Senate Approves Bill to Support Workers on Public Construction Projects

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, 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.”

“I am committed to ensuring that Colorado workers are paid fairly for their work and protected from unfair employer practices,” Kolker said. “This bill would simply extend existing worker protections to make Colorado law consistent across all sectors.”

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 procurement 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 Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Prevent Youth Overdoses Passes Committee

HB25-1293 would increase overdose prevention education and treatments in Colorado high schools

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, to prevent youth overdoses passed the Senate Education Committee today. 

“Opioid overdose is the third leading cause of deaths among young people in our nation, and we must be doing more to combat these tragedies,” Snyder said. “This bill outlines commonsense solutions to equip students with the tools they need to prevent overdose and save lives.”

Cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, HB25-1293 would add education standards for opioid overdose identification, risks, prevention, and response to high school curricula statewide. It would also allow public and non-public schools to seek gifts, grants, and donations to acquire and maintain a supply of Naloxone and other opioid antagonists on school campuses.

Colorado has the second highest rate of overdose deaths among adolescents nationwide. Overdose education and Naloxone distribution are proven to be crucial in preventing death due to opioid overdose. 

Last year, Colorado lawmakers championed a law that made opioid antagonists and drug testing strips available on school buses and in school buildings. 

HB25-1293 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect Consumers, Improve EV Charging Oversight Passes Committee

HB25-1267 would boost charging stations’ accuracy and reliability

DENVER, CO – The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today passed legislation to improve electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and oversight.

HB25-1267, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, would improve oversight of retail EV charging stations to ensure consumers receive the energy they pay for. To accomplish this, the bill would authorize the creation of new statewide retail EV charging station rules to establish and oversee minimum standards.

"Consumer protections are already in place to ensure drivers get the gas they pay for at the pump,” said Winter. “This bill updates Colorado law to extend those same protections to EV drivers. HB25-1267 is one of several important steps we are taking to move Colorado’s transportation infrastructure toward a sustainable, reliable, and affordable future."

"Colorado needs EV charging infrastructure that is dependable, accurate, and ready to serve our growing number of electric vehicle drivers,” said Amabile. “Consumers deserve the confidence to know that the electricity they pay for is exactly what they will receive to power their vehicles and go about their lives."

Colorado now ranks first in the country for market share of new EVs, surpassing California. This legislation would help Colorado meet current and future EV infrastructure demand by modifying the EV grant fund to support rulemaking to update policies, procedures, and oversight of public charging stations. The bill would also give the Community Access Enterprise authority to reduce its fee if necessary 

The state already monitors gas pumps to ensure consumers receive the amount of gas they are paying for; this bill extends the same consumer protection protocols for EV drivers. 

In 2023, Colorado Democrats championed an expansive tax credit package that included incentives for EV buyers to reach our state’s climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030.

HB25-1267 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

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

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate 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 joined another 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 back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect Access to Health Care, Stabilize Health Care Safety Net Passes Senate

SB25-290 would support medical providers that serve low-income communities, protecting access to essential health care for thousands of Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to protect access to essential health care for thousands of Coloradans passed the Senate today.

SB25-290, also sponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would provide immediate financial support to a broad cross-section of safety net health providers including  rural hospitals, community health centers, and behavioral health clinics to provide stability while long-term, comprehensive solutions can be developed. 

“In every corner of Colorado, our health care safety net is in crisis. Senate bill 290 is a much-needed lifeline to ensure the most vulnerable people of our state continue to have access to health care,” said Mullica. “Between higher costs and workforce shortages, our safety net providers are facing unprecedented pressures, with more than half reporting operating in the negative. This bill fills an immediate need to ensure these safety net providers can keep their doors open and the people of Colorado can still receive the care they need.”

The bill would create the Provider Stabilization Fund within the Department of the Treasury to distribute stabilization payments to safety net providers who provide care to low-income, uninsured individuals on a sliding-scale or for free. The bill would transfer interest earnings and, if necessary, principal from the Unclaimed Property Tax Trust Fund to the Provider Stabilization Fund as a loan. Payments would be distributed based on the proportion of low-income, uninsured individuals that the provider serves. 

