Bill to Modernize the Public Utilities Commission, Protect Ratepayers and Improve Oversight Clears Committee

The Senate Finance Committee today passed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset. This legislation would extend the critical functions of the PUC while modernizing the commission to meet the needs of Coloradans.

HB26-1326 is sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. Without the bill, the PUC would expire on September 1, 2026. 

“This bill ensures Colorado continues to lead in renewable energy and consumer protection, while prioritizing safety in our transportation, communications, and utility systems,” said Rodriguez. “We’re extending and modernizing the PUC to reflect today’s realities and set us up for the future.” 

“How we travel, communicate, and power our lives all look completely different today than they did when the PUC was last renewed seven years ago,” said Cutter. “After months of work and negotiations between impacted groups, this bill strikes a balance that boosts renewable energy, strengthens safety from passenger rail to rideshare trips, cracks down on phone scams and bad actors, and improves community collaboration.”

The PUC is the primary regulator of Colorado’s electric, gas, water, telecommunications and transportation services. In2019, the PUC Sunset established a minimum value for the cost of carbon pollution. This helped modernize benefits to ratepayers and improve Colorado's clean energy transition.

HB26-1326 would extend the PUC's critical functions for another seven years while modernizing and boosting transparency within the agency. This would continue Colorado’s clean energy transition that will lower utility costs and foster new jobs. 

Meeting Colorado’s renewable energy goals

To help Colorado meet its energy goals, this bill would update and streamline clean energy reporting requirements and scheduling for utility companies. The bill would boost transparency and accountability by allowing the PUC to investigate how to streamline and integrate energy planning proceedings and report its findings to the General Assembly. The bill would also help electrical utilities secure more renewable energy assets, such as wind and solar, by requiring the PUC to conduct a study regarding the barriers companies face towards joint procurement, or collaborative purchasing for a large-scale investment.

Improving Safety

This bill takes steps to improve rail, pipeline and transportation safety and security in Colorado. Under HB26-1326, state rail oversight would be aligned with federal law for consistency. The bill also includes the creation of an oversight program that would review, approve and monitor the creation and implementation of passenger and freight rail in Colorado. 

The bill would also require rideshare companies to provide the commission’s contact information to riders for increased transparency. PUC staff receiving complaints would receive trauma informed training. HB26-1326 also requires activity buses, limos, and off-road scenic charters to receive scheduled inspections by the commission to ensure they are safe for travel. 

Modernizing telecommunications and protecting consumers

Mobile, wireless, cellular, landline and satellite telecommunications fall under the PUC’s purview and are charged a fee to provide service in Colorado to help maintain and expand our state’s telecommunications infrastructure. This bill extends the fee to include more telecommunications systems, including web-based service providers, such as Google Voice or Zoom Phone. 

To boost consumer protections and crack down on bad actors, this bill would increase the fees for companies that purchase no-call lists and sell them to other companies.  

Improving local participation and engagement

HB26-1326 would encourage more local participation and decision-making by requiring the PUC to hire staff dedicated to engagement and communications to ensure inclusiveness and consistency in public comment hearings. To further improve representation, the PUC would create an equity task force to represent the interests of disproportionately impacted communities, workers, and income-qualified customers. The PUC would also be required to conduct a study on income-based energy assistance programs to improve funding access and equity.

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

Committee Approves Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act

HB26-1424 would keep riders and drivers safe by requiring stronger policies and reporting for TNCs

DENVER, CO – The Senate Transportation and Energy Committee today passed a bill sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, to establish new safety requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs), including Uber and Lyft. The Colorado Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act would require more frequent background checks and crack down on imposter accounts.

“Too many women are put at risk in rideshares. We must do everything we can to protect people who use these services,” Cutter said. “This bill includes measures to require comprehensive vetting, policies against shared driver accounts, and increased accountability for safety complaints to ensure timely protections for drivers and passengers.”

“Countless Coloradans rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to get to work, school, medical appointments, and home safely after a night out. For many people these services are not simply a convenience, they are a necessity," Wallace said. “This bill sends a clear message: convenience cannot come at the expense of safety, and no rider should have to fear for their wellbeing when they get into a vehicle they are trusting to get them home safely."

The Colorado Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act (HB26-1424) would establish new safety requirements and policies designed to keep riders and drivers safe. The bill would apply to large-scale rideshare companies with more than 20,000 monthly rides and does not apply to HopSkipDrive.

More frequent background checks

• TNCs must procure privately administered background checks on drivers every six months after the initial criminal history record check.

Crackdown on imposter, shared and rented accounts 

• To help prevent multiple drivers from operating under one account, this bill would require TNCs to develop and enforce a company policy against impostor drivers, account sharing, and account renting. 

Stronger driver vetting and clear disqualifications

• Drivers with a history of convictions for assault, harassment, kidnapping, menacing, stalking, or domestic violence, or who had previously been caught account sharing, would be barred from driving with a rideshare company. 

• If a driver is barred by one rideshare company for serious safety concerns, they would be barred from driving for all TNCs operating in Colorado. This also applies to drivers who were disqualified from driving for a rideshare company in another state with similar TNC regulations to Colorado.

Robust complaint procedures and survivor updates

• If a rider submits a complaint to a TNC about their driver, the TNC must provide up-to-date information to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate complaints. Additionally, the TNC must respond to a complaint-related subpoena or search warrant within 72 hours.

• Survivors may also opt in to receive updates about their complaint.

• If a complaint is filed against a driver, the TNC must procure a new background check before the driver can drive again.  

Improved transparency and accountability 

• TNCs must provide annual reports to the PUC, the Attorney General’s Office and every member of the General Assembly. These reports must include the number of homicides, assaults, verbal threats, and accidents, as well as any instances of stalking, harassment, theft and discrimination. 

• The PUC may penalize a TNC that violates any provision of HB26-1424 up to $1,500 per violation.

• TNCs must provide ongoing driver and rider safety training based on rules adopted by the PUC.

