Worker Protection Act Passes Senate Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee today passed the “Worker Protection Act” to make it easier for workers to form a union. 

HB26-1005, sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, would update the Colorado Labor Peace Act by eliminating the requirement for employees to conduct a second election to negotiate a union security agreement clause in the collective bargaining process.

“Colorado is the only state in the country that requires workers to go through not just one, but two elections in order to form a union,” said Danielson. “This bill eliminates the burdensome, antiquated second election and makes it easier for workers who wish to form a union to do so. Workers in a union have better pay, more safety on the job, and a seat at the decision-making table. Coloradans have been loud and clear about their support of this bill, and we are with them.” 

“When you work hard, you should be able to provide for yourself and your family,” said Jodeh. “Colorado law should protect the freedom of workers to band together to fight for workplace safety, benefits, and the chance to earn a decent wage – not get in their way. The second election is a barrier created intentionally to make it harder to unionize. This bill puts Colorado in line with other states and creates opportunities for Colorado workers to realize their American dream.”

Currently, Colorado labor law requires two elections for workers seeking to form a union and collect dues: one that meets the federal standard set by the National Labor Relations Act, and a second election which must be won by a supermajority approval of at least 75 percent of those who vote, or 50 percent plus one of all employees eligible to vote, whichever is greater. This process creates a uniquely high threshold for workers to achieve the right to negotiate with their employers. 

The Worker Protection Act would eliminate the second election to make it easier for workers to join together to negotiate with their employers. 

Union member density in Colorado is below the national average of 9.9 percent. Based on 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado’s union membership was 7.7 percent, far behind other states with free bargaining laws, including Minnesota (14.2 percent), Washington (16 percent), and California (14.5 percent).

Unions strengthen economies while driving more income to working families. On average, union workers earn 10.2 percent more than non-union workers with similar jobs and qualifications. Unions also play a role in increasing wages for all workers. For example, wages in states with anti-worker laws, also known as “right to work” laws, are 3.2 percent lower than in states without these laws. That translates to an average of $1,670 less per year for a non-union full-time worker.

Unions also reduce income inequality, bridge racial and gender pay gaps, and help families build wealth. Research shows that union membership is tied to larger wage gains for all workers, but union workers of color tend to experience a larger percentage of wealth gains. Additionally, unions help increase homeownership. For example, working class union households are 13 percent more likely to own a home.

HB26-1005 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Kolker Bill to Expand Retirement Options Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today passed legislation to increase flexibility and expand savings opportunities for Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) employees. 

HB26-1026, sponsored by Senator Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, would protect retirement security for public employees with gaps in their career paths, expand access to supplemental retirement savings options, and give PERA members greater control over how they plan and save for retirement. 

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to work hard, save for retirement, and live out their senior years in dignity,” said Kolker. “This bill would give our hardworking public employees – teachers, librarians, and all the people who keep our state running – more flexibility in how they choose to save for retirement and prevent career gaps from impacting retirement readiness.”

Currently, PERA members can purchase service credit for up to five years of non-PERA-affiliated jobs to boost their retirement benefits, like higher benefit amounts or allowing them to retire earlier. HB26-1026 would expand this option to allow PERA members to purchase service credit for up to five years of unemployment under certain conditions, so PERA members can build up their retirement despite career gaps.

The bill would also offer more investment opportunities by requiring PERA-affiliated employers to offer both tax-deferred and Roth voluntary contribution options for 401k and 457 plans and make these options available for all employees. It would also require that all PERA-affiliated employers participate in and offer PERA’s deferred compensation plan to all employees, ensuring consistent access to retirement savings options. 

HB26-1026 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Committee Approves Bill to Provide Additional Information on Ballots

HB26-1084 would share important fiscal information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot initiatives

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today approved a bill sponsored by Senators William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to share additional information with voters on citizen-initiated ballot initiatives. 

“If a ballot measure is going to get its funding by siphoning resources from other critical services, like education and health care, voters should know that,” Lindstedt said. “This bill is about government transparency – making sure that voters have all the information they need before they cast their ballots.”

"For years I've worked to make our election and campaign laws more transparent and functional for voters who make important decisions about our state's future, and this bill is no exception," Weissman said. "This legislation is an additional step toward making more details available in our elections so Coloradans have as much information as possible when casting their ballots."

