JOINT RELEASE: “Freedom to Read Act” Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law the “Freedom to Read Act.” Sponsored by Senators Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, SB25-063 creates safeguards against book bans in public school libraries.

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

“Knowledge is power, and our law preserves access to age-appropriate literature in Colorado public schools,” said Willford. “This legislation creates a standard process to evaluate a book’s inclusion or removal from a library, further shielding our public school libraries from D.C. culture wars and political fights. Schools are for learning, and our students deserve access to age-appropriate books that encourage them to think broadly and critically about the world.” 

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

“This law ensures a transparent policy to avoid discriminatory censorship and protects students’ access to books that share the voices and experiences of marginalized communities,” said García. “Books offer a window to the world where students can explore new places, discover different cultures and dive deep into a new experience. The freedom to read is a cornerstone to a strong democracy, and we’re making sure our students have access to age-appropriate literature.”

SB25-063 will create safeguards against book bans in public schools by requiring local school boards to establish a standard policy on the acquisition, use and removal of library resources. The policy would ensure that any removal or restriction of a library resource follows a clear, fair and consistent process. 

Without a policy in place, a local school board or the Charter School Institute could not remove a library resource from its collection. SB25-063 will also prevent discriminatory policies and protect librarians from retaliation.

Legislation to Improve Regulatory Transparency and Efficiency Passes Senate

SB25-306 would require the Office of the State Auditor to conduct performance audits of two government agencies

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, to thoughtfully streamline certain regulations. 

SB25-306, also sponsored by Senator Barb Kirmeyer, R-Weld County, would require the Office of the State Auditor to conduct performance audits of the Air Pollution Control Division and Division of Unemployment Insurance. The audits would review each division’s work to effectively and efficiently fulfill its statutory obligations – including whether regulations are outdated, duplicative, and accomplishing intended goals.

“It is important that we take regular stock of Colorado’s regulatory environment to analyze what is working and what is outdated, duplicative, or ineffective,” said Rodriguez. “Regulations are crucial to keep Colorado safe and healthy, from protecting our air and water to preventing fraud and discrimination. It is also necessary that we remove duplicative or excessive regulation to encourage growth and innovation. This bill strikes that balance by requiring an audit of two state agencies that do not currently undergo a regular review.”

SB25-306 would not automatically remove any regulations, but would empower the State Auditor to review the effectiveness of these two divisions, as it does for other state agencies.

SB25-306 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Prevent Youth Overdoses Clears Senate

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

Legislation to Prevent Surprise Ambulance Billing Passes Senate Unanimously

DENVER, CO – The Senate unanimously passed legislation to protect patients from surprise ambulance billing today. 

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

Senate Approves Tranche of JBC Bills to Support Justice-Involved Youth, Invest in Transitional Housing, Improve Law Enforcement Training, & Bolster Workforce Programs

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved a tranche of Joint Budget Committee (JBC) bills to implement voter-approved Proposition 130, expand services for justice-involved youth, expand transitional housing investments, and bolster workforce readiness programs. The bills are considered “orbitals,” which make statutory changes needed to balance the budget.

“Fiscal responsibility means investing in our future," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. "This group of orbital bills sets our state up for success – it fulfills our mandate by the voters to improve public safety, while prioritizing Medicaid, affordable housing, and creating opportunities for working families.”

“After months of precise and careful decision-making, these bills represent the final touches to the 2025-2026 state budget that will best serve the people of Colorado with the resources we have,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “These bills build upon our priorities of protecting access to Medicaid, boosting public safety, and creating opportunities for Coloradans to access affordable housing and job training. These crucial programs give Coloradans the opportunity to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and thrive.” 

SB25-310, sponsored by Bridges and Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would implement the voter-approved Proposition 130 and direct a total of $350 million to keep Coloradans safe and to recruit new peace officers, hire additional peace officers, and provide continuing education and training for peace officers.

On or after July 1, 2025, the bill would require an additional one-time issuance of $500 million from the general fund reserve into the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) to be invested. On July 1, 2026, the bill would require the state treasurer to transfer $15 million from the General Fund to the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund and would allow the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $20 million in FY26-27 to the fund. Beginning in FY 27-28, the annual direct distribution to PERA would be reduced by an amount equal to the interest earnings on the $500 million investment and the state treasurer would annually transfer that same amount (up to a maximum of $35 million annually) from the general fund to the Peace Officer Training and Support Fund. This process would continue until the state has transferred a total of $350 million to the fund. 