• The PUC would be required to create rules and standards for driver and rider audio and video recording by June 1, 2028. This includes opt-in and opt-out procedures for both drivers and riders, rider preference for drivers with recording available, and the procedures and timeline for TNCs to integrate audio and video recording directly into their apps. 

Additionally, TNCs would need to establish and enforce certain policies that:

• Prevent sexual assault, physical assault and homicide,

• Prohibit the transportation of unaccompanied minors, unless they are part of an authorized family account,

• Require food and beverages offered during a ride to be factory-sealed,

• Educate drivers on new safety policies,

• Prevent crimes against drivers by riders, and

• Do not allow the collection of any rider or driver biometric data. 

More than 15,500 Uber and Lyft riders and drivers were sexually assaulted between 2017 and 2022. This number only represents the number of sexual assaults that were reported. On average, only 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported. 

Countless instances of sexual assault have happened in Ubers and Lyfts in Colorado, including a former Denver Lyft driver sentenced to 290 years in prison last year for charges related to kidnapping, sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault of more than a dozen women over four years. 
In 2024, an Aurora Lyft driver was sentenced to nine years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. Last month, an Arvada Uber driver was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault against a passenger. Arvada police believe there are likely more victims in this case, as the driver used multiple vehicles over his more than 1,000 rides.

HB26-1424 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

Senate Approves Mullica Bill to Provide Safe, Reliable Transportation for Patients

HB26-1328 would strengthen HCPF oversight on non-emergency medical transportation

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to improve patient experience and strengthen oversight in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF). 

“After significant fraud was reported within the NEMT program at HCPF, we’re stepping up to ensure patient and provider safety, as well as efficient use of the state dollars we put into Medicaid,” Mullica said. “This bill would ensure proper accountability and oversight of programs that are crucial to patients receiving timely, effective care.”

HB26-1328, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would create a new advisory board that would be required to collaborate with non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) brokers to establish rules and processes that prioritize patient and driver safety.

To strengthen patient safety, NEMT transportation providers would be required to maintain auditable electronic trip records, including patient pick-up and drop-off locations, GPS location data with time stamps, mileage traveled, and driver and vehicle identification. Video camera footage may be used for auditing purposes.

The bill also helps NEMT transportation providers by requiring changes in billing procedures to be clear, limited, and communicated to drivers. Brokers will be allowed to work with patients to schedule rides in advance and with adequate accommodation. To make ride scheduling seamless for patients, this bill allows patients to schedule both one-time and recurring rides, request a specific transportation provider, and have their preferences documented for auditing purposes. 

To ensure ambulances can continue responding quickly to emergencies, they would be exempt from the new requirements of this bill. Rideshare companies that choose to participate in NEMT would be required to follow the guidelines. 

HB26-1328 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress here. 

Bill to Support Immigrant Communities Amid ICE Overreach Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, to support immigrant communities and increase oversight of immigration detention facilities. 

“The Trump Administration is abducting members of our community and holding them in secretive, unhealthy, and dangerous facilities. One of them is right in my district,” said Weissman. “That’s why we are taking action to improve transparency and oversight of these facilities. We all deserve the freedom to keep our families together and have due process under the law.” 

“As state legislators, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to keep our communities safe from the violent and unconstitutional overreach of ICE,” said Jodeh. “We hear all too often about death, sickness, overcrowding, and other unacceptable conditions in ICE detention facilities, but there is almost no transparency. This bill is about increasing oversight, ensuring frequent inspections, and protecting health and safety.”

Specifically, HB26-1276 would:

• Require reporting on conditions in immigration detention facilities through frequent and regular inspections of the health and safety of facilities, in addition to unannounced inspections.

• Direct the Attorney General’s office to develop a model policy for sharing information with federal authorities when required by federal law. 

• Require current law enforcement to receive training on Colorado’s immigration laws to ensure they enforce state laws properly.

Last year, Democratic lawmakers passed SB25-276 to strengthen existing data privacy protections and clarify constitutional protections for immigrants.

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

SIGNED! FY 2026-2027 Budget

Lawmakers protect K-12 education, universal preschool, and core health care services while making difficult cuts to balance the budget

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state budget (HB26-1410). This bipartisan budget protects K-12 education and core health care services while making reductions across state departments, lowering the state’s reserve, and reducing Medicaid spending to close a $1.2 billion deficit.

“Our bipartisan budget protects K-12 education, health care, and universal preschool while making responsible reductions,” said JBC Chair Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “It is impossible to close a $1.2 billion budget deficit without making cuts to important programs, but TABOR requires trade-offs, a one dollar for one program or service is a dollar less for another. Despite difficult circumstances, we were successful in protecting the core services that Coloradans rely on.”

“This year’s budget reflects a tough reality,” said JBC Vice Chair Sen. Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County. “TABOR’s rationing limit, the rising cost of Medicaid, and Trump’s cuts are crushing Colorado’s finances and families. We worked overtime this year to minimize the harm caused by these cuts. It’s not enough. That’s why Colorado voters will have the opportunity in November to solve these structural pressures and ensure all Coloradans have the opportunity to earn a good life.”

“There is a bipartisan agreement that there are no easy places to cut more than a billion dollars from our state budget,” said JBC Member Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Medicaid costs are rising far beyond what the state is allowed to spend under TABOR, and H.R. 1 created additional pressures on our budget. I’m incredibly proud that we were able to prevent Coloradans from being kicked off their healthcare coverage. This bipartisan budget required gut-wrenching cuts, yet we were able to protect core funding for K-12 education, health care and public safety.”

“The Joint Budget Committee worked around the clock for months to finalize a budget that meets our constitutional requirements and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions in a very difficult budget year,” said JBC Member Sen. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Many of the cuts required this year were painful and will have a direct impact on people’s lives. We did not make these decisions lightly. Ultimately, we were able to deliver a bipartisan budget that protects core Medicaid services, lifesaving nutrition assistance, and funding for education.”

The state’s $46.8 billion budget includes $17.4 billion in general fund expenditures, a net increase of just $212 million from last year’s budget, which does not nearly cover increased costs in key sectors, especially Medicaid, which increased by $468 million.

