JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bill to Safeguard Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations

SB26-032 protects consistent, science-backed state vaccine guidance

DENVER, CO – Legislation to protect Coloradans’ access to immunizations and science-backed decision making, regardless of changes to federal guidance, was signed into law today.

SB26-032, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada,  and Representatives Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, and Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, allows Colorado’s Board of Health to continue using science-backed vaccine guidelines from reputable health professional organizations in addition to federal guidance. It also adds protections to ensure consistent vaccine access and coverage.

“As an ER nurse, I know that protecting Coloradans’ access to immunizations is a matter of life and death,” said Mullica. “Vaccines must continue to be widely available and given according to a schedule based on science and evidence. With this new law, we’re standing up to protect Coloradans’ health and safety and insulate Colorado from the dysfunction in Washington.” 

“Vaccines fight disease, save lives and strengthen public health,” said Feret. “We’re taking action in Colorado to protect the health and safety of our community members, and this new law will standardize state-level vaccine guidance and information while expanding access to this critical health care tool.”

“Vaccines are medical miracles,” said Daugherty. “Adults, children, and infants used to die every day from diseases that we have all but eradicated because of immunizations. It is crucial that, regardless of the confusion spreading from RFK Jr. and the White House, Coloradans have access to evidence-based care and the vaccines that keep us and our children healthy.” 

“Regardless of the dangerous misinformation and junk science touted by Washington and Secretary Kennedy, this law prioritizes data-driven information to protect the health and safety of Coloradans,” said Brown. “We will not allow the federal government’s misguided vaccine policies to put Coloradans at risk. SB26-032 builds upon our work to safeguard immunization access in Colorado and ensure it’s backed by trusted organizations that follow the science.”

The bill also codifies pharmacists’ authority to prescribe and administer vaccines and temporarily expands existing state liability protections to more qualified health professionals who provide immunizations. Under this new law, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will be permitted to purchase certain vaccines for children based on guidance from specified national medical professional organizations.

Colorado has traditionally relied on sound federal vaccine recommendations. However, recent shifts in federal vaccine guidance have created uncertainty and confusion, and more states are turning to trusted professional organizations for guidance. The trusted health organizations named in SB26-032 are the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The legislation builds upon last year’s HB25-1027, sponsored by Senators Mullica and Iman Jodeh and Representatives Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist, which directed the state Board of Health to consider the recommendations of professional organizations when creating immunization requirements. SB26-032 does not create new vaccine mandates or change medical and non-medical exemptions under Colorado law.

Colorado recently joined a 15-state lawsuit against the Trump Administration, alleging the recent changes in childhood vaccine recommendations are not scientifically backed, and therefore could pose a community risk. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed seven key childhood vaccine recommendations for children, including COVID-19, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.

Bill to Ensure Quality Drinking Water in Mobile Home Parks Passes Committee

HB26-1145 would strengthen Colorado water quality laws in mobile home parks

DENVER, CO – Today, legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, to improve water quality standards in mobile home parks passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee.

“We’ve made significant progress over the past few years to ensure that Coloradans living in mobile home parks have access to safe drinking water. However by clarifying some definitions in previous legislation, we are making it crystal clear that mobile home park residents deserve clean, safe water," Cutter said. “This legislation strengthens CDPHE's ability to implement the program to prevent water issues that can impact health and welfare. It's important to address issues before residents become sick, and this bill will do that."

HB26-1145 would strengthen water quality protections for Coloradans in mobile home parks. The bill expands the definition of “remediation” to include risks to welfare, which is defined as water quality that is not suitable for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, use with home appliances and other household uses. Negative impacts on the finances of the household are also considered a risk to welfare.

The bill would authorize the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to enforce the requirement for mobile home park owners to notify residents of water quality test results without a complaint being filed first.

In 2023, Cutter passed the Mobile Home Park Water Quality Act to address water quality concerns in mobile home parks by establishing a water quality testing program and creating a path to remediation for mobile park owners to fix water quality issues discovered through the testing program.

