on third and final reading in the Senate before moving to further consideration by the House.

JOINT RELEASE: Pair of Bills to Safeguard Access to Reproductive Health Care Signed Into Law

SB25-129 strengthens Colorado’s shield laws while SB25-183 implements the will of the voters to protect the right to reproductive health care

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to protect Coloradans’ access to reproductive health care. 

SB25-183, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senator Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, implements the will of the voters by updating Colorado statute to reflect changes necessitated by Amendment 79’s passage, including removing the prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care.

“Colorado voters have once again reaffirmed their support for freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures,” Rodriguez said. “Our state has a long history of standing up for reproductive health care freedoms, and this represents another chapter in that story. I am honored to sponsor this legislation that implements the will of the voters and ensures reproductive health care is protected in both our state law and our constitution.”

“It’s our responsibility to implement the will of the voters, and that’s what this law does by further protecting and increasing access to abortion in Colorado,” said McCluskie. “Nationally, the future of reproductive health care is uncertain, however, it’s clear Coloradans trust people to make their own medical decisions without government interference. This law implements the will of the voters and reduces barriers so public employees can access the essential reproductive health care they need.”

“Coloradans deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions and choices about when to start a family – full stop,” Daugherty said. “Amidst a dangerous national landscape, we have worked hard to ensure that Colorado is a beacon for access to safe and affordable reproductive health care. Last November, Coloradans resoundingly voted to build on that work and permanently protect the fundamental right to abortion care in our state’s constitution.”

“Colorado voters have spoken – abortion must remain safe, legal and protected,” said García. “Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle abortion access or restrict funding altogether, Coloradans believe it’s your constitutional right to access the reproductive health care you need. This law will expand access to life-saving reproductive health care, including abortion, by covering these services for public employees and Coloradans on Medicaid.”

In November 2024, Colorado voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 79 to enshrine the right to abortion in the Colorado Constitution and remove the state’s prohibition on using public funds to cover abortion care. The amendment was supported by a majority of votes in each of the state’s eight congressional districts.

Beginning on January 1, 2026, the law will ensure that state employee health insurance plans cover abortion care and require the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to authorize reimbursements for abortion care under publicly funded insurance, including community members with coverage through Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program), and the Reproductive Health Care Program.

SB25-129, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Representatives Junie Joseph, D-Boulder, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont, strengthens Colorado’s shield laws to protect patients and providers from out-of-state and federal attacks on reproductive and gender-affirming 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,” Cutter said. “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.”

“It’s time to fight back against out-of-state interference and Trump administration threats to restrict abortion and health care for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said McCormick. “Whether you're a Colorado resident or not, this shield law will protect your fundamental right to access the full range of reproductive health care, including abortion.”

“Colorado is a beacon for reproductive freedom and access to abortion in our region,” said Winter. “Strengthening our shield law will 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.”

“We’re reaffirming Colorado’s position as a sanctuary for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care by strengthening our shield laws,” said Joseph. “Our law expands Colorado’s shield laws to include telehealth and prescription label privacy. In the face of hostile, out-of-state attacks on our reproductive rights, we’re making sure Colorado can fight back and protect our patients and providers.” 

The new law protects 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 law also bars attorneys, local governments, and state entities like hospitals, clinics, businesses and insurers from assisting with or responding to hostile out-of-state investigations and would strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms. 

Finally, the law updates 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.

Legislation to Expand Behavioral Health Care Access and Workforce Capacity Advances

Two Joint Budget Committee bills would increase access to behavioral health treatment for Colorado youth and veterans

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and JBC member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to invest in Colorado’s health care workforce and behavioral health services passed an initial Senate vote today.

“These bills leverage existing resources to expand our state’s investment in behavioral health treatment for youth and veterans, while building long-term capacity to meet emerging behavioral health needs,” said Bridges. “By passing Proposition KK, Colorado voters made it clear that expanding access to mental and behavioral health care is a priority. These bills honor that commitment by creating both immediate and long-lasting solutions.”