The bill would also establish a death benefit of $1 million to the surviving spouse, family member, or designee any first responder that died as a result of injuries or an occupational disease sustained while performing their job, and create the Death Benefit Fund. The bill would transfer $5 million on July 1, 2025, and again on July 1, 2026, to the Death Benefit Fund. Beginning in 2027, the bill would require an annual transfer from the General Fund to the Death Benefit Fund that restores the fund balance to $10 million.

SB25-308, sponsored by Amabile and Kirkmeyer, would allow the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to implement federal Medicaid coverage of health-related social need and reentry services. The bill would then allow the state to reinvest the savings realized when Medicaid begins partially funding services through two new cash funds, the Health-Related Social Needs Reinvestment Cash Fund and the Reentry Services for Justice-Involved Individuals Reinvestment Cash Fund.

SB25-313, sponsored by Bridges and Amabile, would expand the use of the existing Affordable Housing Support Fund, created following Proposition 123’s passage in 2022, for homelessness services to include capital development and operating costs at two transitional housing communities: Fort Lyon Supportive Residential Community and Ridge View Supportive Residential Community.

SB25-315, sponsored by Bridges and Kirkmeyer, would restructure existing postsecondary workforce (PWR) readiness funding into a singular, coordinated distribution mechanism in the Colorado Department of Education to improve access to programs that will boost highly-skilled, in-demand career opportunities. The new PWR Innovation Grant Program would distribute grants to local education providers for the development and implementation of programs that support students in completing postsecondary credit, credentials, or work-based learning.

The Senate also approved SB25-311, SB25-312, SB25-314, SB25-316, SB25-317; additional orbitals to balance the FY25-26 budget.

All of the bills now move to the House for further consideration.

Senate Passes Kipp Bill to Extend Financial Freedom for People with Disabilities

SB25-302 would extend the ColoradoABLE tax exemption to allow people with disabilities to save money without losing benefits

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to allow people with disabilities to continue saving money with tax deductible investments in a ColoradoABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account that does not count against the asset limit for receiving federal benefits like Social Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. 

SB25-302, sponsored by Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, would extend the ColoradoABLE program which is set to expire at the end of 2025.

“People with disabilities deserve the same freedom as able-bodied people to save toward their own financial security,” said Kipp. “Without this program, people with disabilities on SSI cannot have more than $2,000 in assets each month, which penalizes them for saving money or earning a modest income and can trap them in a cycle of poverty. This program is a lifeline, providing a safe and legal way to achieve financial independence while retaining vital benefits.”

According to the ColoradoABLE program, there are currently about 3,000 total accounts with an average size of $11,000 in assets. ColoradoABLE accounts have annual and lifetime contribution limits. In 2025, the annual limit was $33,060 if an individual had earned income, or $19,000 if not. The additional contribution amount is intended as an incentive for individuals to have the dignity of work to build confidence, autonomy, and contribute to society. The lifetime contribution limit of a ColoradABLE account is $500,000. Many accounts are used on a day-to-day basis to pay for housing, food, basic living expenses, transportation, assistive technology, and personal support services. 

SB25-302 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Exum Bill to Establish Statewide Black History Education Standards Passes Senate

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

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

Senate Approves Bill to Address CBI Backlog

HB25-1275 would clarify standards for identifying and reporting misconduct in crime labs

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults passed the Senate today. 

"Recent events have demonstrated gaps in our laws when it comes to addressing allegations of investigatory misconduct that call criminal proceedings into question," Weissman said. "Justice is served when the guilty answer for their offenses; the innocent are not punished; and survivors of crimes have confidence that the criminal legal system has gotten to the truth. House Bill 1275 provides greater assurances about all three of these aspects of justice."

HB25-1275, cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would establish a clear process within CBI and the court system to address intentional and wrongful misconduct by crime lab workers. The bill would require that employees who witness or discover misconduct notify their supervisor or crime lab director within 14 days, and that defendants and victims are notified if there was lab misconduct in their case. 

Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304, also sponsored by Weissman, and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system.

HB25-1275 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE. 

Committee Passes Bill to Increase Homeowner Access to Energy Upgrades

HB25-1268 would allow Coloradans to access low-interest financing for energy-efficient upgrades

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed legislation to allow customers to finance energy-efficient upgrades to their homes through smaller monthly payments on their utility bill.