SB25-290 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Improve Consumer Protections in Energy Sales Passes Senate

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 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 House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Preventive Health Care, Prescription Drugs Passes Senate

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce barriers to changing dose or frequency of a medication

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on health care by ensuring free breast cancer examinations and streamlining providers’ ability to change dosage or frequency of medications.

In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296, sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. 

“As someone who has walked the path of breast cancer, I know that access to free preventive screenings saves lives,” said Michaelson Jenet. “Existing Colorado law already ensures that breast cancer prevention screenings are covered by insurance at no cost to the patient. SB25-296 clarifies existing law to ensure that follow-up and diagnostic examinations are covered at no cost so that the people at highest risk can access the care they need to get answers and move forward.” 

SB25-301, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would prohibit insurance companies from imposing prior authorization requirements to adjust the dose or frequency of medication already being used by a patient for a chronic condition. Providers could make such adjustments up to two times without prior authorization. 

“SB25-301 would increase affordable, consistent access to the medication Coloradans with chronic illnesses rely on by allowing a health care provider to adjust the dose of a medication without needing to go through additional, lengthy insurance authorization processes,” said Wallace. “Colorado’s health care providers know what’s best for their patients, not insurance companies. This bill gives providers the flexibility to respond to their patients’ needs without fear of losing insurance coverage for necessary adjustments.”

In 2015, 3.1 million Coloradans had at least one chronic disease. Many chronic diseases may require adjustment of medication doses to effectively treat the illness. This bill would reduce administrative burdens and accelerate access to timely, appropriate care. 

Both bills now head to the House for further consideration. Track their progress: SB25-296, SB25-301.

Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act Clears Senate

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

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, to protect voters and election workers from intimidation passed the Senate today. 

“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.”

“Colorado’s gold-standard free and fair elections are the backbone of our democracy,” Daugherty said. “Increased threats of violence have put voters and election workers at risk of danger. This bill would strengthen protections for all people involved in our elections process so that everyone feels safe to be represented and make their voices heard.”

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 back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Signed! Bipartisan FY25-26 Budget to Protect Investments in K-12 Education, Medicaid

DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget. This bipartisan budget protects critical investments in K-12 education and Medicaid, caps tuition for higher education, and makes responsible reductions across programs and agencies to achieve a balanced budget. The state’s $43.9 billion budget contains $16.7 billion in general fund expenditures.

“This is a budget that no one is happy with but that everyone can be proud of,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “Thanks to the rationing equation in TABOR, the Joint Budget Committee faced difficult decisions that resulted in painful tradeoffs. But unlike Washington, we made these cuts thoughtfully, strategically, and with bipartisan support. We eliminated dozens of programs and invested those savings in public education, and public safety, and public lands. It’s not a perfect budget, but it’s responsible and responsive to our TABOR constraints while keeping our commitment to the people of Colorado.”

“This budget navigates significant reductions in resources while still meeting our core responsibilities,” said Joint Budget Committee Chair Vice Chair Rep. Shannon Bird, D-Westminster. “From protecting access to healthcare for our most vulnerable to fully funding our public schools and capping college tuition increases, this bipartisan budget invests in the services that Coloradans rely on. Despite having to make painful decisions, I'm pleased with our efforts to preserve the services that keep Coloradans safe and healthy and expand opportunity for all."

“After months of precise and careful decision-making to minimize the impact of $1.2 billion in cuts to the state budget, we crafted a responsible budget that invests in the well-being of every Coloradan by protecting funding for Medicaid, K-12 education, and food stamps,” said Joint Budget Committee member Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Despite a challenging budget situation exacerbated by federal uncertainty, we remain committed to creating every possible opportunity for Colorado communities and families to thrive.”