Democrats took action to invest in Colorado kids and students in this budget. The General Fund contribution to K-12 education will increase significantly this year, thanks to the Kids Matter Fund created by Colorado Democrats last year, which is forecast to invest more than $216 million in our schools next year. Democrats also increased funding by $14 million to continue free preschool access for all Colorado kids and increased funding by $38 million to implement the voter-approved Proposition MM to preserve access to free school meals for students.

This budget protects core health care benefits and does not reduce Medicaid enrollment, preventing many Coloradans from losing health insurance. It also protects the Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption with $200 million in funding.

Three main factors contributed to Colorado’s budget deficit.

First, H.R. 1 created enormous new tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and slashed revenue for core state services. This required the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to cut $200 million more from the budget to protect the Senior and Veterans Homestead Exemption. It also created a larger hole to fill in FY 2026-2027 by dipping into the state’s reserve in FY 2025-2026. Finally, it turned off over $1 billion in tax credits for families, taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Coloradans.

Second, TABOR limits how much Colorado can invest in government services each year, and there is a constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget. When the costs of providing state services grow faster than the amount the state can spend each year under TABOR, cuts have to be made. Medicaid costs, prison caseload, and utilization of core services continue to grow substantially more than what the state can spend and what program experts previously forecast.

Third, Medicaid costs are exploding year over year, far beyond what was forecast by nonpartisan legislative staff. Medicaid is growing at nearly nine percent per year, while TABOR constrains budget growth to about 3.2 percent for next year’s budget.

Medicaid spending is increasing primarily due to inflation and higher costs for existing benefits, higher utilization of services, and higher provider rates, not new benefits or services. The largest growth has been in long-term care, prescription drug coverage, and pediatric behavioral health.

To close the $1.2 billion budget deficit and deliver a balanced, bipartisan budget, lawmakers reduced health care spending, including a $270 million reduction in Medicaid reimbursement rates and some services. This is in addition to the $90 million lawmakers already cut from Medicaid earlier this year.

Additionally, lawmakers reallocated $570 million that was previously invested in state programs or services, lowered the state’s reserve by $340 million, and made $150 million in cuts across smaller state departments. Lawmakers found additional savings in state employee compensation and held contractor rates flat to save $120 million, reduced health disparity grants and water quality programs by $4.5 million, and made $9.3 million in caseload-based reductions to the early intervention programs at the Department of Early Childhood.

One of the more difficult cuts for the JBC was to limit reimbursements to family members who serve as caregivers of Medicaid recipients. At 56 hours per week starting in 2027, reimbursement for family members who serve as full-time caregivers in Colorado will remain one of the most generous in the country at roughly $80,000 annually per caregiver. Many states only reimburse up to 10 hours. Lawmakers also made a reduction to the Cover All Coloradans program, which provides health care to pregnant people and young children, by reducing benefits.

Senate Approves Bill to Limit Premium Increases, Protect Access to Healthcare

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to blunt health insurance rate increases and reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to Congress’ continued refusal to extend premium tax credits. 

SB26-178, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, would provide additional funding and financing tools for the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE) to save Coloradans money and maintain coverage. 

“While we’d like for the federal government to step in and extend the tax credits that bring down the cost of healthcare, this bill is a solution for Coloradans that will prevent premiums from skyrocketing and protect access to care,” said Mullica. “Coloradans cannot afford to spend hundreds more every month on health insurance. We are acting now to keep Coloradans insured, and we continue to urge Congress to do their part.” 

“We are all one sickness or accident away from unexpected medical costs – and when we don’t have insurance, these situations become dangerous, deadly, and expensive for the entire healthcare system,” said Jodeh. “This bill continues our work to step up while the federal government is stepping back. We’re limiting premium increases and protecting access to health insurance so that Coloradans can continue to have access to preventive and life-saving healthcare.” 

This bill comes after last year’s HB25B-1006, also sponsored by Mullica and Jodeh, which softened health insurance rate increases and significantly reduced the number of Coloradans who would have lost their health insurance coverage. These bills come in response to Congressional Republicans’ continued refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.

SB26-178 would invest one-time funds in the HIAE. Funding would come from a $40 million transfer from the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund and up to $100 million in revenue bonds issued by the HIAE. The bill would also allow for the HIAE to invest enterprise funds and would create a tax credit incentive for donations to the HIAE. Using these new funds and tools, the bill would:

• Boost funds in the health insurance affordability cash fund to blunt serious increases in insurance premiums and protect coverage, 

• Aim to reduce statewide average premium increases by eighteen percent, and

• Support additional affordability efforts, including on-exchange subsidies and the OmniSalud program, to maintain or increase coverage.

SB26-178 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Bills to Save Families Money on Childcare, Create More Good-Paying Jobs Clear Senate

HB26-1004 and HB26-1014 would extend tax credits that make life more affordable for working Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed two pieces of legislation that would spur the creation of more high-quality and affordable childcare facilities in our communities and help create more jobs by incentivizing businesses to expand or relocate to Colorado.

HB26-1004, sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, would continue the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers who donate money to a licensed childcare facility in Colorado to receive an income tax credit of 50 percent of their contribution, until 2037. 

“Colorado’s families, communities, and economy are all stronger when we have a vibrant childcare ecosystem,” said Coleman. “This bill drives donations toward childcare facilities, which means more good jobs and more options for hardworking families at all price points. For many Colorado families, childcare is their number one expense every month. This bill is about taking action to make childcare more available and affordable.” 

These childcare facilities could include qualifying childcare centers, homeless youth shelters and residential treatment centers. These donations can be used to create or maintain a childcare facility, fund childcare financial assistance programs for families and train childcare providers. In tax year 2023, around $33 million in credits were claimed by almost 16,000 taxpayers, generating a total of $66 million for the childcare ecosystem.

In January, the Trump administration attempted to freeze over $300 million of funding for childcare and social services that thousands of Colorado families rely on. As a result, Colorado Democrats are stepping up to create more avenues to fund affordable care. 

