JOINT RELEASE: In Ambitious Session, Democrats Focused on Affordability and Addressed Must-Fix Issues Amidst Federal Attacks and a Billion Dollar Deficit

Denver, CO – In the 2026 session, lawmakers worked to make Colorado more affordable, protect core services like K-12 education and Medicaid coverage, and address some of the thorniest issues facing the state in a challenging environment marked by global instability, rising political violence, a generational drought, unlawful federal overreach and a billion dollar budget crisis. 

From housing affordability and AI to competency reform and education funding, lawmakers found consensus on complicated issues.

“In an ambitious session, Democrats focused on affordability and tackled must-fix issues amidst federal attacks and a billion dollar deficit,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “We worked hard to create jobs, lower the costs of housing, child care, healthcare and utilities, and protect our public lands, air and water. Lawmakers navigated a difficult budget to increase funding for K-12 education and prevent devastating cuts to core healthcare coverage. In many ways, the world around us shaped, and at times, hung over our work. With this backdrop behind us, lawmakers set their eyes on big ideas and complex problems to solve, including finding consensus across party lines to reform our competency laws and improve public safety.”  

“Despite a challenging national environment and a billion dollar budget deficit, Democrats once again worked hard to lower costs, protect funding for K-12 schools, and bolster an economy that rewards hard work,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “I’m proud of all that we accomplished to keep our state on a path to a resilient future and ensure that no matter your income or zip code, you have the opportunity to earn a good life in Colorado. Regardless of the chaos in Washington, here at home we’re committed to doing work that meets the moment and that has a real impact on the people of Colorado.”

“This year we stepped up to protect the Colorado way of life and push back against federal overreach that threatens our communities,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D- Wheat Ridge. “We passed pivotal legislation to support immigrants and workers, protect victims of domestic violence, improve public safety and create economic opportunities for hardworking people by making it easier to start a small business selling cottage foods like tamales. From legislation on housing and gun violence to our first in the nation AI law and landmark protections for workers, I have given all my heart as Majority Leader to passing our caucus’ transformative work, and it has been a true privilege to serve our state.”

“Democrats’ work this year reflects our yearslong commitment to lowering costs and protecting Coloradans’ rights and freedoms in the face of federal interference,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “I’m proud of the work we accomplished this year to make our state more affordable, protect the core services that Coloradans rely on, as well as our ability to pass nation leading legislation like my bill to establish a regulatory framework for AI systems. As I leave my final session, I’m grateful to my colleagues for their leadership on the issues that matter most to Coloradans and their continued focus on building a Colorado where everyone can thrive.”

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Speaker for the last four years,” continued McCluskie, who is serving in her final term. “I am forever grateful for the enduring support of my colleagues, High Country communities, my family and constituents and for all that we have accomplished together – modernizing our 30-year-old school finance formula to put students first and boost funding for rural schools, securing historic protections for critical streams and wetlands, expanding workforce opportunities, and creating the Reinsurance Program that has saved Coloradans over $2 billion on healthcare.”

This year, Democrats passed pivotal legislation to make Colorado more affordable, boost the economy, create jobs and protect your rights as politicians in Washington levied unprecedented new pressures on the legislature and state. 

Democrats worked hard to build an economy where everyone has a fair shot – a new law will prohibit the use of personal data and algorithms to charge you more or pay you less. A nation-leading AI law will protect people interacting with Automated Decision-Making Technology (ADMT) systems while balancing the needs of businesses, schools, nonprofits and consumers. 

After serious public safety issues emerged regarding Colorado’s competency to proceed laws, lawmakers from both parties worked alongside the state’s elected district attorneys, public defenders and civil liberties advocates to reform the process and address this critical concern. 

Despite a billion dollar budget crisis, lawmakers protected K-12 education funding and referred a measure to voters so that teachers can ask Coloradans if education funding should grow with our economy or continue to be constrained by TABOR. The budget also protected core services like healthcare coverage and public safety while making responsible cuts to close the deficit. 

Making Colorado More Affordable: 

Democrats passed bills to lower the cost of:

• Housing (HB26-1001, SB26-001, HB26-1065, SB26-040);

• Property insurance (SB26-155); 

• Healthcare (SB26-178, HB26-1002);

• Utility bills and energy costs (HB26-1326, HB26-1007, SB26-002, SB26-142); and 

• Childcare (HB26-1004).

