JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Update the Front Range Passenger Rail District to Pave the Way for Future Service Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on May 26 signed a bill into law that will make narrowly targeted updates to advance the Front Range Passenger Rail project, a train line that would connect communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo.

“Families in Fort Collins want an affordable, eco-friendly, and convenient way to travel along the Front Range,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “These communities are highly interconnected and our infrastructure should match how Coloradans live, work, and travel every day. This bill creates a strong foundation for this project to advance with accurate boundaries and community input.”

“From Fort Collins to Pueblo, passenger rail is coming to Colorado,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. “As we get closer to breaking ground on the project, we are narrowing in on details that will help make passenger rail a reality for the Front Range. From going to CSU games and a concert in Denver to commuting for work, the Front Range Passenger Rail will deliver a safe, dependable alternative to car travel.”

“For my community in Pueblo, Front Range Passenger Rail means opportunities for employment, visiting family, and enjoying everything Colorado has to offer in a way that meets how Coloradans want to travel,” said Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo. “This bill lays the groundwork for Front Range Passenger Rail to move forward, creating limitless opportunities for communities along the Front Range, including Pueblo.”

“Passenger rail can open up more job opportunities and save Coloradans money on transportation,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “This law creates a clear path for the Front Range Passenger Rail to take shape, improving Colorado’s transportation options and infrastructure for the municipalities that have already opted into this rail system. Soon, voters around these stations will get a say on whether or not their community will have Front Range Passenger Rail. This project has been a long time in the making, and I am excited for the opportunities that this will open up for my community in Colorado Springs.”

SB26-172 updates the Front Range Passenger Rail District boundaries to focus on municipalities that would be directly served by the rail line and remove municipalities outside of the service area. It also creates residency requirements for the district board members and adjusts how ballot measures are brought by the district, creating options for subdistricts within the district boundaries.

Colorado Democrats established the Front Range Passenger Rail District in 2021 to lay the groundwork for a high-speed passenger rail system along the Front Range corridor. This past April, the future train was named “Colorado Connector,” after input from more than 25,000 Coloradans. Last week, the state and relevant governing boards reached an agreement with BNSF to advance to the design phase of the passenger rail project. Service is anticipated to begin by January 2029.

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bill to Modernize and Improve RTD

SB26-150 implements recommendations from the 2025 RTD Accountability Committee

DENVER, CO – On May 26, legislation sponsored by Senators Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Jamie Jackson, D-Aurora, to modernize and improve the Regional Transportation District (RTD) was signed into law.

“Millions of Coloradans live on the Front Range, and yet, they are stuck with a transit system that is severely underdeveloped compared to similar districts in other cities,” Ball said. “This critical legislation will help Coloradans to have cleaner and more effective transit options.”

“This law is about providing a strong transit system for all parts of the Denver metro area for workers, youth, seniors and people with disabilities,” said Froelich. “RTD has unfortunately not been able to bounce back since the pandemic the way that other transit agencies around the country have, and it is clear that change is needed to deliver reliable transit for Coloradans. Thanks to the work of the RTD Accountability Committee, we are reimagining the Denver Metro Area’s transit system to provide transit that hardworking people can depend on.”

“The Denver metro area is a world-class destination boasting world-class offerings, and while public transit helps Coloradans access those big-ticket events, it also supports mobility and accessibility for the 30% of households that don’t have reliable access to a car,” Jodeh said. “When transit doesn’t work, it impacts whether families – especially communities of color, seniors, and people with disabilities – can go to work, school, and connect with their communities. This law is about continuing Colorado’s commitment to those families and sustainable growth for generations to come.”

“We’re helping ensure that our regional transit system actually works for the people who rely on it,” said Jackson. “As the metro area expands, it is crucial that we have a transit system that meets the needs of our growing communities. This law implements a long-term plan to improve para-transit services, modernize the RTD board to be more effective and strengthen accountability to rebuild Coloradans’ trust.”

SB26-150 makes a number of changes to the RTD board in order to create a governing board that is more functional and well-equipped to develop a world-class transit system. These changes include:

• Reducing the current 15 member board to nine, bringing it in line with the majority of transit boards in the country;

• Preserving five seats up for election, ensuring that the majority of the board remains democratically elected;

• Making the remaining four seats at-large appointments by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring that the board will have expertise in finance, land use, transportation planning, disproportionately impacted communities, and/or labor;

• Requiring one of the board members to be appointed in consultation with the Denver Regional Council of Governments and at least one board member to be an Amalgamated Transit Union member, guaranteeing that the voices of local governments and labor are represented;

• Raising board and chairperson salaries to attract high-quality candidates; and

• Increasing efficiency and clarity for the board by requiring that specific authorities and responsibilities be set for each board member.