The Senate also approved HB26-1014, sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, and cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, that would extend the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit through tax year 2034. The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit was created in 2009 to help create new jobs by offering a state income tax credit of 50 percent of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes) contributions paid by the business for each new job.

“The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit has been hugely successful in creating opportunities for workers to thrive and grow in good-paying careers,” Ball said. “This legislation would continue to create good new local jobs and opportunities for Colorado families across our state.”

To qualify for this state income tax credit, businesses must create at least 20 new jobs during the credit period, or at least five new jobs if the project is within an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone. These jobs must pay at least 100 percent of the county’s average annual wage and be maintained for at least one year.

The following projects were announced as recent recipients of the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit:

• Project Hera, a technology company that would create 1,250 new jobs at 108-percent of the average annual wage in Broomfield County,

• Neon, a company in the quantum industry, that is expected to create 150 new jobs at 172-percent of the average annual wage in Boulder County,

• Project Elevate, a real estate investment and modular home manufacturing company, which is expected to create nearly 100 jobs at 135-percent of the average annual wage in Mesa County, and

• Frontera, a construction company, which is expected to create 40 new jobs at 104-percent of the average annual wage in Montrose County.

HB26-1004 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. HB26-1014 moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. 

Tamale Act Advances Unanimously

HB26-1033 would allow for the sale of homemade foods, creating more opportunities for Coloradans to work hard and earn a living

DENVER, CO – The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to open up more opportunities for Coloradans to work hard and earn a living by allowing the sale of temperature-controlled homemade foods in Colorado. 

The Tamale Act, HB26-1033, is sponsored by Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. It would allow for the sale of homemade foods in Colorado that require refrigeration and foods that include meat or animal products. 

“People already sell prepared food – like tamales, pupusas, and baked goods – to their friends, family, and neighbors,” said Rodriguez. “This is a way that Coloradans share their culture, support each other, and work hard to earn extra money and support their families. This bill creates a pathway for this to happen in a safe and legal way.” 

To keep Coloradans safe, homemade food sellers would be required to complete a food safety course that includes proper food handling, including time and temperature control. Food sellers must maintain proof of the course completion. The course can be completed in-person or online. Additionally, food sellers may not transport the food more than once or transport it longer than two hours. The Tamale Act is also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling.

In 2012, Colorado passed the Cottage Food Act. This law allowed for the sale of some homemade food items, including coffee beans and pickles, but not temperature-controlled items or meat and dairy products. This bill expands the Cottage Food Act so home food sellers can sell products that include staple ingredients, such as butter, milk and meat. 

The Institute for Justice (IJ) analyzed data from seven states with some of the broadest homemade food laws and found no significant instances of foodborne illness traced back to homemade foods. In the report, IJ stated these results should not be surprising considering “many of these cottage food businesses are run by only one or two people, with their name, reputation, and livelihood on the line.”

HB26-1033 now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Mullica Bill to Provide Safe, Reliable Transportation for Patients

HB26-1328 would strengthen HCPF oversight on non-emergency medical transportation

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to improve patient experience and strengthen oversight in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF). 

“After significant fraud was reported within the NEMT program at HCPF, we’re stepping up to ensure patient and provider safety, as well as efficient use of the state dollars we put into Medicaid,” Mullica said. “This bill would ensure proper accountability and oversight of programs that are crucial to patients receiving timely, effective care.”

HB26-1328, cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, would create a new advisory board that would be required to collaborate with non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) brokers to establish rules and processes that prioritize patient and driver safety.

To strengthen patient safety, NEMT transportation providers would be required to maintain auditable electronic trip records, including patient pick-up and drop-off locations, GPS location data with time stamps, mileage traveled, and driver and vehicle identification. Video camera footage may be used for auditing purposes.

The bill also helps NEMT transportation providers by requiring changes in billing procedures to be clear, limited, and communicated to drivers. Brokers will be allowed to work with patients to schedule rides in advance and with adequate accommodation. To make ride scheduling seamless for patients, this bill allows patients to schedule both one-time and recurring rides, request a specific transportation provider, and have their preferences documented for auditing purposes. 

To ensure ambulances can continue responding quickly to emergencies, they would be exempt from the new requirements of this bill. Rideshare companies that choose to participate in NEMT would be required to follow the guidelines. 

HB26-1328 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Allow Plug-In Solar Panels Signed Into Law

HB26-1007 saves Coloradans money on their energy bills by expanding access to cost-saving solar

DENVER, CO – Legislation to remove barriers to plug-in solar panels and save Coloradans money on their utility bills was signed into law today. 

HB26-1007, sponsored by Senators Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Representatives Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, and Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, authorizes access to plug-in solar panels, which can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and are more affordable than traditional rooftop solar.

“This new law reduces barriers and establishes safety standards so that Coloradans who want a reliable, affordable source of renewable energy can use plug-in solar panels,” said Kipp. “Coloradans are interested in plug-in solar for a variety of reasons like reducing their carbon footprint, lowering their utility bills, or ensuring a reliable back-up source of energy in the case of a power outage. No matter their reasoning, Coloradans should be able to pursue this technology without unnecessary barriers.” 

“We’re thrilled our plug-in solar bill is getting signed into law today because it means Coloradans will soon have access to safe, affordable solar energy,” said Smith. “Our law removes unnecessary barriers and establishes safety standards to ensure Coloradans can take advantage of our 300 days of sunshine to generate solar energy. HB26-1007 makes plug-in solar a reality so more Coloradans can save money on their utility bill, especially those living in shared spaces or apartments.” 

“Plug-in solar panels expand access to solar energy for people who live in an apartment or can’t afford a full rooftop system,” said Ball. “The technology is safe, cost-efficient, and already widely used in other places. This law gives Coloradans the option to use plug-in solar and connect to the grid through a meter collar to start saving money and producing their own clean energy.” 

“We know plug-in solar can lower your utility bill, and soon Coloradans will have access to this cost-saving, reliable energy source,” said Stewart. “To keep Coloradans safe, this law establishes important safety standards for plug-in solar and meter collars. Together, we’re making it possible for Coloradans who are interested in solar to try it out at an affordable price point.” 