HB26-1084 would help share information with voters about how much proposed ballot measures could cost the state and taxpayers, as well as the impacts on essential state services. Specifically, this bill would require that voters be informed when citizen-initiated ballot measures would likely increase state expenditures. This would only apply to referred ballot measures that do not identify sufficient revenue sources or specific state-run programs and services to be reduced to pay for the cost of the measure. 

Under this bill, a ballot measure that increases state expenditures must include language identifying the three largest state programs and services by name that could be reduced if the ballot measure passes. This could include K-12 education, health care and the Department of Corrections. If signed into law, this language would be added to the title of the measure and to the Ballot Information Booklet, also known as the Blue Book.

Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have worked to safeguard and strengthen Colorado’s election system. In 2021, Colorado Democrats championed a law, also sponsored by Weissman, to inform voters of the core programs and services that would be impacted by citizen-initiated ballot measures that reduce taxes. 

Last year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Voting Rights Act to codify stronger voter protections and expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities. Under this law, even if federal voting protections are rolled back, Colorado will still prohibit discriminatory election practices. 

HB26-1084 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Strengthen Career Pathways Clears Senate

HB26-1136 would streamline access to careers in public service

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to streamline skills-based learning and higher education curriculum to better prepare students for a career in public service in Colorado’s state agencies after graduation.

“This bill would help more college students understand their options in state roles so that they have more chances to pursue these fulfilling, impactful jobs,” Wallace said. "This is about inspiring that next generation of civic leaders and allowing more Coloradans to feel a sense of purpose in assisting their communities."

“Our state is stronger because of the public servants who dedicate their careers to the betterment of their communities,” Lindstedt said. “More students and pre-professionals deserve the chance to pursue these jobs, and this legislation would give them more of those chances.”

HB26-1136 would streamline skills-based hiring programs and establish stronger partnerships between state agencies and higher education institutions to strengthen career pathways. The bill would create the Pathways to Public Service Program within the Colorado Department of Personnel to establish a base camp for Coloradans seeking a career in public service. Under the bill, state agencies would work alongside higher education and workforce readiness programs to identify curriculum and coursework that would make it easier for students to enter a career in state government after graduation. 

The State of Colorado is one of the largest employers in Colorado, employing more than 122,600 people in 2023. Thirty-three percent of the state workforce is located outside of the Denver metro area, serving communities directly where individuals access state services. State employees serve in diverse skill areas that support Coloradans, including public safety, healthcare, wildlife and natural resource management and many others.

HB26-1136 now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Prohibit 3D-Printing of Firearms

HB26-1144 would strengthen Colorado’s existing law to crack down on ghost guns

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, to prevent gun violence by prohibiting the three-dimensional printing of firearms, large-capacity magazines or other firearm components passed the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today.

“The rise in 3D printer technology has introduced a new front in our fight to prevent gun violence in the United States,” Sullivan said. “It is imperative that we act right now to shore up existing law to prevent the at-home production of ghost guns, saving countless lives before they are threatened.”

"In Colorado, three lives are lost to gun violence every single day. This legislation is an intervention in that violence and in the growing threat of untraceable, 3D-printed firearms" Wallace said. "The threat of 3D-printed weapons is growing, but it is also preventable. This legislation would close loopholes in existing law to prevent gun violence and make Colorado safer.”

HB26-1144 would prohibit the use of a three-dimensional printer, or similar devices, to make a firearm or a firearm component. An initial violation of this provision would be a class 1 misdemeanor, and any subsequent violation would be a class 5 felony. The bill would also prohibit the sale or distribution of instructions on how to use a three-dimensional printer to create a firearm or a firearm component. A violation of this provision would be a civil infraction. This does not apply to the three-dimensional printing of non-functional or prop firearms.

Since 2016, the number of ghost guns used in crimes throughout the country increased by 1000-percent, yet over 99-percent of those guns cannot be traced back to a user, owner or producer. Between 2016 and 2021, law enforcement reported recovering over 45,000 privately made firearms, including in nearly 700 homicide or attempted homicide investigations. When an untraceable gun is used in a crime, it can be impossible for a gun violence victim and their family to seek accountability.

Colorado Democrats passed the original “ghost guns” law back in 2023, which prohibited the possession, sale or transfer of unserialized firearms, frames and receivers.

HB26-1144 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Lawmakers to Close More Than $1 Billion Budget Deficit as FY26-27 Revenue Falls Narrowly Above TABOR Cap

DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) today released the following statements after the Legislative Council Staff (LCS) and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) delivered the March quarterly economic forecasts.