“As a parent of someone with a serious mental illness, I understand how critical early access to mental and behavioral health care is for Colorado’s youth,” said Amabile. “Comprehensive treatment at an early age helps set our kids on a path to lifelong success and can prevent immeasurable pain and financial hardship in their future. These bills ensure consistent funding and increased capacity to serve youth, veterans, and other Coloradans in need.”

SB25-292 would establish a new Workforce Capacity Center, or “Center of Excellence,” to provide specialized health care training on evidenced-based systems of care for children and youth, modeled after a similar program in Ohio. The center would be placed within a state university and would provide technical assistance, training, evaluation, and continuous quality improvement to build and sustain capacity to meet the needs of Colorado youth. The bill would create job opportunities, train Colorado’s emerging health care workforce, and fill existing gaps in necessary services. 

Colorado voters approved Proposition KK last November, which created a firearms and ammunition excise tax to fund mental and behavioral health services. SB25-295 would implement the voter-approved measure by transferring $8 million of new, sustainable funding received from Proposition KK to the behavioral and mental health excise tax cash fund to be used to provide necessary mental and behavioral health treatment. Five million would go toward veterans mental health services and three million would support crisis services for children and youth. 

Both bills will soon be considered on the Senate floor for final passage. Track their progress: SB25-292, SB25-295. 

Exum Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes Committee

HB25-1149 would standardize Black American history taught in Colorado’s public schools 

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee yesterday passed legislation to establish statewide Black history education standards in Colorado’s public K-12 schools. 

HB25-1149, sponsored by Senator Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, would require the Colorado Department of Education, with support from a 17-member advisory committee, to develop a standard K-12 curriculum for Black history and cultural studies. 

“Here in Colorado, we understand the importance of teaching a full, honest history – one that recognizes the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Americans,” said Exum. “Implementing a standardized Black history curriculum in our public schools ensures that students of all races and backgrounds receive a more complete education that prepares them to be informed, engaged citizens and honors the extensive contributions of Black Americans in shaping our state and nation.”

Once approved by the Colorado Board of Education, public K-12 schools would have to adopt the new Black history education standards into their curriculum in 2028 as part of the state’s social studies standards revision cycle.

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

Bill to Improve Consumer Protections in Energy Sales Passes Committee

SB25-299 would ensure consumer protection for Coloradans entering into contracts for solar products

DENVER, CO – A bill sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, to protect consumers who enter into contracts for solar energy products passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today. 

“Right now, consumers can easily be ripped off when entering contracts for solar energy products – which are key to reaching Colorado’s carbon reduction goals,” Wallace said. “In order to reach these goals and effectively address the climate crisis, we must take proactive steps to make clean energy products more accessible and protect consumers in the process.”

SB25-299 would establish procedures that solar sales companies must follow when engaging with consumers. It would require standardized disclosure, contracting, sales material, warranty, and enforcement requirements to ensure Colorado consumers have the best information available about investing in a residential clean energy system. It would apply to each solar electric system or residential battery energy storage system agreement entered into on or after December 31, 2025.

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Increase Access to Affordable Prescription Medication Advances

SB25-289 would create a program to safely donate and dispense certain unused medicine

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services committee today unanimously passed legislation to increase access to low-cost prescription medication through the creation of a drug donation program. 

SB25-289, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, would allow for individuals and institutions to safely donate unused medication to licensed, eligible, and/or certified redistribution centers. Redistribution centers could include pharmacies, clinics, health-care providers, and hospitals. 

“Every year, the United States spends billions to dispose of unused prescription medicines from nursing homes, assisted living residences, hospices, and jails,” said Cutter. “Additionally, many left-over prescriptions are flushed down the toilet or thrown into the trash, which causes immeasurable harm to our environment and water supply. With SB25-289, we can create a program to reduce waste, protect the environment, and help Coloradans access the medication they need.”