Building an Economy Where Everyone has a Fair Shot:

Several new bills create jobs, boost wages, support Colorado agriculture and make it easier for students to enter the workforce and pursue the careers of their dreams (HB26-1289, HB26-1223, HB26-1003, HB26-1317, HB26-1014, SB26-052, HB26-1033, HB26-1010, HB26-1031, HB26-1340, SB26-010, HB26-1005). 

Protecting Your Rights, the Environment, and the Colorado Way of Life: 

Democrats pushed back against federal overreach by defending our elections, supporting immigrants, protecting access to vaccines, and making sure that coal plants that the Trump administration is forcing to stay open don’t cost people more on their utility bills or harm air quality (SB26-032, HB26-1113, SB26-005, HB26-1276, HB26-1283, HB26-1226). 

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision weakening prohibitions on conversion therapy, lawmakers passed a new law to protect survivors of this dangerous practice (HB26-1322). Democrats passed laws to expand access to reproductive healthcare, insulate nonprofits from political interference, and protect Colorado’s air, water and public lands (HB26-1335, SB26-009, SB26-003, HB26-1008, SB26-016). 

Improving Public Safety: 

Lawmakers from both parties came together to address gaps in Colorado’s competency reform process to protect public safety. New laws protect and stand up for victims, crack down on commercial sex trafficking of children, and improve safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Democrats also passed legislation to prevent gun violence, protect children online and stop senior fraud and scams (SB26-149, HB26-1009, SB26-095, HB26-1103, HB26-1142, SB26-015, HB26-1242, HB26-1424, SB26-035, SB26-072, SB26-141, SB26-004, HB26-1126, HB26-1265, HB26-1144, SB26-011, HB26-1263, HB26-1058, HB26-1110). 

Tax Credits to Boost Working Families and Restaurants Pass Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed two bills to adjust Colorado’s tax code to support working people and small businesses after Congress passed H.R. 1, which granted massive tax breaks to corporations while raising taxes on working families in Colorado. 

HB26-1223, sponsored by Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would repeal Colorado’s downloadable software exemption to ensure taxes on these products are consistent, no matter how or where they are purchased, in order to fund tax credits for working families and provide relief to Colorado restaurants.

“Right now, software products are taxed differently depending on where they are purchased,” said Ball. “It’s a patchwork system that simply doesn’t make sense with the current way we make purchases in our modern, online society. By fixing this discrepancy, we’re putting money back into the hands of Colorado families and supporting restaurants.”

“This is a win-win-win for hardworking Coloradans, for local restaurants, and for modernizing our tax code,” said Roberts. “It is narrowly focused on one outdated statute that taxes software differently based on where and how it is purchased. By standardizing this inconsistency, we can fund tax credits that give hardworking Coloradans a chance to get ahead and give Colorado restaurants a much-needed boost by relieving them of sales tax burdens."

The Colorado Office of the State Auditor reported that the antiquated sales tax exemption for certain downloadable software was being applied unevenly across the state, with 14 percent of vendors not applying the exemption at all.

With part of the revenue generated from closing this exemption, the bill would create a new tax credit for hardworking families. The Family Affordability Credit (FAC) would go to families eligible for the highly successful Family Affordability Tax Credit (FATC) in current law. Estimates show families could receive up to $260 for each child under age six and up to $195 for each child between six and 16. 

The bill would also fund tax relief for restaurants through a temporary sales tax deduction and permanent expansion of a utility tax deduction. In 2027 and 2028, for July, August, November, and December, restaurants, bars, and other food vendors would retain the state sales tax collected on up to $14,000 of taxable sales in that month. Additionally, in current law, certain restaurants are allowed to subtract 55 percent of their energy bills from their tax obligations. The bill would permanently expand this to allow restaurants to deduct 100 percent of gas and electricity purchases from their taxable sales. 
HB26-1289 would modernize and simplify the tax code by eliminating ineffective or unnecessary special tax exemptions and deductions to expand and extend tax credits for food access, wildfire and beetle kill mitigation, job creation, and investments in clean energy. This bill would make Colorado’s tax code more consistent and efficient.