“Today’s economic forecast is nothing short of devastating. Between rising prices, federal cuts to essential programs, and global uncertainty, the state budget is getting squeezed from all sides,” said JBC Vice Chair Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “We’re working on solutions to modernize our budget and give the state more flexibility to weather economic ups and downs while better funding core priorities like education. But the reality right now is that our budget constraints mean painful cuts. A dollar for one area is a dollar less for another, and under the TABOR cap there simply isn’t enough room to do it all.”

"Today's economic forecast is a stark reminder that despite the cuts we’ve already made, we still need to close a staggering budget deficit of more than $1 billion," said JBC Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. "It's impossible to balance our budget without touching some of the core services for Coloradans, especially programs and services that have been proven effective. I didn't run for office to slash essential programs that hardworking Coloradans depend on. There is only so much money we can spend under the fiscal constraints of TABOR, which means every decision requires a painful trade-off."

“Over the next week, the Joint Budget Committee will use the latest data in this forecast to set our budget for next year, and that means we will have to close an astounding budget deficit of over $1 billion,” said JBC Member Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “We’re doing our best to minimize harm, but the truth is it’s impossible to cut hundreds of millions of dollars year after year without impacting the priorities that Coloradans care about and core services for vulnerable people.” 

"The economic forecast shows what we already know, Medicaid costs have skyrocketed beyond what was originally predicted,” said JBC Member Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. "Our budget primarily funds K-12 education, health care and other services for the most vulnerable community members, and we will continue to make the best evidence-based decisions through an empathetic lens about where to invest taxpayer dollars. At the end of the day, there is only so much money we're permitted to spend under TABOR, which means we face even more gut-wrenching cuts to programs in order to balance our budget."  

The Legislative Council Staff (LCS) forecast anticipates General Fund revenue to be $16.5 billion in FY 2025-2026, $18.2 billion in FY 2026-2027 and $19.5 billion in FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall decrease of $354 million in the current year and $143 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to the December forecast.

The Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) anticipates that General Fund revenue will be $17.0 billion for FY 2025-26, $18.4 billion for FY 2026-2027 and $18.7 billion for FY 2027-2028. This represents an overall increase of $49.6 million in the current year and an increase of $431.7 million for FY 2026-2027 as compared to the December forecast.

For the last two years, Medicaid costs have grown dramatically by nearly $1 billion a year while providing roughly the same services to roughly the same eligible population. Cost increases have primarily been driven by aging demographics and higher demand for more expensive services, such as long-term care. The February Medicaid forecast indicates that Medicaid costs have once again increased; a 2.3 percent increase, or $138 million General Fund, as compared to the prior Medicaid forecast, bringing the total expected year-over-year cost growth to 8.7 percent.

Other states are also grappling with rising Medicaid expenditures, including long-term care, pharmacy, and behavioral health care. According to a nationwide survey of state Medicaid directors, almost two-thirds of responding states indicated the chance of a Medicaid budget shortfall in FY 2026 was either 50-50 or more likely.

Accounting for all of the reductions to programs and services JBC has approved up to this point, based on the LCS forecast, the JBC must still close a budget deficit of $1.5 billion to meet its constitutional requirement of a balanced state budget. Without any further action the state would end 2026-2027 with a 6.5 percent reserve, less than half of the current 15 percent statutory requirement.

The LCS and OSPB forecasts anticipate that FY 2026-2027 revenue will be above the TABOR cap by $276 million and $711.1 million, respectively. For the current FY 2025-2026, by the LCS forecast, Colorado’s revenue is below the TABOR cap by $914 million. By the OSPB forecast, revenue is below the TABOR cap by $229 million. Corporate tax cuts in Congressional Republicans’ H.R. 1 have jeopardized the legislature’s ability to fund the state’s approximately $200 million senior homestead property tax exemption for the current fiscal year, which is funded by the prior year’s surplus when one exists, and by the general fund in years where there is an insufficient TABOR surplus. Since revenues were below the TABOR cap in FY 2025-2026 due to H.R. 1, the senior homestead exemption will need to be funded using General Fund dollars, creating an additional $200 million deficit to fill this year. 