According to CDPHE, as of March 1, 2026, over 600 community partners in over 200 mobile home parks had their water quality tested as a result of the framework created by the Mobile Home Park Water Quality Act. The department identified 28 parks where the water quality did not meet health-based standards. As of December 2025, 12 of those parks had remediated all issues, and the department is continuing to work with the remaining parks to address these issues.

HB26-1145 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Strengthen Maternal Health Equity Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – Legislation to strengthen Colorado’s response to maternal health inequities passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today.

HB26-1044, sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Adrienne Benavidez, D-Commerce City, would promote respectful, evidence-based maternity care and address racial inequities in childbirth.

“Black women deserve to be listened to and given high-quality care at all times, including during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Exum. “It is unacceptable that bias in our health care system frequently causes delayed care and worse outcomes for Black women and babies. This bill will give us more data to understand the problem and concrete steps to improve care for women of color.”

“We must do more to address the health inequities that cause preventable tragedies during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Benavidez. “Through strengthening education for providers and patients, centering respectful care, and improving data and reporting, this bill addresses maternal health inequities head-on to ensure Black women get the care they need.” 

The bill builds upon previous legislation to improve maternal health care, especially for women of color. It would require the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) to report on maternal health outcomes for Black patients and known causes of any disparate outcomes. The bill would also ensure that CDPHE’s Maternal Health Task Force has at least one Black maternal health advocate.

To boost equity in maternal care, this bill would require licensing boards to consider including cultural competency training as part of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for health care providers. Birthing facilities would also be required to provide information to patients who request it about their rights, which include the right to culturally sensitive, evidence-based care and the right to have a birthing companion and family member during the birth. 

In 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black women was more than three times higher than white women. In addition, Black and American Indian and Alaska Native infants are at least two times more likely to die than white infants. Research also shows that pregnancy-related mortality of Black women persists across education and income levels, and Black women are at a significantly higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, which includes conditions such as preeclampsia.

HB26-1044 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Bolster Outdoor Recreation

HB26-1008 would give Colorado Parks and Wildlife more flexibility to manage outdoor recreation

DENVER, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, to strengthen Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) capacity to manage outdoor visitor experiences while protecting natural resources and wildlife.

“No agency is better positioned to hold recreation and conservation together than Colorado Parks and Wildlife,” Marchman said. “This legislation gives them the coordinating capacity to engage partners, collaborate with tribal governments, and deliver the kind of strategic, integrated management that keeps Colorado’s outdoors from being loved to death.”

Colorado’s lands support a $65.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and HB26-1008, cosponsored by Senator Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, would direct stewards of our lands to collaborate with stakeholders from all different land-use backgrounds, from wildlife and natural resource advocates to agricultural communities and private landowners. Specifically, this bill formalizes CPW’s role in leading Colorado’s outdoors strategy to support conservation, outdoor recreation, and climate resilience in the state. 

As the lead coordinator, CPW will ensure outdoor recreation needs are well-represented in its leadership and increase coordination to anticipate and respond to potential conflicts. The strategy prioritizes integrating data and metrics from existing efforts, partnering with local and federal agencies, and shoring up state capacity in this area.

The goal of HB26-1008 is to proactively streamline planning and management so that the state can continue to provide high-quality experiences to all outdoor users. CPW manages 43 state parks and over 350 wildlife areas, covering roughly 900,000 acres in Colorado.

HB26-1008 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

Bill to Strengthen Behavioral Health Care Workforce and Save Patients Money Passes Committee Unanimously

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to expand access to behavioral health care by removing barriers for providers and patients. 

HB26-1002, sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, would reduce administrative burdens for providers and patients, modernize licensing requirements, save patients money on out-of-pocket care, and reduce wait times for behavioral health care.

“Mental health care is still far too difficult for Coloradans to access, even when they have insurance,” said Ball. “Coloradans seeking help run into confusion over whether a provider is in-network, outdated contact information that leads to dead ends, and unnecessary barriers that keep qualified providers out of insurance networks. These administrative hurdles cost Coloradans time, money, and in some cases, life-saving care. This bill eliminates barriers so that more Coloradans can get care and more qualified providers can see patients.” 