HB25-1268, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, would create a utility on-bill program to allow customers to finance energy and efficiency upgrades to their homes through monthly repayments on their utility bills. Eligible upgrades would include windows, doors, insulation, certain water heaters, and heat pumps.

“Many Colorado homeowners want to make energy-efficient and long-lasting upgrades, but can’t afford the upfront cost,” said Mullica. “This bill creates an opportunity for homeowners to access low-interest financing that they can pay through their existing utility bill. Ultimately, this bill makes energy-efficient upgrades more affordable and approachable while taking steps to meet Colorado’s climate goals.” 

“This bill meets homeowners where they’re at by creating a simple, streamlined, and affordable way to pay back the costs associated with energy-efficient upgrades” said Winter. “This program is a win-win that gives homeowners more options, increases access to energy-efficient home improvements, and moves Colorado toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future.” 

HB25-1268 would require a utility company with more than 500,000 residential customers to set up and maintain this on-bill program. Other utility companies could participate voluntarily. The Colorado Energy Office would establish program guidelines. 

Energy-efficient upgrades are one of the most effective ways to drive down utility costs and reduce strain on the electric grid. For example, homes with heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and updated insulation can save hundreds of dollars per year on their utility bills. 

The Senate Finance Committee also passed HB25-1269, sponsored by Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. This bill would update Colorado’s Building Performance Standards Program and provide technical assistance to the commercial building sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions, affirming Colorado’s place as a leader in building decarbonization. 

Both bills now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track their progress HERE: HB25-1268, HB25-1269.

Committee Approves Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill

Bill aims to create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee yesterday unanimously passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to reform Colorado’s vacancy process used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends.

"Increasing strains on legislators leading to more frequent resignations have illustrated the need and opportunity to modernize the vacancy process for the Colorado General Assembly," said Weissman. "This legislation represents a bipartisan way forward that is consistent with Colorado constitutional requirements, allows more input from voters, and does not excessively burden county clerks responsible for conducting elections. Critically, it will also capture raising and spending of campaign funds by candidates who seek vacancy appointments and run in vacancy elections so that voters can understand what influences may be operating in vacancy situations."

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1315 aims to increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden voter participation when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states, where governors or small commissions make the appointments.

The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 would affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: 

• If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place, and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. 

• If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the new vacancy committee process, and then there would be a new vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. 

• If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a new vacancy election can occur in November of that year.

• If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year.

In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. 

To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. 

Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. 

Under the bill, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment.

The committee also advanced HB25-1319, which would apply the same vacancy committee process and subsequent vacancy elections to county commissioners.

Both HB25-1315 and HB25-1319 now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

Bill to Improve Language Access Passes Senate Committee

HB25-1153 would authorize a statewide assessment of language accessibility across all principal departments

DENVER, CO – Senator Iman Jodeh’s, D-Aurora, bill to improve language access across all Colorado state departments passed the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today. 

“Equality under the law is not possible without equal access to state services for the more than 300,000 Coloradans who speak a language other than English,” Jodeh said. “The assessments this bill would activate would be our due diligence to ensure that we are striving for true equal access to the public services like job training opportunities, rental assistance, and legal rights support that make Colorado great.”

HB25-1153 would require a language access assessment to be conducted in most state departments. This assessment would help identify departments’ needs for compliance with language access standards, identify existing language services, and recommend improvements to ensure Coloradans can access government services, regardless of English fluency.

The bill would require the findings from the assessment to be included in a report by December 31, 2026. The report would include findings and recommendations including:

• Improving efficiency, increasing quality of service, reducing costs, avoiding duplicative work, utilizing existing best practices, and minimizing administrative burden when implementing linguistically accessible government services and programs,

• Addressing gaps in language access and improving meaningful services,

• Identifying potential technological advancements to increase language access, and

• Determining what infrastructure is needed to fully implement the standards in the language access universal policy.

Senator Jodeh has championed other legislation this year to increase opportunities for representation and access in state government. SB25-050, also sponsored by Jodeh, would require a space to indicate Middle Eastern, North African, or South Asian identity on government classification forms. 

A December 2024 report from the Office of New Americans found that language access in Colorado state agencies varied and lacked coordination, but nearly all state agencies expressed interest in receiving additional support from the state to address language access needs.