“I’m proud of the thoughtful decisions we made to soften the impact of our $1.2 billion gap while prioritizing the essential services that families and older Coloradans need,” said Joint Budget Committee member Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “Our state’s fiscal restraints and TABOR-required cuts forced us to make tough reductions to important services in order to protect funding for K-12 and higher education, Medicaid and Healthy School Meals for All."

Protecting Investments in K-12 and Higher Education

• Protecting K-12 Funding: In just the last few years, Colorado Democrats have increased total funding for our schools by nearly $3 billion. Since the 2018-19 school year, per pupil funding has increased from $8,123 to $11,852 next year. Despite a declining enrollment environment, this year’s budget builds on steady progress to increase the resources going to our classrooms by directing an additional $150 million more from the General Fund into schools as compared to the FY24-25 budget.

• Capping Tuition Rates for Higher Education: In recent years, Colorado Democrats have fought to increase college access by limiting tuition increases and boosting funding for financial aid. This year’s budget includes a 3.5 percent cap on tuition increases for in-state students.

Continuing Medicaid Services for Vulnerable Coloradans

• Protecting Medicaid Services that Coloradans Rely On: This year, Colorado Democrats rejected proposed reductions to provider rates and instead secured a moderate 1.6 percent increase and protected Medicaid eligibility, avoiding dire impacts to Coloradans who rely on Medicaid services. However, this progress remains under threat by federal government actions to potentially cut Medicaid.

• Continuing Dental Services Provided Through Medicaid: This year’s budget protects funding for Coloradans on Medicaid to receive dental care.

Supporting Colorado Kids and Families

• Bolstering Child Care Assistance: The budget invests $15 million in FY24-25 and $10 million in FY25-26 to increase support for the child care assistance program, a vital resource for low-income families to ensure access to quality child care providers which have seen long waitlists and frozen enrollment in many counties due to funding restrictions.

• Early Intervention Support for Colorado Children: The budget increases support for early intervention services that help bridge developmental gaps for infants and toddlers who were born premature or with other special needs. This year, Colorado Democrats acted swiftly to plug an unexpected gap in funding in FY24-25 by providing $4 million to halt proposed service reductions, and are investing an additional $16.5 million to sustain the program in FY25-26.

• Healthy School Meals for All: This budget fully funds the Healthy School Meals for All program through the end of the year, preserving what voters previously approved at the ballot. If HB25-1274 passes, a referred ballot measure in November will ask voters to weigh in on whether to raise the needed revenue to continue the program or scale it back. 

• Anti-Poverty Programs Administered by Local Governments: This year’s budget protects programs like TANF and SNAP administered by local governments to serve the most vulnerable communities.

Preserving Colorado’s Public Lands and Natural Resources

• Investing in State Parks: This budget preserves and improves Colorado’s state parks, including $52 million in investments to protect critical habitats, maintain park facilities, and reinforce parks' infrastructure.

• Promoting Water Conservation: This year’s budget protects funding for water conservation and resource management projects to ensure access to clean water for generations of Coloradans to come. 

Safeguarding Colorado's Civil Liberties

• Maintaining Election Security: The Trump administration abruptly halted federal support for election security, including from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This budget keeps Colorado’s elections safe and secure by providing $410,000 for robust security assessments and critical technology for all local election systems. 

• Defending Against Unlawful Federal Actions: Amidst ongoing uncertainty from the Trump administration, the budget allocates an additional $604,000 for increased support in the Attorney General’s Office to fight reckless, unlawful federal actions and protect federal funding that Coloradans rely on. This year’s budget also creates The Colorado Defense Fund and sets aside $4 million via SB25-269 and HB25-1321 to protect Colorado from the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal grants or undermine Colorado’s sovereignty.

Senate Approves Legislation to Create 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 approved 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 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Senate Approves Legislation to Strengthen the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act

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

DENVER, CO - The Senate 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 the 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 back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Expand Behavioral Health Care Access and Workforce Capacity Passes Senate

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 the Senate 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 now head to the House for further consideration. Track their progress: SB25-292, SB25-295. 