Plug-in solar, also referred to as balcony solar, can be plugged into a home electrical outlet and is more affordable than traditional rooftop solar. It consists of one to four solar panels plus an inverter and optional battery and is designed for simple, safe installation. Plug-in solar can be used to power household appliances and offer Coloradans an alternative, reliable energy source that can also reduce traditional utility costs.

The bill establishes protective guardrails on the types of plug-in solar products that can be used. All plug-in solar devices installed must meet the UL 3700 product safety standard. 

HB26-1007 also encourages the use of meter collars. Meter collars are devices installed between an electric meter socket and a utility billing meter to provide immediate interconnection of customer-owned solar devices to the grid. Meter collars eliminate the need for a costly electrical panel upgrade, saving Coloradans money and time on solar installation. The bill outlines a safe, consistent and repeatable solar installation process with minimal disruption and short installation times to benefit Coloradans. 

Plug-in solar is common in Europe. For example, in Germany, approximately 4 million households have installed plug-in solar. With this law, Colorado joins Utah in becoming early adopters of safe, reliable, plug-in solar in the United States.

Senate Approves Legislation to Establish Colorado’s Regulatory Framework on Automated Decision-Making Technology

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate approved Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, and Senate President James Coleman’s, D-Denver, legislation to establish Colorado’s regulatory framework on automated decision-making technology (ADMT) when it is used to make consequential decisions about an individual.

“Even in the few years since I have been working on AI policy, we have seen it grow from a nascent industry to something that impacts every aspect of our lives,” said Rodriguez. “As AI becomes more widespread, our laws must keep up to ensure transparency and protections against discrimination. If someone is denied housing or a job, loses their healthcare, or sees their insurance rates mysteriously skyrocket at the hands of automated technology, they deserve to know what criteria went into that decision and to have an opportunity to correct mistakes. This bill strikes an appropriate balance of protecting consumers while not being onerous on developers or the businesses who use AI technology.”

“Colorado is leading the way on creating necessary guardrails on AI to protect Coloradans from harm while fostering a vibrant business environment,” said Coleman. “This bill reflects years of work to find the right policy framework for Colorado that protects consumers, requires transparency so that we know how important decisions are being made, and is reasonable for businesses to comply with.”

SB26-189 would update the regulatory framework on ADMT – defined as technology that automatically processes personal data and generates an output used to make, guide, or assist a decision concerning an individual – when such technology is used to make consequential decisions. “Consequential decisions” are defined in the bill as decisions that relate to an individual's access to, eligibility for, or compensation related to education, employment, housing, financial or lending services, insurance, healthcare services, or essential government services.

Securing consumer protections

To protect consumers, SB26-189 would require deployers – entities that use an ADMT – to provide a clear notice to consumers when they are interacting with an ADMT covered by the bill. If an ADMT makes a consequential decision that results in an adverse outcome for a consumer, the deployer would be required to provide the consumer with a plain-language description of the technology’s role in the decision and a process to request additional information about the decision within 30 days. In the case of an adverse outcome, consumers would have the right to request correction of factually inaccurate personal data and the right to request meaningful human review.

Implementing and enforcing the new framework

Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would require ADMT developers to provide a deployer with a description of the technology’s intended uses, categories of data used to train the ADMT, known limitations and risks, and instructions for appropriate use and human review, as well as updates or modifications to the ADMT as they are made.

The legislation requires the Attorney General (AG) to adopt rules that clarify disclosure requirements after an adverse outcome by December 31, 2026. The AG would have exclusive authority to enforce the bill through the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" and a violation of the bill would be deemed a deceptive trade practice. In the case of an alleged violation, the AG would be required to provide the developer or deployer with a 60 day notice and an opportunity to cure the violation, if a cure is deemed possible. The bill does not create a new private right of action. 

Ensuring balanced responsibility and liability

Under the bill, a developer or deployer of an ADMT may be liable for a violation of existing anti-discrimination law, including the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA). It further specifies that any fault in a violation of anti-discrimination law should be allocated based on the relative fault shared between the developer and deployer.

The liability section of SB26-189 establishes that a contract between a developer and deployer cannot indemnify against any liability under the CADA that arises solely from their own actions. The bill is structured to ensure that developers and deployers only have responsibility and liability with regards to the intended use of an ADMT in a consequential decision.

In 2024, Rodriguez passed first-of-its-kind legislation to implement consumer protections in interactions with high-risk artificial intelligence systems. Over the past six months, a task force convened by the governor met to develop and publish a new policy framework. SB26-189 would repeal the 2024 legislation and enact many of the recommendations developed by the task force.

SB26-189 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track its progress here.

Bill to Modernize, Improve Higher Education Funding Formula Passes Committee Unanimously

HB26-1345 would make updates to the performance model funding to capture Colorado’s entire student body, including part-time and transfer students

DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee yesterday unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to modernize Colorado’s higher education funding model to meet the needs of Colorado students, including those from diverse and underserved backgrounds and non-traditional students. 

HB26-1345, sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, would implement changes to higher education funding as recommended by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education’s 2025 Report on the Higher Education Funding Allocation Formula. 

“Higher education looks different today than it has in years past, with more students taking a nontraditional path, transferring between schools, and going to school part-time,” said Coleman. “Schools are adapting to this new reality and our funding model should adapt too. Coloradans of all ages and backgrounds deserve a higher education system that works for them, and that includes part time and transfer students.” 

Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bill aims to streamline and modernize higher education data systems and definitions to better meet the needs of Colorado’s student body, including part-time and transfer students. 

One component of higher education funding uses a results-informed funding model, and beginning in fiscal year 2027-2028, HB26-1345 would make modifications to this model by:  

Expanding qualified transfers: The current formula does not recognize four-year transfers as a successful touchpoint, despite 45 percent of Colorado students transferring between schools at least one time. This bill would expand qualifying transfers to include those from four-year institutions who transfer to another higher education institution with at least 18 credits earned at the previous institution. Without this modification, only students who earn 18 credits and transfer out of a community college would be counted in the credential completion weights.