"Our tax laws must be continually reviewed and updated to make sure they are working for Coloradans," said Weissman. “Particularly as federal law changes in recent years have negatively impacted Colorado, we must use this moment as an opportunity to revise or eliminate ineffective tax laws, continue or extend those that work, and make sure our tax laws work in service of our bigger goals of supporting working people, saving Coloradans money on energy, and managing wildfire risk. At the end of the day, tightening up ineffective tax laws to continue impactful tax credits for working families is an easy choice."
HB26-1289 would eliminate ineffective tax exemptions for purchases regarding space flight and vendor discounts for cigarettes, nicotine, and tobacco products.

It would also make changes to existing tax credits, including:

• Increasing access to the Community Food Access Tax Credit that offers small food retailers and family farms a refundable tax credit,

• Renewing the Renewable Energy Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit to reward businesses that invest in projects that generate renewable energy,

• Expanding the Wildfire Mitigation Tax Credit by allowing it to be carried forward to count against future tax liability and increasing eligibility to boost wildfire mitigation efforts, and

• Expanding a tax credit for businesses that rehabilitate vacant properties. 

In recent years, Democrats in Colorado have expanded the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) and created the FATC to boost the incomes of hardworking Colorado families and lift children out of poverty. A 2026 report found that the EITC, CTC and FATC cut child poverty by 37 percent and family poverty by 32 percent. These tax credits were entirely turned off for the next tax year due to H.R. 1, raising taxes on families, and forecasts show H.R. 1’s revenue impacts may reduce the credits in future years, too.

HB26-1223 and HB26-1289 now head back to the House for consideration of amendments.

Senate 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 today 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 Governor’s desk to be signed. Track its progress here. 

Rideshare Safety and Accountability Act Clears Senate

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

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

Bill to Collect Data on Working Conditions and Extreme Temperatures Passes Senate

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation to better understand how extreme temperatures impact working conditions and worker safety. 

HB26-1272, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, and Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would outline a pathway for Colorado to protect workers from extreme temperatures. 

"Every worker deserves safe conditions,” said Cutter. “But that’s not happening in jobs where workers are exposed to extreme heat and cold. Because of the effects of climate change, many workers are being exposed to dangerous weather conditions that can seriously impact their health and livelihood. This bill helps build a resilient future that protects workers."

“The federal government has failed to step in to create clear guidelines on safe temperatures for working conditions, so it is up to us to enact protections,” said Weissman. “This bill takes the first step by collecting data on how workers are impacted by extreme temperatures and creating recommendations. This will lay the groundwork for evidence-based policies that keep workers safe amid Colorado’s new normal.” 

The bill would require the state to collect and analyze temperature-related injuries, illnesses, and emergencies at worksites, as well as hospital visits and related workers' compensation in the state. This data would serve as an important baseline for future rulemaking and temperature-related injury prevention planning.

Under the bill, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) would develop a model temperature-related injury and illness prevention plan (TRIIPP) by 2028. TRIIPPs typically include methods for cooling down, such as access to water, shade, and gradual acclimatization for workers. Once created, the TRIIPP would be available to lawmakers and employers on CDLE’s public website. CDLE would be responsible for updating the TRIIPP annually to meet the needs of workers.  

This legislation is the first step toward keeping workers safe on the job by prioritizing education and evidence-gathering that reflect conditions across industries and regions in Colorado. The findings from this bill’s implementation will inform future protections and legislation.

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

Senate Approves Bill to Reduce Housing Costs and Save Coloradans Money

HB26-1065 would fund transit infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented housing

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, and Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, to drive down housing costs and save Coloradans money. 

"The mountain and rural communities that I represent have some of the most severe housing shortage and cost crises in the state, and so I’m proud to be sponsoring this legislation that will help finance and build homes that working families need and can afford,” Roberts said. “In partnership with towns, counties, nonprofits and private industry, HB26-1065 will help finance new transit infrastructure and housing options in all parts of our state.”

“I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to tackle the most common concern I hear from my constituents: the cost of housing,” Exum said. “By making it possible to build more homes near reliable transit, we are taking action to address Colorado’s housing shortage. At the end of the day, this bill is about making sure that working families have the transit and mobility options they need and are not forced to leave the communities they love.”

HB26-1065, the Transit Investment Area Act, would create a new financing tool to improve transportation infrastructure and establish a tax credit to build more transit-oriented affordable housing. 