H.R. 1 also impacted the ability to lower taxes for hardworking Coloradans and lift families out of poverty. Due to corporate tax cuts in H.R. 1, the Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) will be entirely turned off for the 2026 tax year, raising taxes on families. Under H.R.1, corporations received a massive tax cut, paying nearly 40 percent less in income tax this year. Next year, corporations will pay $1 billion dollars less in taxes than they did before Congress passed H.R. 1.

Forecasts show H.R. 1’s ongoing revenue impacts are likely to reduce both FATC and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in future years. A 2026 report found that the EITC, FATC and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) reduced Colorado’s child poverty rate by 37 percent and family poverty rate by 32 percent. Both forecasts predict that the EITC and FATC will be triggered off in 2027; for 2028, LCS forecasts that they will be triggered off completely, while OSPB forecasts that they will be available at a reduced level. 

Preliminary data revealed that new job growth is higher in Colorado than the national average, and the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annual rate of 4.6 percent, slightly above the U.S. rate of 4.4 percent. However, declining corporate tax revenue caused by H.R. 1, combined with a national slowing economy and job growth, is increasing risks to Colorado’s budget outlook. The probability for a recession is higher than normal, exacerbated by escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is contributing to global economic uncertainty and trade interruptions. 

Majority Leader Rodriguez Announces Updated Senate Committee Assignments

DENVER, CO – Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, today announced updated Senate committee assignments necessitated by the resignation of former Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet and the addition of Senator Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, to the Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus.

Updated committee assignments are below, with new committee members italicized. Members taking on a new role within a committee upon which they already serve are indicated by an *. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has decreased in size from a nine member committee to a seven member committee.

Agriculture & Natural Resources, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Dylan Roberts, Chair
Senator Jessie Danielson, Vice Chair
Senator Nick Hinrichsen
Senator Cathy Kipp

Appropriations, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Judy Amabile, Chair
Senator Jeff Bridges, Vice Chair
Senator Julie Gonzales
Senator Chris Kolker

Business, Labor, & Technology, 5 members (3-2)

Senator Jessie Danielson, Chair
Senator Nick Hinrichsen, Vice Chair
Senator Iman Jodeh

Education, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Chris Kolker, Chair
Senator Janice Marchman, Vice Chair
Senator Cathy Kipp
Senator Marc Snyder, to be replaced by Senator Jeff Bridges following passage of the state budget

Finance, 9 members (6-3)

Senator Cathy Kipp, Chair
Senator Janice Marchman, Vice Chair
Senator Adrienne Benavidez
Senator Chris Kolker
Senator Kyle Mullica
Senator Marc Snyder

Health & Human Services, 7 members (5-2)

Senator Kyle Mullica, Chair
Senator Iman Jodeh, Vice Chair*
Senator Lisa Cutter
Senator Lindsey Daugherty
Senator Mike Weissman

Judiciary, 7 members (5-2)

Senator Mike Weissman, Chair
Senator Dylan Roberts, Vice Chair
Senator Lindsey Daugherty
Senator Nick Hinrichsen
Senator Katie Wallace

Local Government & Housing, 7 members (4-3)

Senator Tony Exum, Sr., Chair
Senator Marc Snyder, Vice Chair
Senator William Lindstedt
Senator Matt Ball

State, Veterans, & Military Affairs, 5 members (3-2)

Senator Katie Wallace, Chair
Senator Tom Sullivan, Vice Chair
Senator William Lindstedt

Transportation & Energy, 9 members (6-3)

Senator Lisa Cutter, Chair
Senator Matt Ball, Vice Chair
Senator Tony Exum, Sr.
Senator William Lindstedt
Senator Kyle Mullica
Senator Tom Sullivan

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Colorado Road Safety

SB26-035 would increase driver's license point penalties for illegal passing and repeated speeding violations

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to improve Colorado road safety by increasing driver's license point penalties for repeated speeding violations and illegal passing. 

“My district in the mountains faces some of the highest rates of fatal crashes, many of which are caused by crossing double yellow lines and speeding,” Roberts said. “This legislation would keep our roads safer by highlighting and stopping these dangerous patterns of behavior.”

SB26-035 would increase penalties via points on licenses for illegal passing in a no-passing zone. It would require the installation of signage indicating those penalties in a no-passing zone marked by a solid yellow or pavement marking line. The bill also encourages drivers to make safer choices on the road by increasing penalties for multiple speeding violations, with higher penalties for multiple violations in a 1-, 2-, or 5-year period. 

After several years of decline, Colorado traffic fatalities increased in 2025. These increases are especially pronounced on rural highways and roads. 