Prioritizing part-time students: 55 percent of Colorado’s higher education students attend classes part-time, but they are not included in any outcome measurements. This bill would create an inclusive retention rate that measures both part-time and full-time students. 

Modernizing graduation calculations: Collaborative programs, including the Bridge and Partnership programs, allow students to complete their degree in a field of study that is not offered by their home institution. However, this can skew the graduation calculations at their home campus. This bill would exclude students who are enrolled in a co-located degree partnership to ensure this population does not negatively impact the graduation calculations of their home campus. 

Streamlining formula definitions and data sources: The bill would clean up language and definitions in the current formula to make it more streamlined and clear for higher education institutions and policymakers. Specifically, HB26-1345 would make formula “levers” consistent, predictable, and focused on student-centered performance. Additionally, this bill would standardize data sources by transitioning the calculation of retention and graduation rates to the Department of Higher Education’s data system. To respond to shifts at the federal level, this bill would also change the definition of “Pell-eligible” student to “Pell-recipient” to ensure that this metric remains consistent.

HB26-1345 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.

Committee Approves Bill to Expand Access to Abortion Care for College Students

HB26-1335 would require college student health centers to provide on-site abortion medication services

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee yesterday advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to expand access to abortion care for college students. 

“College students are navigating a nation that continues to undermine their right to abortion care, but Colorado is and will remain a safe haven for reproductive rights,” Wallace said. “This bill would ensure that students who rely on campus health centers are able to access the healthcare they need, when they need it, where they are.”

“Abortion care is healthcare, and college students in Colorado deserve access to that care despite national efforts to deny it,” Bridges said. “Colorado voters enshrined the right to abortion in the constitution, and with this bill, we’re leveling the playing field so students have equal access to that right.”

HB26-1335 would expand college students’ access to reproductive healthcare by requiring public and private higher education institutions with student health centers to provide on-site abortion medication. 

If the college has an on-campus pharmacy, abortion medication must be available to enrolled students. If the college does not have a pharmacy on campus, healthcare providers would be required to submit a prescription for abortion medication to a pharmacy or other prescription drug outlet located off campus. The bill would also add privacy protections by requiring institutions to comply with preexisting personally identifying information maintenance and disclosure protections in state law. The bill would exempt higher education institutions from the requirement to stock or dispense abortion medication if doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs or practices or if it would jeopardize an institution’s federal grant participation. 

Colorado Democrats have championed multiple laws to expand and safeguard abortion access in Colorado. This includes legislation to strengthen Colorado's shield laws, protecting patients and providers from hostile out-of-state actions. Last year, Colorado Democrats implemented the will of the voters by enshrining abortion rights into the state constitution.

HB26-1335 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

Legislation to Establish Guardrails for AI in Healthcare Passes Committee

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a human, licensed professional. 

“No AI-generated algorithm can replace the expertise, nuance, and connection that human healthcare professionals utilize to treat their patients,” Mullica said. “With this bill, we’re establishing necessary guardrails to ensure proper access to quality care for those who need it most.”

“As policymakers, we cannot let chatbots, several of which are currently facing major lawsuits due to wrongful and horrifying deaths, replace certified mental health providers,” Amabile said. “Some AI models serve as bad actors claiming to offer low-cost care – but this bill puts guardrails in place to ensure patients receive the quality, human care they deserve.”

HB26-1195 would set standards in clinical settings, limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative tasks with oversight by a licensed professional. To ensure patients receive legitimate behavioral health care, this bill makes sure that psychotherapy is human-delivered by a licensed professional, such as a social worker, psychologist or addiction counselor. 

To protect consumers and ensure access to quality care, this legislation would prohibit AI chatbots from being marketed to patients as providing the same level of care as a licensed psychotherapist or counselor. AI chatbots would also be barred from implying their responses or suggestions are equivalent to psychotherapy services. Providers must disclose the use of AI for supplementary support, such as recording or transcribing meetings.

In 2025, researchers at Stanford University recommended that Large Language Models (LLMs), which power AI chatbots, “should not replace therapists.” Additionally, researchers concluded that “LLMs express stigma toward those with mental health conditions and respond inappropriately to certain common (and critical) conditions.” 

Top AI companies, including OpenAI, Google, and Character.AI, are all facing lawsuits from families after AI chatbots recommended suicide to a person seeking behavioral health advice or support. Last year, parents of children who committed suicide testified before Congress, stating AI chatbots discouraged their teens from seeking help.

HB26-1195 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here. 

Legislation to Create More Affordable Home Ownership Opportunities Signed Into Law

SB26-040 will modernize the Prop 123 Affordable Homeownership Program to better meet families’ needs

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to update the Affordable Homeownership Program created by voter-approved Proposition 123 was signed into law today.

SB26-040, sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Katie Stewart, D-Durango, and Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, will expand eligibility for qualified buyers and make practical updates to better serve every Colorado community and meet the reality of the 2026 housing market.

“The Affordable Homeownership Program was designed in 2022, for a 2022 market with low interest rates and lower construction costs than what we see today,” said Amabile. “This new law updates the program to reflect today’s reality and provide the flexibility that Coloradans need. We’re taking a practical approach to make sure this program works as intended so more Colorado families can put down roots and achieve their dream of homeownership.”

“This bipartisan law makes the Prop 123 Affordable Homeownership Program more responsive to the needs of our communities, especially in Colorado mountain towns like mine,” said Stewart. “When Colorado voters approved Prop 123, it created the Affordable Home Ownership Program to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and other financial assistance. This new law will make crucial updates to the program to help more low- and middle-income Coloradans in rural areas qualify for homebuying assistance.”

“We’re expanding eligibility and flexibility for this Prop 123 program to deliver more housing assistance for hardworking Coloradans,” said Smith. “The Affordable Homeownership Program was created to help first-time homebuyers secure down payments. Unfortunately, interest rates and construction costs are higher than they were when the program was created. Our law makes necessary adjustments to the program so it can support Coloradans as intended and make homeownership a reality for more hardworking people.”