New RTD districts will be drawn in advance of the 2028 election, creating an entirely new board by January 1, 2029, with plans in place to achieve staggered turnover of the board starting in 2031. Current board members and those elected in the 2026 election will continue to serve until the 2028 election. The law also requires a review of the new RTD board structure after 15 years, guaranteeing analysis of the new structure that will assess its effectiveness over time, including representation, expertise, ridership, and financial performance.

Additionally, SB26-150 requires that RTD commission a study and adopt a plan for implementing improved paratransit services by December 31, 2027. The study must include a needs assessment and analysis of current service for riders with disabilities, an assessment of barriers faced by paratransit riders, and measurable performance metrics to measure progress.

The RTD Accountability Committee was created by SB25-161. After studying RTD’s structure and the challenges the agency faces, the Committee delivered its recommendations to the General Assembly earlier this year.

JOINT RELEASE: Keeping Colorado Communities Safe: Governor Polis Signs Major Bipartisan Public Safety Legislation Updating Colorado’s Competency Laws

DENVER - On May 21, Governor Polis signed SB26-149 - Pathways for Individuals with Mental Health Disorder, sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile and Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, and House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell. This major public safety law will update Colorado’s competency laws, ensuring people who are deemed incompetent to stand trial, unlikely to be restored in the near future and pose a danger to themselves or others are not just released into the community, but connected to services and secure placement. 

“This is a major step forward to keep Coloradans and our communities safe. It is not right for someone who is a serious danger to themselves or others to be released into the community without resources or proper care. This law updates Colorado’s competency process, provides important funding for bed capacity, invests in services, and protects public safety. Keeping the status quo was not an option, and I am grateful to the sponsors for the hard work and thoughtful conversations it took to bring this important bill to my desk,” said Governor Polis. 

This law improves the state's ability to connect defendants deemed incompetent to services and empowers the state to find safe placements for individuals whose cases have been dismissed. This law invests roughly $30 million to safely serve those found incompetent and unrestorable,  including through an expansion of both inpatient and outpatient capacity. Separately, this law improves our civil mental health system to give courts and mental health care professionals the tools to support individuals with chronic behavioral health needs. Read the Governor’s signing statement. 

“This new, bipartisan law will address gaps in Colorado’s justice system to ensure people have access to the behavioral healthcare that they need and keep our communities safe,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “This law creates a new pathway to place someone in long-term treatment if they pose a serious risk to community safety and are unlikely to be restored to competency to stand trial. Modernizing treatment and coordination between agencies will improve our justice system and public safety across the state. This has been an extremely difficult and complicated issue to address, and I am grateful for the work of Senator Amabile, Minority Leaders Simpson and Caldwell, the Office of the State Public Defender, the Governor’s Office and State Agencies, and Colorado’s district attorneys, who worked so hard to deliver this bipartisan consensus."

“Too often, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or untreated mental illness are in jail not because it is the right place for them, but because there is nowhere else to go,” said Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “This new law improves access to restorative treatment, protects Coloradans’ constitutional rights, and enhances public safety by ensuring that the very small percentage of people who should not be released into our communities get the treatment they need. SB149 comes after months of consideration with law enforcement, mental health providers, impacted families, and community leaders to find the right path forward that protects Coloradans’ fundamental rights and prioritizes public safety.”

“This legislation was a top priority, and I want to thank all of the stakeholders, especially the District Attorneys and Public Defenders, for their work to strike the crucial balance between constitutional rights and public safety,” said Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell (HD-20). “Passing this bill was essential to ensure that individuals who pose a serious threat to public safety are not released back into our communities.”

“Today’s signing of SB26-149 is an important step toward closing dangerous gaps in Colorado’s competency and mental health systems. For years, families, law enforcement, and communities have struggled without clear pathways for individuals who are both severely mentally ill and pose a danger to themselves or others. This bipartisan legislation strengthens public safety, protects constitutional rights, and creates more accountability in how the state handles these complex cases. I am proud to work across the aisle to advance a solution focused on treatment, structure, and safer communities for all Coloradans.”

Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law administratively.

• SB26-092 - Modification of County Elected Officer Salary Categories, sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson and Representatives Larry Don Suckla and Elizabeth Velasco

• SB26-101 - Local Government Landfill Methane Emission Reduction Regulations, sponsored by Senators Byron Pelton and Dylan Roberts, and Representatives Meghan Lukens and Chris Richardson 

• SB26-124 - Colorado Survivor Justice Act, sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace and Representative Rebekah Stewart

• SB26-182: Updated Clean Energy Plan Municipally Owned Utility, sponsored by House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, Representative Amy Paschal, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, and Senator Marc Snyder

ICYMI: Signed! Legislation to Support Survivors of Crimes

SB26-095 will improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response

DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve access to information for survivors of crime and strengthen trauma-informed practices in the justice system was signed into law May 20. 

SB26-095 is sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn.