SB26-035 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

Bill to Prevent Out-of-State Farms From Using Colorado Labels Passes Senate

HB26-1031 would support Colorado producers and protect the integrity of made-in-Colorado products

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation to support Colorado farmers and agricultural producers by cracking down on false advertising of products originating outside of Colorado.

HB26-1031, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would prohibit identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising, or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state.

“Colorado is known for its delicious and high-quality agricultural products like Palisade peaches, Pueblo green chiles, and San Luis Valley potatoes – to name a few,” said Roberts. “Consumers want to purchase made-in-Colorado products and should be able to trust the Colorado Proud label. This bill is about supporting Colorado farmers, ranchers, and businesses who make the real deal, right here at home.” 

Also sponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, HB26-1031 was first approved by the interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. It would protect the integrity of Colorado-made products, ensuring Colorado producers aren’t undercut by mislabeled products imported from out-of-state. 

The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. The bill aims to protect Colorado markets for farmers and ranchers to sell their locally-made products and food.

HB26-1031 now heads to the Governor for his signature. Track its progress HERE. 

Senate Approves Bill to Improve Support for Vulnerable Children

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Matt Ball, D-Denver, to improve support for children through child advocacy centers (CACs) as they navigate trauma, maltreatment, and abuse. 

“Under current law, child advocacy centers sometimes face unnecessary barriers to doing their jobs, including barriers to accessing crucial information,” Roberts said. “By allowing for information sharing between law enforcement and child advocacy centers, we’ll clear pathways for professionals to more effectively support the kids who need it the most.” 

“Child advocacy centers already support thousands of children across the state, and this legislation serves to strengthen the tools they have,” Ball said. “More collaboration, more support, and more resources afforded by this legislation will ultimately allow them to better support Colorado’s most vulnerable.” 

HB26-1142, also known as the Colorado Child Advocacy Center Act, would clearly define and create consistency across CACs, reinforcing the expectations that CACs coordinate with law enforcement and adopt trauma-informed practices as they move through investigation, treatment, and prosecution processes. It would also define multidisciplinary investigative boards within CACs to include a member of a law enforcement agency, a district attorney or assistant district attorney, a member of the county department’s child protective services unit, a local mental health provider, a local health care provider, a victim advocate, and a CAC staff.

The bill would also allow county departments of human services and CAC multidisciplinary team members to share relevant information with the purpose of protecting a child in a maltreatment case. It would also offer civil and criminal immunity for CAC advocates for sharing relevant information between multidisciplinary teams and county departments and civil immunity for CAC board members, staff and volunteers for actions taken in good faith. Adding clarity around information sharing and confidentiality would boost advocates’ confidence and help encourage collaboration while protecting children.

CACs provide services to children and their families in the case of abuse. These services can include medical evaluations, mental health treatment, assistance navigating the judicial system and child abuse prevention. There are 19 CACs across the state that have served nearly 6,000 Colorado kids.

HB26-1142 now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature. Track its progress here. 

Senate Unanimously Approves Bill to Support Vulnerable Kids Through Child Abuse Cases

HB26-1103 would make it easier for children to navigate the justice system during abuse cases

DENVER, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to help children who are navigating child abuse cases in the justice system unanimously passed the Senate. 

“Kids who have experienced unthinkable trauma deserve justice, but in the process of getting it, they’re often forced to re-live their experiences in court proceedings and have limited resources while navigating a complicated system,” Cutter said. “This legislation would give them trauma-informed resources so they have the information and support they need to get that justice from their abusers.”

HB26-1103 would require law enforcement agencies to report child sex offense claims to a local child advocacy center (CAC) within a week of when the alleged offense occurred. If there is no CAC within the judicial district, the agency must report the alleged offense to the CAC that they determine would best serve the child.

Current law allows a child under 12 years old to give testimony in a room other than the courtroom if the judge believes that the child would experience serious emotional distress or trauma in the presence of the defendant. The bill would raise the age to under 18 years old, require courts to make considerations about a child’s ability to give testimony in front of the alleged offender, and allow for collaboration with a child advocacy center to conduct interviews.

There are 19 CACs across Colorado with over 33,000 child abuse professionals and community members who provide wraparound services to survivors. Each CAC has trained forensic interviewers and victim advocates to support the child through the judicial process and with mental health services.