The new law, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, will increase the allowable income threshold to qualify for the program to less than or equal to 120 percent of statewide Area Median Income (AMI) or the local AMI. This will allow more people to qualify for the program, particularly in rural communities.

Rising interest rates and insurance costs have also made it harder for Coloradans to meet the requirement that combined housing costs cannot exceed 35 percent of their income. The law raises that threshold to 38 percent for homebuyers receiving direct down-payment assistance, and also creates a process to allow eligible organizations to seek a waiver of the housing cost limit entirely when a qualified buyer is not found after six months of advertising. 

Additionally, the law will allow eligible organizations to temporarily rent units if they cannot be sold in a timely manner and create more flexibility in the program rules. These updates will help ensure that the program is working as intended and serving as many Coloradans as possible.

Senate Advances Bill to Explore a Sustainable Future for Colorado’s Medicaid Program

H.R. 1 and skyrocketing Medicaid costs are threatening the sustainability of Colorado’s Medicaid program

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate gave initial signoff on legislation to establish the Commission on Medicaid, tasked with exploring solutions to implement a sustainable Medicaid program in Colorado.

H.R. 1 and skyrocketing Medicaid costs are threatening the sustainability of Colorado’s Medicaid program. Sponsored by Senators Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, SB26-187 would establish the Commission on Medicaid in the Legislative Department to identify and recommend policy changes to implement a sustainable Medicaid program.

“Medicaid saves lives. We have to find a path forward so that instead of moving from one budget crisis to another, we have a real plan to ensure the people most in need get the care they deserve,” said Amabile. “Over the coming months, I’m committed to digging into the data, finding cost savings, and making informed decisions to preserve lifesaving care. This work won't be easy, but I will keep fighting for Colorado families like mine who rely on Medicaid.” 

“Every year we are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget. This year, it is clearer than ever that TABOR’s rationing limit, Trump’s cuts, and the rising cost of Medicaid are crushing Colorado’s finances and families,” said Bridges. “With this bill, we are creating a plan to preserve lifesaving care, responsibly manage public funds, and build a sustainable future for Medicaid in Colorado.” 

Between May 23, 2026 and December 11, 2026, the commission would be required to meet between six and 12 times to engage and collaborate with representatives of state agencies, Medicaid members, disability advocates, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and national experts.

The commission would consist of ten legislators including members of the Joint Budget Committee, chairs of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and members of the minority party.

The commission would be tasked with:

• Reviewing the state Medicaid program’s administrative structures;

• Analyzing current enrollment, eligibility, services, benefits, and payment rates;

• Exploring Medicaid financing and evaluating federal funding optimization; and

• Preparing insights and policies regarding the impacts of the federal H.R. 1 on Colorado’s Medicaid program.

Last year, H.R. 1 created enormous new tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and slashed revenue for core state services. Once fully implemented, this will mark the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. Meanwhile, Medicaid costs are exploding year over year, far beyond what was forecast by nonpartisan legislative staff. Medicaid is growing at nearly nine percent per year, while TABOR constrains how much more the state can spend each year (about 3.2 percent for next year’s budget).

Medicaid spending is increasing primarily due to inflation and higher costs for existing benefits, higher utilization of services, and higher provider rates, not new benefits or services. The largest growth has been in long-term care, prescription drug coverage, and pediatric behavioral health. 

To close the $1.2 billion budget deficit and deliver this year’s balanced, bipartisan budget, lawmakers reduced healthcare spending, including a $270 million reduction in Medicaid reimbursement rates and some services. This is in addition to the $90 million lawmakers previously cut from Medicaid this year.

SB26-187 is expected to be heard on third and final reading tomorrow.

Bill to Lower Costs, Boost Wages Passes Senate

HB26-1210 would crack down on surveillance pricing

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, to prohibit corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less. 

HB26-1210 would prohibit the use of a price or wage-setting algorithm that uses artificial intelligence and other data processing techniques to strategically set prices or wages based on surveillance of an individual’s data, including browsing and purchase history, financial status, habits, and affiliations.

“Large corporations stack the deck against hardworking Coloradans far more than most of us are aware,” said Weissman. “They’re now using artificial intelligence to set prices as high as they think an individual will pay, and wages as low as they think someone will accept. Colorado families deserve better. I’m proud to sponsor legislation to tackle these unfair pricing practices, protect consumers and workers, and bring down costs.”

“Coloradans deserve to know they’re paying a fair price and have the opportunity to negotiate for a good wage,” said Jodeh. “We all lose when large corporations can set different prices for different people based on sensitive data they’ve collected. This bill stands up for workers and families to ensure that your personal data – like where you live and what you’ve bought in the past – is not used against you to raise prices or keep your wages low.”

Corporations have increasingly weaponized price and wage setting to set prices at the highest amount someone is willing to pay and wages at the lowest amount that someone is willing to accept, based on data that is not publicly accessible and often collected without an individual’s knowledge or consent. 

For example, if someone searches for funeral homes online and then goes to book a plane ticket, an algorithm may judge that they are traveling for a funeral and would be willing to pay more for the flight. Under the bill, engaging in these price or wage-setting practices would be considered a deceptive trade practice and could result in a civil penalty. 

A 2025 Federal Trade Commission report found that individualized pricing tools are being used to target specific consumers with artificially-inflated prices for goods and services based on surveillance data, such as a person’s location or the motion of a computer mouse.

HB26-1210 now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Mobile Home Park Protections Bill Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to make mobile home park sales more fair and transparent.

HB26-1224, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would strengthen Colorado’s Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA) to ensure that residents have a fair chance to purchase the land underneath their mobile home. 

“This legislation builds upon years of work to level the playing field for mobile home park residents who often own their home but not the land beneath it,” said Cutter. “We’ve implemented laws to help residents join together to purchase their parks, keeping costs down and creating opportunities for stability and ownership. This bill adds additional measures to facilitate residents’ ability to purchase their park when it goes up for sale.” 