Coloradans are nearly eleven times more likely to be forced to rely on costly out-of-network providers when seeking behavioral health care than physical health care. In addition to confusing processes to find providers, insurance companies’ slow and inconsistent credentialing processes cause delays for providers eager to see patients and patients wait longer to receive care. 

To increase the amount of in-network providers available to Coloradans, HB26-1002 would set timely standards for the credentialing of providers and ensure qualified, pre-licensed providers get the reimbursement they deserve. The bill, cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, would also require insurance carriers to keep provider information up-to-date and remove misleading “ghost networks,” which show contact information for providers that are not actually covered in a patient’s plan.

Additionally, the bill would reduce the hours to obtain a licensed clinical social worker degree from 3,360 hours to 3,000 hours so that qualified social workers can start seeing patients sooner.

If signed into law, Colorado would join Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois in taking similar action to boost their behavioral health care workforce and patients’ access to timely care.  

HB26-1002 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Roberts Bill to Improve Road Safety, Fund Wildlife Crossings Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to prevent wildlife collisions.

SB26-141, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would create an optional $5 collision prevention fee during annual vehicle registration, creating reliable and dedicated funding for wildlife crossing infrastructure.

“There’s very little that we can do in government that is over 90% effective – but wildlife crossings are that rare solution,” said Roberts. “This infrastructure is proven to reduce collisions with wildlife, protect humans and animals, and save drivers money. I’m proud to sponsor this bipartisan solution to create a sustainable, voluntary funding source that will make our roads safer, especially in rural Colorado.”

Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bill aims to dramatically reduce motor vehicle crashes with wildlife by authorizing an optional $5 fee that will be collected during annual vehicle registration beginning in 2027. The fund would be used to construct wildlife collision prevention infrastructure including overpasses, underpasses, jump-outs, and fencing, and would also allow Colorado to leverage federal matching funds for these projects. A portion of the funds would also benefit the Wildlife Cash Fund, administered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, to conserve habitat on either side of the crossings.

Collisions with wildlife can be fatal, damage property, and create financial burdens. In 2024, at least 3,500 crashes with animals occurred on Colorado roads. From 2010-2025, these tragic accidents resulted in 52 motorist fatalities and over 400 serious injuries. The total estimated annual cost of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado is over $300 million. Wildlife crossings have been shown to reduce these collisions by more than 90 percent. 

SB26-141 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Ball’s Legislation to Protect the Financial Security of “Kidfluencers” Passes Committee

HB26-1058 would ensure children featured in online content are paid for their work

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, to protect the financial security and right to privacy of minors who appear in monetized online content passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today. 

“Across Colorado, parents and guardians are increasingly creating content that generates real income, but the children they feature may reach adulthood with nothing, despite years of their image and likeness being used for profit,” Ball said. “In the early days of Hollywood, states stepped in to ensure that child actors were fairly compensated for their work in adulthood. This legislation would offer the same compensation and protections for children participating in the digital economy.”

HB26-1058 would establish new protections and requirements for children featured in online content, also known as “kidfluencers.” To ensure children are paid for their work, parents would be required to establish a trust for their child if all three conditions are met:

• The content creator earns at least $40,000 a year from online content; 

• The child is featured in 30-percent or more of monetized content in a 30 day period; and

• The content earns at least $0.10 per view in total compensation, including from sponsorships.

This bill would also allow children featured in monetized online content to request that the videos, pictures or other content be removed from the internet when they reach adulthood. It would protect against the sexualization of children for financial gain and establish avenues to pursue civil action on behalf of children if they are featured in sexualized content. To further stop the sexualization of children online, the bill would require social media platforms to develop and implement risk-based strategies that keep children safe.  

Similar laws to protect child actors are already in place. Established in the late 1930s, California’s Coogan Law requires the earnings of child performers be placed in a protected trust. If HB26-1058 is signed into law, Colorado would join Illinois, California, Minnesota and Utah in enacting kidfluencer protections.

HB26-1058 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE. 