The legislature is concurrently considering the Colorado Child Advocacy Center Act, which would reinforce the expectations that CACs coordinate with law enforcement and adopt trauma-informed practices as they move through the investigation, treatment, and prosecution processes.

HB26-1103 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress here.

Senate Advances Bill to Strengthen Victim Compensation

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to prioritize direct victims of crime over insurance companies in restitution payments.

HB26-1017, sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would clarify Colorado law regarding insurance companies’ eligibility for restitution.

“Restitution should be reserved for victims of crime so they can get their life back on track – not to further pad the pockets of insurance companies,” said Weissman. “Insurance companies that have paid out claims following a crime are not victims, they are financial institutions designed to balance risk and loss. This bill would create clarity and consistency for restitution decisions going forward.”

Restitution is court-ordered payment from a convicted offender to the victim, designed to cover financial losses directly resulting from a crime. Under current law, insurers of a victim of a crime can receive restitution payments in criminal cases. HB26-1017 would prohibit insurance companies from receiving these restitution payments unless they are a direct victim of a crime such as fraud, theft, or property damage.

The bill would clarify Colorado’s laws on insurance companies’ eligibility for restitution that have been the subject of confusion in Colorado courts. 

HB26-1017 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE. 

Marchman Bill to Address Teacher Shortage Passes Senate

SB26-126 seeks to address teacher shortage by easing licensure requirements for teachers from certain states

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to ease requirements and expedite license applications for teachers from states participating in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact passed the Senate today. 

“Talented educators shouldn’t face excessive barriers to entry when Colorado is already facing a teacher shortage,” Marchman said. “This legislation would streamline access to a teaching career in Colorado for educators who are already experienced in a trusted state.”

SB26-126, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would require the state to enter into reciprocal agreements for teacher licensure with states participating in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which currently includes 13 states other than Colorado, and to expedite licensure applications from teachers moving from those states. 

Under current law, teachers with at least three years of successful, evaluated teaching experience within the previous seven years are eligible for provisional licensure. This bill removes the requirement that the experience must be within the previous seven years.

SB26-126 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Committee Approves Bill to Strengthen Career Pathways

HB26-1136 would streamline access to careers in public service

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to streamline skills-based learning and higher education curriculum to better prepare students for a career in public service in Colorado’s state agencies after graduation.

“This bill would help more college students understand their options in state roles so that they have more chances to pursue these fulfilling, impactful jobs,” Wallace said. "This is about inspiring that next generation of civic leaders and allowing more Coloradans to feel a sense of purpose in assisting their communities."

“Our state is stronger because of the public servants who dedicate their careers to the betterment of their communities,” Lindstedt said. “More students and pre-professionals deserve the chance to pursue these jobs, and this legislation would give them more of those chances.”

HB26-1136 would streamline skills-based hiring programs and establish stronger partnerships between state agencies and higher education institutions to strengthen career pathways. The bill would create the Pathways to Public Service Program within the Colorado Department of Personnel to establish a base camp for Coloradans seeking a career in public service. Under the bill, state agencies would work alongside higher education and workforce readiness programs to identify curriculum and coursework that would make it easier for students to enter a career in state government after graduation. 

The State of Colorado is one of the largest employers in Colorado, employing more than 122,600 people in 2023. Thirty-three percent of the state workforce is located outside of the Denver metro area, serving communities directly where individuals access state services. State employees serve in diverse skill areas that support Coloradans, including public safety, healthcare, wildlife and natural resource management and many others.

HB26-1136 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Bolster Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence

DENVER, CO – The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced bipartisan legislation to enact evidence-based screening and additional protective measures for victims of domestic violence.

HB26-1009, sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents. 

“This bill ensures law enforcement takes extra care to identify those at highest risk of death or serious injury by domestic violence and connects them with resources that can save their life,” said Wallace. “I spent six years working in domestic violence prevention and intervention. Lethality assessments are an evidence-based tool that can prevent the worst outcomes before it’s too late.”

Also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, the bill would require police officers responding to a domestic violence case to conduct a lethality assessment and include the results in their report unless the victim is unavailable, not present, or incapacitated. This assessment is an evidence-based screening tool that helps identify the likelihood of serious injuries or death, including questions about whether the abuser has a history of abuse and if the abuser has ever threatened to use or has used a weapon to harm them. If the findings from the lethality assessment indicate that the survivor is at high risk of harm, law enforcement would immediately reach out to a community-based victim advocate and offer the victim an opportunity to speak with them.