In 2021, 9.7 percent of Colorado residents reported being unable to fill their prescription due to cost. Of those, 40 percent said their health condition worsened as a result. Under the bill, patients in need would have access to free and low-cost donated medicine. The program would exclude opioids, scheduled medications, and medicines that require special storage conditions unless storage conditions can be verified. 

The creation of this program, including best practices from other states and safety provisions, has been extensively researched by a task force created by SB22-098.

SB25-289 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Preserve Rural Access to Health Care

HB25-1222 would safeguard independent pharmacies that rural communities rely on

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to preserve rural access to independent pharmacies passed the Senate today. 

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

HB25-1222, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, would preserve access to rural health care by: 

• Ensuring a fair reimbursement for rural independent pharmacies,

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

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

• Allowing remote supervision for pharmacies to improve accessibility for Coloradans.

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

HB25-1222 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Expand Access to Low-Income Housing Passes Senate

HB25-1236 would protect renters who use housing subsidies

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senators Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to expand access to housing for Colorado renters using housing subsidies. 

“This bill is just another step to making Colorado a more affordable, accessible, and equitable place to live and rent,” Jodeh said. “It’s part of our commitment to supporting women, people of color, and low-income Coloradans who have a weak or nonexistent credit history as they secure safe housing for themselves and their families.”

“Renters who are already struggling should not be forced to reveal irrelevant information to potential landlords and blow their budgets on application fees before they’re even approved,” Weissman said. “This legislation would make safe and stable housing for low-income renters more accessible and affordable by protecting their personal information and limiting duplicative fees.”

HB25-1236 specifies that a prospective renter who receives a housing subsidy cannot be required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event in their tenant screening reports.

The bill would also remove a requirement that screening reports be given directly to landlords from reporting agencies, since reporting agencies are often unable to do so.

Colorado Democrats passed a law in 2023 that allows prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. Additionally, the law reduced the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries.

HB25-1236 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate 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 Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Strengthen Emergency Protections for Reproductive Health Care Clears Senate

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 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, and guidelines for transfers and discharges. 

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

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

Legislation to Fund Water Conservation Projects Passes Senate

SB25-283 would appropriate funding to safeguard Colorado’s water future and strengthen drought resiliency

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would allocate funding for water conservation projects passed the Senate today.

SB25-283, cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, is an annual bill that appropriates funding to the Department of Natural Resources to fund water projects across Colorado using Colorado Water Conservation Board cash funds. 

“This bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation we do every year to protect our state’s most precious natural resource: our water,” said Roberts. “Water planning and conservation is crucial to ensuring that Colorado can thrive for generations to come. One of the many projects that this bill will fund this year is the restoration of the Yampa River and Walton Creek confluence in my district – it is an opportunity for large-scale ecological restoration of this crucial wetland and our native fish population. Each of the projects funded by this bill will have a significant impact on agriculture, river health, outdoor recreation, and our state's ability to thrive, now and in the future.”

SB25-283 allocates nearly $60 million in funding for water conservation programs and projects, including: water plan grant funding, statewide turf analysis, water supply forecasting, watershed restoration and wildfire preparedness, funding for the Yampa River/Walton Creek confluence restoration project, and retiring irrigated acreage to ensure Colorado meets its obligations under the Republican River Compact. About $29 million of the funding would come from sports betting tax revenue. 

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

Bill to Support Workers on Public Construction Projects Passes Committee

HB25-1130 would boost labor protections for construction jobs by state agencies

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, to allow public projects to use Project Labor Agreements to ensure worker protections. 

“The health of Colorado’s public sector depends on high-quality, well-paid jobs protected by Project Labor Agreements that work for both employers and workers,” Danielson said. “We’ve passed measures in recent years to expand apprenticeship opportunities and build a skilled, protected workforce, and this bill would broaden these protections to the public construction sector.”