“I've seen firsthand the opportunity for residents to purchase their mobile home park in action in my district – and it's transformational for preserving affordable, local housing,” said Roberts. “This bill ensures that more residents in our state will have the time and information they need to make that decision, including operating costs and financial disclosures, and adds new protections to prevent families from losing their home. This bill continues upon years of work to keep mobile home parks – which provide essential affordable housing – in the hands of our communities.”

Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill would give residents at least 90 days to conduct inspections and protect residents who negotiate in good faith. The bill would ban anti-competitive practices that inflate prices above market value to make it harder for residents to purchase the mobile home park.

HB26-1224 would improve transparency by requiring a landlord to disclose documentation to justify the list price of the property, the age and history of major infrastructure on the property, rental information and operating expenses. Upon request, the bill would also require a landlord to disclose any financial ties to potential buyers of the property and any agreements between the landlord and the potential buyer.

To prevent evictions and keep housing costs down, the bill would:

• Ensure that residents receive notice when a park owner is temporarily prohibited from raising lot rents;

• Require evictions to be based on an official government finding of a violated law, ordinance, or rule, not just an informal claim; and

• Limit the amount of the annual MHPA registration fee that can be passed onto homeowners to keep housing costs down.

In 2020, the legislature passed a law to create a pathway for mobile home park residents to join together to purchase the land under their communities. Democrats have also passed laws to improve water quality in mobile home parks, strengthen tenant protections, improve language accessibility for important park notices and meetings and clarify the conditions of a sale of mobile homes and parks. The legislature also passed a bill this session, sponsored by Cutter and Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, to strengthen water quality protections for Coloradans in mobile home parks.

The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.

Bill to Lower Emergency Healthcare Costs, Sustain Rural EMS Passes Senate Unanimously

DENVER, CO – Legislation to strengthen Emergency Medical Services (EMS), especially in rural communities, passed the Senate unanimously today. 

HB26-1069, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would streamline funding for EMS in Colorado by expanding the services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement to include on-site treatment and certain telehealth care.

“As an emergency healthcare provider, I know that our EMS workers must have every tool at their disposal to provide care in-the-moment, and they should be reimbursed for that care,” said Mullica. “This bill will lower costs for patients, reduce overall healthcare spending, and close funding gaps so EMS can continue providing the life-saving care Colorado communities rely on.” 

EMS providers regularly provide essential on-site treatment, also known as treatment in place (TIP), which costs significantly less than a trip to the emergency room. However, EMS providers are only reimbursed if they transport a patient to an emergency room, even when that transport is not necessary. This bill would require Medicaid to reimburse EMS for TIP. It would also improve access to care by allowing Medicaid to reimburse for certain telehealth care involving EMS.

To save patients and the state money on healthcare and sustain EMS in rural communities, this bill would also permit reimbursement when an individual experiencing a behavioral health crisis is transported to a crisis stabilization facility.

TIP limits the need for costly emergency room visits, saving the state and patients money on healthcare. For example, a federal TIP pilot program showed a 193-percent cost-to-savings ratio for Medicare members receiving TIP services instead of emergency room visits. On the Western Slope, a 2022 analysis of 911 calls in Eagle County revealed that TIP reimbursement accounted for a preliminary cost savings of $1,285.40 to the state per TIP call. 

Lastly, HB26-1069 ensures that social workers who co-respond in emergency settings are classified as first responders and receive the same benefits as EMS providers, which will strengthen workforce recruitment and retention, especially in rural or underserved areas. 

The bill now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.

Senate Approves Bipartisan Bills to Save Students Money, Connect Coloradans to Good-Paying Jobs

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed two bills to support students and Colorado’s workforce. 

HB26-1317, sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, would better connect students and workers with the resources they need to secure good-paying jobs.

“The programs we’ve built to help people find jobs just don’t connect the way they should. This fragmentation makes them less effective for the very people they’re supposed to serve,” Bridges said. “This bill starts to fix that by reworking how we think about post-secondary pathways so more Coloradans can find real opportunities, contribute in their communities, and earn wages that actually pay the bills.”

The bill, which is cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would lay the foundation for a new, unified system and department for post-secondary education development. With a focus on a thoughtful, inclusive stakeholder process, this bill would establish a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) of 27 members, including representatives from state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, local government, non-profit associations and the business community. The TAC’s recommendations will serve as the structural outline for the new department.

This bill would also begin the process to unite several programs, including the Divisions of Employment and Training, Regional Talent Summit Initiatives, Plans and Opportunity Now Grants and Adult Education and Literacy Programs, among others, under one new agency. Last year, Governor Polis shared a new report outlining a robust roadmap to streamline and strengthen the way Coloradans access education, training and career support. 

Research shows that in the next six years, nearly three in four job openings will require some type of post-secondary credential. However, there is an attainment gap between the need for credentials and the number of Coloradans earning these skills, which is a challenge for Colorado’s economy and workforce. HB26-1317 would begin the process to streamline more than 20 divisions, offices and units across seven state entities that deliver more than 100 programs and initiatives to create a one-stop-shop for Coloradans’ access to post-secondary education, training and employment.

HB26-1078, sponsored by Senator Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, would expand access to low- and no-cost college-level courses for high school students. 

“Concurrent enrollment classes accelerate student learning and prepare them for future careers, whether it be public service, private sector jobs, or technical training,” Marchman said. “I’m proud to sponsor this legislation that would expand these effective and low-cost programs and create more opportunities for Colorado students to excel.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB26-1078 would extend concurrent enrollment in Colorado to include off-campus courses offered by higher education institutions. Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses, saving them money and time while accelerating their degree completion. Students can typically earn high school and college credits simultaneously for certain courses.

Under current law, most off-campus courses are excluded from concurrent enrollment programs. This often means only those provided in high school classrooms or on a college campus meet the concurrent enrollment course requirements. This bill would modify the narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to offer off-campus courses that qualify as concurrent enrollment courses provided the courses meet state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. 

This bill also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades. 

Both HB26-1317 and HB26-1078 now move back to the House for consideration of amendments.