The bill would also require mandatory training for peace officers to learn how to administer the lethality assessment and provide victim referrals. The training must be available by June 1, 2027 and all peace officers must complete the training by July 1, 2027.

HB26-1009 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Legislation to Improve Training and Response for Missing College Students Passes Senate Unanimously

SB26-120 would create uniform procedures for the critical hours after a college student goes missing

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to improve response time, coordination, and training for when a college student goes missing unanimously passed the Senate today. 

SB26-120, sponsored by Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would require peace officers seeking or renewing their Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification to undergo missing person alerts training. It would also create new, standardized protocols for higher education institutions to minimize delays and ensure best practices when a student goes missing. 

“I brought forward this bill in partnership with the brave families  who have lived through the unthinkable – their child going missing, on or off a Colorado college campus,” said Marchman. “This bipartisan bill ensures that our peace officers are trained to properly use the full range of missing persons alert systems. It also creates a clear, consistent process for colleges and universities to respond quickly, protect students, and ensure families get the answers they need.”

“When a loved one goes missing, every minute matters, and any delay or confusion is unacceptable,” said Wallace. “Under current law, college students can and have fallen through the cracks. This bill creates clear protocols for colleges and universities when a student is reported missing and ensures officers are trained to act with urgency and precision during those critical first hours.” 

Under the bill, the required training for peace officers during POST certification and recertification would include training on Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, Blue Alerts, and the State Emergency Alert System. 

SB26-120 would also require that when a student is reported missing, a higher education institution must immediately inform law enforcement or conduct a structured internal search for up to six hours. This would include digital contact, a residential check if the student lives in on-campus housing, inquiry to available faculty and staff, and emergency contact outreach. Institutions must document this process, retain records for three years, and publish this policy publicly. If a student is not found within six hours, or if there is credible evidence of risk, the institution must immediately notify campus police or the nearest law enforcement agency, if the institution does not have its own police department. 

SB26-120 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bill to Expand PERA Benefits

HB26-1146 would allow employees at approved facility schools to participate in the Public Employees’ Retirement Association

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, to expand Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) benefits to facility school employees passed the Senate today. 

“Educators at facility schools are multi-talented professionals who adapt to challenging situations to serve some of our state’s most vulnerable students,” Kolker said. “Those students deserve consistent and engaged teachers, and the benefits offered by this bill would create an environment where teachers and students alike can thrive.”

“Facility schools and the faculty who run them offer indispensable services to Colorado students, but they sometimes struggle to offer competitive benefits, resulting in high turnover rates,” Kipp said. “This legislation would put benefits offered by facility schools on par with other school districts to keep educators healthy and engaged.”

HB26-1146 would expand PERA benefits to educators and staff at facility schools, which serve students with behavioral or special education needs. These state-approved facilities specialize in high-needs academic and therapeutic services for their students and are often located outside of a traditional school setting. 

This bill aims to strengthen educator recruitment, create parity in educator retirement benefits and improve employee retention. To accomplish this, HB26-1146 would expand the definition of “employer” to include facility schools. Facility schools would still be required to apply with PERA for approval. 

HB26-1146 would apply to more than 30 state-approved facility schools that serve approximately 3,000 students. According to the Colorado Department of Education, facility program types include residential, day treatment, hospitals and specialized day schools. Additionally, between the 2021-2022 and 2024-2025 school years, staff numbers at facility schools have increased by 19 percent.

HB26-1146 now moves to the Governor’s desk for signature. Track its progress here.

Committee Approves Bill to Improve Support for Vulnerable Children

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Matt Ball, D-Denver, to improve support for children through child advocacy centers (CACs) as they navigate trauma, maltreatment, and abuse. 

“Under current law, child advocacy centers sometimes face unnecessary barriers to doing their jobs, including barriers to accessing crucial information,” Roberts said. “By allowing for information sharing between law enforcement and child advocacy centers, we’ll clear pathways for professionals to more effectively support the kids who need it the most.” 

“Child advocacy centers already support thousands of children across the state, and this legislation serves to strengthen the tools they have,” Ball said. “More collaboration, more support, and more resources afforded by this legislation will ultimately allow them to better support Colorado’s most vulnerable.” 