The bill would use tax-increment financing to allow local governments to invest state sales tax revenue into transportation infrastructure. Local governments, in partnership with transit agencies, would be able to apply to create a transit and housing investment zone. These zones would fund transportation infrastructure projects within 2 miles of a transportation facility, like safety improvements and centering transit stops within the community to increase ridership. Local governments would be required to suggest an annual limit on the amount of revenue that could be allocated to the transit investment project in the application process. 

The bill would allow up to three transit investment projects to be approved in a calendar year, with no more than six projects funded through the bill in total.

Under the bill, the Colorado Economic Development Commission would also set an annual limit on the amount of revenue that can be allocated for a transit investment project. 

HB26-1065 would also create the Colorado Affordable Housing in Transit Investment Zones Tax Credit. This tax credit is reserved for projects that serve low- and middle-income housing within newly created transit and housing investment zones. The bill would allow up to $50 million in tax credits per calendar year from 2027 to 2033 for a total investment of $350 million by 2038.

HB26-1065 now moves back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress here. 

Bill to Protect K-12 Education, Healthcare Funding from Initiative 175 Cuts Clears Committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senators William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, to protect funding for core services, like K-12 education and healthcare, if Initiative 175 is approved in the November election.

“Initiative 175 is a special interest group’s irresponsible solution to a legitimate problem,” Lindstedt said. “We remain committed to doing more to fix our roads and secure sustainable transportation funding, but not at the expense of hospitals and schools. It’s time for the proponents of Initiative 175 to come to the table and work with us to chart a responsible path forward that addresses the state’s transportation needs without defunding education, healthcare, and public safety programs to the tune of $700 million a year.”

“We just finalized a bipartisan budget that required extremely painful cuts, but that ultimately protected core healthcare services and funding for education,” said Amabile. “Facing another budget deficit next year, Initiative 175 would set us even further back and threaten already precarious funding for healthcare and education. By no means is HB26-1430 a bill that we’re excited about, but it is the responsible path forward to protect hospitals, schools and essential services that Coloradans rely on, and I’m glad to see that it has already earned bipartisan support.”

If approved, Initiative 175 would require the state to spend around $700 million a year on road projects without providing any new revenue. This comes on the heels of several consecutive years of $1 billion cuts to the state budget. In order to divert funding exclusively to road construction, Initiative 175 would require $700 million in cuts to K-12 education, higher education and Medicaid, leading rural hospitals and clinics to close, tuition to increase, and to a new budget stabilization factor for K-12. In addition to devastating education and healthcare funding cuts, Initiative 175 would threaten to defund the DMV, the Peace Officer Standards and Training fund, the Emergency Medical Services fund, and DUI prevention efforts. 

If Initiative 175 were to pass in November, HB26-1430 would make a number of changes to transportation funding to mitigate the harms from the initiative. Contingent on Initiative 175’s passage, the bill would temporarily reduce the excise tax on gasoline and special fuel, vehicle registration fees and road usage fees. The reduced revenue would open up more general fund dollars to support critical government functions like education and healthcare, reducing the revenue that would have to be refunded under TABOR. Also known as the Colorado Budget Protection Act, HB26-1430 would create the Support Road Transportation Fund to house the $700 million allocated by the approval of Initiative 175. The money in this fund would replace certain transportation-related general fund transfers.

As amended, HB26-1430 dictates that if Initiative 175 is withdrawn, the bill would establish a working group tasked with making recommendations on how to improve road and infrastructure funding in a way that does not threaten other state services.

In April, the legislature passed a bipartisan budget that protected K-12 education and core healthcare services while making reductions across state departments, lowering the state’s reserve and reducing Medicaid spending to close a $1.2 billion deficit. This deficit was caused by H.R. 1’s tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, TABOR, and growing Medicaid costs. Despite these challenges, the Joint Budget Committee was able to prevent bringing back the Budget Stabilization Factor and protect funding for universal preschool and core healthcare services.

More than 40 organizations sent a letter asking proponents of Initiative 175 to withdraw the proposal, stating that the measure would force the General Assembly to make major reductions to Medicaid, K-12 education and higher education. The letter is backed by the bipartisan Joint Budget Committee as well as transportation, education, healthcare, environment, business and labor institutions and community groups.

HB26-1430 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress here.

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.