ICYMI: Legislation to Prevent Surprise Ambulance Billing Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing yesterday. 

HB25-1088, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would build upon previous bipartisan legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing by extending protections to public ambulance services.  

“No Coloradan should hesitate to call an ambulance during an emergency because they are concerned about the cost,” said Mullica. “Existing law creates an uneven playing field where some ambulance rides are protected from surprise billing while others are not – but patients have no say over who responds to their 911 call. HB25-1088 protects consumers and establishes clear, fair reimbursement rates to support the sustainability of ambulance services across Colorado.”

Colorado’s existing billing protections only include private ambulance services, yet more than 75 percent of ambulance agencies in Colorado are public departments, not covered by current law. 

This bill would also put key federal Advisory Committee on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing (GAPB) recommendations in place, such as: 

• Prohibiting all ambulance agencies from balance billing patients for both emergency and non-emergency transports,

• Establishing reimbursement rates for ambulance services that are out of network,

• Requiring carriers to pay the rates adopted by governing political subdivisions, assuming those rates meet conditions designed to improve transparency and limit costs,

• Creating a public-facing website of rates adopted by political subdivisions, and

• Ensuring ambulance agencies are paid directly after a transport. 

HB25-1088 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Reduce Gun Violence Among Youth Passes Senate Committee

HB25-1250 would seek to educate students and their families about preventing gun violence

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to standardize the distribution of educational materials about gun violence prevention to caregivers of Colorado kids passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

“Preventing acts of gun violence begins at home,” Cutter said. “Some of the most devastating and preventable tragedies in our nation’s history have happened in Colorado schools, and one in three Colorado Middle and High School students say they can access a firearm in their home. Safe storage dramatically reduces firearm suicides and overall youth firearm fatalities. Information is power, and this bill simply helps inform and educate students and their families about gun violence and how to prevent it." 

HB25-1250 would require the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in the Department of Public Health and Environment to accessibly post educational materials about preventing gun violence on its website to be distributed to school districts, charter schools, a board of cooperative services, and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind at the beginning of each school year. Under the bill, local education providers would also be required to post the materials on their websites.

Denver has worked closely with CU Boulder and Denver Health to use evidence-based approaches to addressing youth violence in Colorado. A Public Health Institute report outlined helpful public health focused strategies to combat youth violence, including the importance of identifying risk factors, intervening before violence can occur, and increasing awareness of this topic as a deterrent of gun violence.

HB25-1250 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Preventive Health Care, Prescription Drugs Passes Committee

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce barriers to changing dose or frequency of a medication

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on health care by ensuring free breast cancer examinations and streamlining providers’ ability to change dosage or frequency of medications.

In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296, sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. 

“As someone who has walked the path of breast cancer, I know that access to free preventive screenings saves lives,” said Michaelson Jenet. “Existing Colorado law already ensures that breast cancer prevention screenings are covered by insurance at no cost to the patient. SB25-296 clarifies existing law to ensure that follow-up and diagnostic examinations are covered at no cost so that the people at highest risk can access the care they need to get answers and move forward.” 

SB25-301, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would prohibit insurance companies from imposing prior authorization requirements to adjust the dose or frequency of medication already being used by a patient for a chronic condition. Providers could make such adjustments up to two times without prior authorization. 

“SB25-301 would increase affordable, consistent access to the medication Coloradans with chronic illnesses rely on by allowing a health care provider to adjust the dose of a medication without needing to go through additional, lengthy insurance authorization processes,” said Wallace. “Colorado’s health care providers know what’s best for their patients, not insurance companies. This bill gives providers the flexibility to respond to their patients’ needs without fear of losing insurance coverage for necessary adjustments.”

In 2015, 3.1 million Coloradans had at least one chronic disease. Many chronic diseases may require adjustment of medication doses to effectively treat the illness. This bill would reduce administrative burdens and accelerate access to timely, appropriate care. 

Both bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track their progress: SB25-296, SB25-301.

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.