HB26-1142, also known as the Colorado Child Advocacy Center Act, would clearly define and create consistency across CACs, reinforcing the expectations that CACs coordinate with law enforcement and adopt trauma-informed practices as they move through investigation, treatment, and prosecution processes. It would also define multidisciplinary investigative boards within CACs to include a member of a law enforcement agency, a district attorney or assistant district attorney, a member of the county department’s child protective services unit, a local mental health provider, a local health care provider, a victim advocate, and a CAC staff.

The bill would also allow county departments of human services and CAC multidisciplinary team members to share relevant information with the purpose of protecting a child in a maltreatment case. It would also offer civil and criminal immunity for CAC advocates for sharing relevant information between multidisciplinary teams and county departments and civil immunity for CAC board members, staff and volunteers for actions taken in good faith. Adding clarity around information sharing and confidentiality would boost advocates’ confidence and help encourage collaboration while protecting children.

CACs provide services to children and their families in the case of abuse. These services can include medical evaluations, mental health treatment, assistance navigating the judicial system and child abuse prevention. There are 19 CACs across the state that have served nearly 6,000 Colorado kids.

HB26-1142 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

Bill to Prevent Out-of-State Farms From Using Colorado Labels Passes Committee Unanimously

HB26-1031 would support Colorado producers and protect the integrity of made-in-Colorado products

DENVER, CO – The Senate Agriculture Committee today unanimously advanced bipartisan legislation to support Colorado farmers and agricultural producers by cracking down on false advertising of products originating outside of Colorado.

HB26-1031, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would prohibit identifying an agricultural product as being produced in Colorado when selling, marketing, advertising, or distributing the product unless the product is grown in the state.

“Colorado is known for its delicious and high-quality agricultural products like Palisade peaches, Pueblo green chiles, and San Luis Valley potatoes – to name a few,” said Roberts. “Consumers want to purchase made-in-Colorado products and should be able to trust the Colorado Proud label. This bill is about supporting Colorado farmers, ranchers, and businesses who make the real deal, right here at home.” 

Also sponsored by Senator Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, HB26-1031 was first approved by the interim Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. It would protect the integrity of Colorado-made products, ensuring Colorado producers aren’t undercut by mislabeled products imported from out-of-state. 

The Trump Administration’s tariffs have driven up costs for Colorado’s businesses, farmers, ranchers, and consumers and limited the available international markets for producers to sell their products. The bill aims to protect Colorado markets for farmers and ranchers to sell their locally-made products and food.

HB26-1031 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Legislation to Increase Colorado Public School Funding Passes Committee

SB26-135 would give voters the opportunity to invest in Colorado’s students and teachers

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today passed legislation to refer a measure to the November ballot to allow Colorado to retain revenue above the current TABOR cap to drive funding to K-12 schools.

SB26-135, sponsored by Senators Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, would refer a statewide measure to the November 2026 ballot that would free up state funds to boost investment in K-12 schools. Increased investment would mean more educators in classrooms, smaller class sizes, and stronger special education services.

"This measure is about the simple idea that when Colorado's economy grows, our school funding should grow alongside it," said Bridges. "For decades, we have underfunded our schools using the negative factor. This measure gives us the chance to turn that around and lead with a positive factor. Public education is how a kid from any neighborhood, city, or county in Colorado can have the opportunity to succeed. It's time to fund our schools. It's time for Colorado schools to be as strong as Colorado itself."

“As a former school board member, I know firsthand how our schools struggle each year to do more with less, to provide a quality education for every Colorado student while being squeezed from all sides,” said Kipp. “This measure is about giving Coloradans the opportunity to decide if they want to make progress in our quest to adequately fund our public schools so that every Colorado kid can fulfill their potential.”

The measure would ask voters to increase general fund K-12 funding by up to 2 percent annually for the next ten years. It would allow the state to retain and spend revenue that it already collects in an amount equal to 2026-27 state K-12 funding, providing stable, predictable funding to keep pace with population growth and student needs. Additionally, it would require a public audit and report detailing how much excess revenue was retained and how it was spent. The measure would not raise taxes.

Colorado has chronically underfunded K-12 public schools. The state ranks 40th in teacher pay and retention, and underfunds every student by about $4,600 per year – a total shortfall of nearly $4 billion. Currently, K-12 funding makes up roughly a third of the state’s total budget. 

Current budget challenges under TABOR threaten the progress Colorado Democrats have made to increase funding for K-12 education. Colorado’s  current budget model is inadequate to meet the state’s educational goals. 

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