JOINT RELEASE: Breakthrough Bills Signed Into Law to Build More Housing Now, Make Housing More Affordable

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law to create more affordable housing opportunities and address the housing shortage. HB26-1001, the Housing Opportunities Made Easier (HOME) Act, will streamline the process for many non-profits, schools and transit districts to build housing on their land and SB26-001 gives local governments additional flexibility to address housing shortages.

“These laws are some of many breakthrough efforts that Colorado Democrats have passed this year, and in recent legislative sessions, to save Coloradans money on housing,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of HB26-1001 and SB26-001. “The HOME Act and SB26-001 remove barriers to getting affordable housing built and create more flexibility for local governments and communities to use existing tools to be responsive to the housing needs of their communities. We’re working to create housing options that work for all Coloradans’ budgets. These new laws will help deliver housing that hardworking people can afford.”

“Too many families in Colorado Springs are afraid of being priced out of the place they call home,” said Sen. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB26-1001. “If we’re serious about solving the housing crisis in Colorado, we need to open up every available option to get our neighbors secure and affordable housing. The HOME Act will help our communities build the housing that is so desperately needed in our state.”

“Colorado Democrats are making it easier to build more housing now to reduce housing costs for Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “In Denver, we’re already seeing rents drop significantly due to an increase in the housing supply. Our new law gives communities throughout Colorado another tool to get affordable housing projects approved and built to deliver more affordable housing.”

“Access to affordable and secure housing is the reason I am able to serve my community at all,” said Sen. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1001. “We have a housing crisis in this state, and Coloradans who work multiple jobs to make ends meet still can’t afford to buy a home and plant roots in their communities. This bill will allow community organizations more flexibility to give their neighbors that gift of stable, affordable housing.”

Beginning December 31, 2027, HB26-1001 will streamline the process for building housing by allowing non-profit organizations, housing authorities, school districts, state colleges, Board of Cooperative Educational Services or universities and transit districts to build on their land. 

Under the “Housing Opportunities Made Easier Act” (HOME Act), local governments cannot reject the construction of a residential development due to height, as long as the development is no taller than three stories, 45 feet or adheres to the height standards of the zoning district. These residential developments could also include childcare centers and facilities that provide recreational, social, or educational services to residents.

HB26-1001 applies to land up to five acres. Exemptions include land that is not connected to water and sewage treatment systems, land where state or federal regulations restrict residential housing, conservation easements and municipalities that have already implemented similar process standards.

In 2022, Colorado voters approved Proposition 123 to create and fund new housing affordability programs for low- and middle-income Coloradans. This law provides an additional incentive to build affordable housing by counting each unit of affordable housing built on these qualifying properties as 1.1 units, boosting eligibility for Proposition 123 funding.

A 2022 report found that removing bureaucratic barriers in the permitting process can expedite the approval process by 28-percent.

SB26-001 allows counties to use existing resources to support workforce and affordable housing, removing outdated restrictions that limit their ability to respond to local housing needs. 

“I’m proud that the first bill introduced in the Senate this year is one to unlock local governments’ ability to meet their own housing needs,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of SB26-001. “This bill will cut red tape and give counties, municipalities, and housing authorities more tools to help them build and maintain housing for more working families and individuals. This means more opportunities for Coloradans to stay in their communities and stable housing for the workers who keep our rural and mountain towns running.”

“Local governments know their housing needs, and the state shouldn't artificially limit the tools they can use to ensure their residents have a place they can afford to live,” said Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, sponsor of SB26-001. “This bill removes barriers for counties and municipalities to invest in affordable and workforce housing and accelerates development. It’s a commonsense approach that lets local communities address their housing shortages.”

Also sponsored by Representative Chris Richardson, R-Elbert County, the law allows local governments to sell, lease, or acquire property for the purpose of workforce or affordable housing and create a tax exemption for construction materials used for workforce housing projects. Additionally, SB26-001 updates Colorado’s Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit to help projects secure financing by allowing the credits to be transferred to individuals, firms, or corporations that do not own a project interest.

In 2024, Colorado Democrats created the first Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit Pilot Program in the nation. This pilot program offers tax credits to support affordable rental housing projects for middle-income Coloradans. In 2025, nearly $5 million was allocated to projects in the Denver Metro Area and the Western Slope.

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.