HB25-1130 would implement project labor provisions to ensure that state projects, like their energy sector counterparts, have the option and authorization to utilize this method.

The bill would define a project labor agreement as a collective bargaining agreement between a lead contractor for a public project and construction labor organizations to establish the terms and conditions of employment of the construction workforce on the public project. These agreements must include guarantees around strikes and lockouts, requirements to resolve disputes before project completion, and policy objectives regarding underrepresented minorities in the construction industry. 

This legislation builds on the Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act of 2019, also sponsored by Senator Danielson, to establish apprenticeship protections for public projects and a 2023 law to create clear and fair working standards for Colorado workers transitioning into the clean energy sector. 

HB25-1130 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect Access to Visitation, Family Connection Passes Committee

HB25-1013 would protect visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, to ensure that Coloradans who are incarcerated have visitation rights with their family and loved ones.

“Families are where we find strength, healing, and support,” said Coleman. “But for too many families, the criminal justice system creates barriers that fracture these bonds. Regular visits, phone calls, and moments of connection empower families to support their loved ones’ journey toward rehabilitation. This bill helps to make our justice system a tool for repair and recovery, not a weapon of division.” 

“Ensuring that people who are incarcerated have the right to connect with their loved ones makes all Coloradans safer,” said Exum. “It reduces recidivism, supports rehabilitation, and eases the transition back into our communities after incarceration. Currently, people can lose family visitation rights – including contact with their children – as a form of punishment. Protecting the right to family connection leads to better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Colorado.”

HB25-1013 would protect visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans to ensure they can stay connected with their family, friends, and loved ones and be set up for success after they serve time and re-enter the community. Visitation includes in-person visits, family time visits, phone calls, and video calls. 

A study found that visitation in prison results in a 26 percent decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28 percent reduction in new convictions overall.

HB25-1013 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Expand and Improve Public Transit Passes Senate

SB25-161 would require RTD to set ambitious goals, expand transit access, and improve accountability and transparency

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD) passed the Senate today.

SB25-161, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, would require RTD to adopt new policies to enhance services, boost ridership, and rebuild public trust in the transit system. 

“Colorado deserves a world-class public transit system that is convenient, safe, and reliable,” said Winter. “As Colorado grows, we must be intentional about growing sustainably, keeping services affordable, and making sure that Coloradans can access transit where they live and work. This bill will help unlock the potential of RTD to deliver fast, frequent, dependable public transportation.” 

“Thousands of Coloradans rely on public transit every day to get to work and school, attend essential appointments, and see their loved ones,” said Jodeh. “For many, unreliable service can mean losing a paycheck or even their job. This bill is about restoring trust in our transit system and ensuring all Coloradans, including my constituents in Aurora, get the safe, efficient transit they need.”

The bill would require RTD to develop an ambitious 10-year strategic plan to expand and improve transit in the Front Range, aligning its goals with state climate goals and enhancing partnerships with local governments. The bill would increase ridership by directing RTD to expand access to affordable EcoPasses through apartments or employers and streamline enrollment for low-income discounted transit passes. 

The bill would improve transparency and accountability by creating public dashboards for riders to access information on transit performance, safety, and reliability. Finally, the bill would also establish a RTD Accountability Committee with fourteen voting members and one ex-officio nonvoting member to evaluate RTD’s governance structure, local and state agency representation, and workforce retention, as well as develop recommendations. 

SB25-161 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Encourage Increased Transportation Options

SB25-030 would encourage alternative modes of transportation

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to encourage increased transportation options to make sustainable transportation more accessible, convenient, and reliable passed the Senate today. 

“This bill is a bold step to give Coloradans freedom and choice in how they move and access transit. It helps connect different modes of transportation like biking, walking, taking a bus, or driving, to ensure everyone can get to where they need to go," Winter said. “A third of Coloradans don't drive due to economic circumstances, disability, age or choice, and 89 percent of Coloradans want an increase in choice on mobility – is an important step forward in increasing equity in access.”