HB25-1153 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Senate Approves Legislation to Update Building Codes, Make Housing More Affordable

DENVER, CO – Today Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Nick Hinrichsen’s, D-Pueblo, legislation to make housing more affordable by updating building codes to only require one stairwell for certain multi-family buildings passed the Senate.

“Single-stair buildings are a safe and practical solution that make it far easier to build apartments with enough bedrooms to comfortably house Colorado families,” said Ball. “Single-stair buildings can also be impressive architectural additions to our neighborhoods. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that modernizes our building codes and positions Colorado at the forefront of innovative solutions to our housing crisis."

“Colorado is facing a housing crisis and we must explore every option to build more homes that families can afford,” said Hinrichsen. “Modernizing outdated building codes to allow for single-stair apartment buildings, where modern technology and building materials makes doing so safe, is a simple and effective solution that will open up opportunities to build more affordable housing and revitalize our neighborhoods. This legislation is a critical way that we can increase housing supply, drive down costs, and ensure that every Coloradan has a safe, affordable place to call home.”

Beginning December 1, 2027, HB25-1273 would require a municipality of 100,000 or more residents that is served by an accredited fire protection district, fire department, or fire authority to ensure that their building code allows certain multi-family residential buildings up to five stories to be served by a single exit.

Additional requirements to qualify for a single-stairway exit include:

• Buildings no more than five stories tall with up to four dwelling units per floor,

• Safety features throughout the building that satisfy building codes and other relevant codes, including an automatic sprinkler system and fire resistance and smoke control systems,

• Stairways no more than twenty feet away from a door to each dwelling unit and 125 feet from the stairway to any point in a dwelling unit, 

• Aerial access by the building’s applicable fire department or protection district, and

• Buildings constructed of non-combustible or fire-resistive construction materials.

The bill would also require a jurisdiction to notify their local International Association of Fire Fighters affiliate and the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association (CPFF) when they begin the code adoption process and when considering code changes relative to buildings impacted by the bill. These buildings would also be required to include signage to identify that it is a single stair building and a fire-resistant box that contains keys to the buildings for relevant firefighters to access the building and necessary units. 

Under the bill, the Department of Local Affairs would be required to consult with CPFF on implementation and data collection regarding single stair buildings constructed in each jurisdiction and the reporting of that data to the legislature during annual SMART Act hearings. 

According to a 2025 Pew Study, there has been no evidence of safety risks in New York City, Seattle, the Netherlands, and other jurisdictions that allow single stair apartments to be built. Adding a second stairway to an apartment building can increase building costs by six to 13 percent, and single stair apartments can reduce cooling costs by up to 80 percent.

HB25-1273 now returns to the House for consideration of amendments.

Legislation to Increase Access to Affordable Prescription Medication Passes Senate

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

DENVER, CO – The Senate today 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 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. As amended, the bill would also establish a veterinary drug donation program. 

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 House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Protect Victims of Intimate Deepfakes Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today approved Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez’s, D-Denver, legislation to protect victims of intimate deepfakes, or sexually explicit AI-generated material, especially those that involve children.

“Artificial intelligence is moving at light speed and working on policy to address its impacts can be an uphill battle,” said Rodriguez. “SB288 will put Colorado on the same level as 37 other states and the federal government, which have enacted laws that criminalize possession, creation, and distribution of AI-generated or computer-edited child sexual abuse material. This will allow both adult and child victims of intimate deepfakes and explicit AI-generated materials to seek justice against perpetrators and bad actors.”

SB25-288 would create a private right of action and allow a victim depicted in a sexually explicit digital image, or deepfake, who has suffered harm from the image to sue an individual who disclosed the image if the victim:

• Did not consent to disclosure of the deepfake,

• Would experience severe emotional distress from the disclosure, and

• Was identifiable. 

The bill outlines the strict criteria required to establish consent, including requiring affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization from a depicted individual, and who can bring a case if the depicted person is less than 18 years of age.

In a lawsuit, a victim could recover any money the defendant made from the image plus either the actual damages, including emotional distress, or $150,000 – whichever is greater.

The bill would also update the definition of "sexually exploitative material" in the context of the criminal law punishing sexual exploitation of a child to include realistic computer-generated digital depictions that are obscene. 

Provisions in the bill clarify that juveniles sharing images of themselves or posting intimate images without permission of similarly aged teens are not charged as adults with distribution of child pornography, but rather charged as juveniles under existing statute regarding sexting.

SB25-288 now moves to the House for further consideration.

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Gun Violence Among Youth

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

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.