“This bill is a practical, long-term solution to a host of different issues – from traffic congestion to climate change,” Hinrichsen said. “We all love shorter commute times and more options to get to school, work, and community spaces. Senate Bill 30 would help give us a clear, practical path to make sure the state’s transit agencies are partners in achieving that goal.”

SB25-030 would establish “Transit and Active Transportation Project Inventories” to allow the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local governments to efficiently identify gaps in transit, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure in state and regional transit systems. Inventories would be utilized to inform future planning of multimodal infrastructure projects and allow CDOT to better identify funding gaps and opportunities. 

The transportation sector is one of Colorado’s largest air polluters. This bill would build on past efforts by Senate Democrats to support multimodal transit infrastructure, such as last year’s SB24-036, also sponsored by Senator Winter, which funded bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure.

SB25-030 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! New Law Cracks Down on ‘Junk Fees’ to Save Coloradans Money

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed a bill into law to bring down costs and improve price transparency for Coloradans by cracking down on ‘junk fees’.

“Hidden ‘junk fees’ often add up to hundreds of dollars in monthly expenses for Coloradans, and this new law cracks down on these surprise costs to save people money,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Whatever the ‘junk fee’ is disguised as, the goal is to hike up prices and drain money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans to increase corporate profits. With this bill being signed into law today, we’re putting an end to junk fees so Coloradans know the upfront cost of products, goods and services.” 

“Unexpected, undisclosed fees cost consumers hundreds of dollars every month,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “These ‘junk fees’ can make informed budgeting decisions feel impossible for consumers. Our legislation will increase transparency for consumers, helping them make informed purchase decisions and ultimately save more of their hard earned money.”

“It is estimated that ‘junk fees’ add up to $90 billion per year in our country, costing households more than $650 annually that could be better spent on groceries, health care, and child care,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “Junk fees are often not disclosed until a consumer is ready to check out or after they’ve paid a non-refundable security deposit, which means Coloradans end up paying higher prices than they are expecting. Addressing junk fees in our state has been one of my biggest priorities, and I’m proud of this new law to ensure honest pricing so Coloradans can make buying decisions that fit their budget.” 

“Opaque or dishonest fees cost Americans up to $90 billion per year, taking an average of $650 annually out of the pockets of working families that could be better spent on household essentials like health care and child care,” said Sen. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Honest, upfront business owners deserve a fair playing field and consumers deserve price transparency in order to make informed financial decisions.”

HB25-1090 standardizes transparent prices upfront, in many cases prohibiting pricing information from being offered or advertised unless the final total price is disclosed. Additionally, the law prohibits the misrepresentation of pricing information, requires the purpose of a fee that is not part of the total price to be disclosed, and restricts the fees landlords can charge for utilities and third-party services to ensure tenants are not charged additional fees. The law includes specific exemptions for these requirements for certain industries and scenarios.

On January 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent a letter to Governor Polis to provide information about the efforts they have made to address junk fees and called for the passage of legislation like HB25-1090, which works to combat these unforeseen costs. The FTC and the Colorado Attorney General have announced they are taking action against the nation’s largest multi-family rental property managers for using deceptive advertising and failing to disclose recurring fees.

Legislation to Protect Civil Rights and Colorado’s Immigrant Communities Passes Senate

SB25-276 seeks to strengthen existing data privacy and constitutional protections guaranteed to all Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Legislation to protect civil rights and Colorado’s immigrant communities passed the Senate today.

Sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, SB25-276 would strengthen existing data privacy protections and constitutional protections for immigrants at public locations, and prohibit local law enforcement from executing federal immigration detainer requests without a judicial warrant.

“The Constitution protects us all. We are living in a moment that invites us to reaffirm whether or not we still believe this to be true,” Gonzales said. “We know that Colorado thrives when everyone, regardless of immigration status, can live, work, and contribute without fear. Senate Bill 276 will strengthen Colorado by expanding policies around personal data privacy, schools, child care, and health care facilities, and it will ensure fair treatment under the law for all Coloradans – regardless of immigration status. It creates clarity amidst the chaos, confusion, and uncertainty that our communities are facing. It is of this moment, it is for this moment, and I am honored to bring forward this legislation on behalf of community.”

“The district that I represent is the most diverse district in Colorado and ground zero for Donald Trump's campaign of fear-mongering and division. As such, this administration’s attacks on civil liberties hit very close to home,” Weissman said. “SB276 strengthens Colorado’s existing data privacy protections and reaffirms our constitutional protections to create consistent and trustworthy government policies that will protect all Coloradans. If we don’t take action now, we risk letting the Trump Administration run roughshod over the progress toward legal data privacy protections we’ve made in Colorado and we risk letting fear take over immigrant communities throughout our state. We won’t let that happen.”

SB25-276 would build on existing data privacy law by prohibiting local governments from sharing personally-identifying information collected by state agencies with federal immigration enforcement. To further deter data collection by federal enforcement agencies, the bill would also repeal outdated affidavit requirements to access a Colorado driver’s license or in-state tuition.

The bill would strengthen constitutional protections for immigrants at public locations like hospitals, schools, public institutions of higher education, public health care facilities, libraries, and child care centers by requiring those locations to establish policies for the specific consideration of immigration enforcement actions.

SB25-276 would prohibit the delay or denial of an individual’s release from custody based on a civil immigration detainer or for the purpose of immigration enforcement. It would also reaffirm longstanding law that the continued detention of an individual after bond is posted and processed is considered an unconstitutional and warrantless arrest. 

Finally, the bill would ensure that local and state resources are not commandeered and utilized by federal immigration enforcement except where explicitly required by law.

SB25-276 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bipartisan Legislation to Continue Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund Passes Senate

SB25-122 would extend the Emily Keyes - John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund

DENVER, CO – Senate President James Coleman’s, D-Denver, bill to ensure the continued success of organ and tissue donation awareness efforts in Colorado passed the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB25-122 would extend the Emily Keyes - John W. Buckner Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Fund by removing the current sunset clause that would terminate the fund on September 1, 2027. 

"Organ and tissue donation saves lives, and by ensuring the continuation of this successful program, we honor the legacy of John W. Buckner, Emily Keyes, and the many Coloradans who have given the gift of life,” said Coleman. “This fund has been instrumental in raising awareness and educating our communities about the importance of organ and tissue donation since its inception in 2007. I’m proud to champion this effort to ensure it continues."

The fiduciary agent of the fund, Donor Alliance, is the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) in Colorado which evaluates, recovers, preserves, and transports organs and tissue for donation. The bill would maintain the critical partnership between Donor Alliance and the Department of Motor Vehicles, continue public education efforts about the life-saving importance of organ and tissue donation, and preserve annual reporting requirements to maintain transparency and accountability.

To recognize late Representative John Buckner’s legacy as an organ and tissue donor, Colorado legislators added his name to the fund when they passed legislation to renew it in 2017. 

SB25-122 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program

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

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations. 

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,” Hinrichsen said. “Equitable access to legal documents is essential to a fresh start so that more Coloradans can get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.”

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

SB25-008 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 House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE. 

Bipartisan Bill to Improve Winter Road Safety Passes Senate

SB25-069 would allow vendors to help drivers install traction devices on Colorado roads

DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to improve Coloradans’ access to chains and traction devices while navigating winter road conditions passed the Senate today. 

Cosponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, SB25-069 would allow the Colorado Department of Transportation to authorize third-party vendors and companies to set up a roadside station to help install or remove tire chains or other traction devices on commercial and passenger vehicles. 

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

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

SB25-069 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.