“Under current Colorado law, survivors of crime face significant barriers to care, justice, and information about their proceedings,” said Weissman. “I am proud to sponsor this long-overdue legislation to improve access to care, ensure trauma-informed justice procedures and law enforcement response, and strengthen protections for the rights of survivors in court proceedings.”

“This survivor-led law builds on the progress we have made to improve protections for survivors and make it easier for them to hold their abuser accountable,” said Froelich. “The justice system can be daunting, especially when a survivor is discouraged from pursuing their case and is left to figure out how to track the status of their DNA evidence kit on their own. It should not be so hard for survivors to manage their cases. By improving trauma-informed investigations and response, survivors are more empowered and protected during the judicial process.”

“We’re making changes to the health care, legal and justice systems to prevent the retraumatization of survivors and make it easier for survivors to seek justice,” said Willford. “Colorado Democrats stand with survivors, and our new law makes crucial changes that make navigating the justice system an easier, less traumatic experience for survivors. This will help aid in the healing process for survivors and improve public safety across the state.”

SB26-095 makes several updates to Colorado statute, including: 

• Ensuring that victims are notified when forensic testing is complete and informed of how to obtain results and other records related to testing;

• Creating a special motion to dismiss claims arising from protected survivor statements made during investigations or legal proceedings, helping to shield survivors from retaliatory lawsuits;

• Limiting the enforceability of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and joint-action waivers, thereby strengthening the rights of survivors in sexual misconduct disputes;

• Authorizing remote forensic testimony and allowing certain survivors to voluntarily testify remotely via closed-circuit television to prevent retraumatization; and

• Expanding training and use of peace officer training funds to include trauma-informed law enforcement response training.

Weissman, Froelich, and Willford passed laws last year to address the backlog in DNA tests collected in sexual assault investigations and protect survivors and children conceived through sexual assault. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's processing backlog for sexual assault evidence kits reached over 1,400 cases in February 2025 with a turnaround time of 560 days. As of April 2026, the backlog has been reduced to 566 cases with a turnaround time of 334 days.

Democratic Leaders Respond to Commutation of Tina Peters’ Sentence

DENVER, CO – House and Senate Democratic Leadership today released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of Tina Peters:

“We strongly oppose Governor Polis’ decision to preempt the courts and commute the sentence of a still-unremorseful Tina Peters. Tina Peters sought to overturn the election results and committed a serious crime. She was prosecuted by a Republican district attorney in a conservative county and convicted by a jury of her peers. Her actions threatened our elections, and commuting her sentence sends exactly the wrong message at a time when the Trump Administration is threatening vote-by-mail and working to undermine our democracy. 

“House and Senate Democrats have repeatedly outlined the many serious reasons why Governor Polis should let the courts decide Ms. Peters’ sentence. We stand by these concerns and the voices of election officials across our state to once again express our strongest objection to this decision. The legislature has worked for years to strengthen and protect Colorado’s elections to ensure they are safe, secure, and accessible, and we staunchly support our dedicated county clerks and election officials who have increasingly come under threat to uphold that.” 

In March, every House and Senate Democrat signed a letter to Governor Polis opposing a commutation or pardon of Tina Peters. Below is the full text of the letter:

Governor Polis:

We thank you for your service to our state and the dedication with which you serve the people of Colorado. 

We write today to urge you not to grant clemency, sentence commutation, any other sentence reduction, or a federal transfer to Tina Peters. 

While we acknowledge you have concerns with what the Colorado Appellate Court found in the processes of Ms. Peters’ case and the questions that the court continues to assess, the resolution to those issues should be handled by the judicial branch. It is our understanding that such a review is underway with further information being sought by the court, and we urge you to allow that process to advance and for the judicial system alone to handle review of any further actions in this case. 

Gubernatorial clemency, pardons, and similar sentence forgiveness are processes for those who have taken accountability for their crimes, understand the harm that they have created, and made good faith efforts for restitution to victims and self-rehabilitation. Ms. Peters has made no efforts to these ends. Instead, she refuses to take accountability for her crimes and continues to push election-denial conspiracy theories. Her total lack of remorse is in addition to her at-times violent behavior, as was captured on video when she attacked a police officer and, separately, another inmate. We also wish to remind you that most estimates place Ms. Peters’ release around late 2027 or early 2028, should she act with good behavior. We believe this is a reasonable sentence for attempts to tamper with and sow discord around our elections. 

We would be remiss if we did not express strong concern about the impact of Ms. Peters’ crimes in fueling election conspiracy theories that undermine the integrity of our elections system as a whole. We fear that any clemency or other sentence reduction on your part will further embolden these conspiracies and those who propagate them. We urge you not to empower those who seek to undermine our elections and Republic by providing them with a figurehead to rally around and near assurance that, when you tamper with our elections, you will escape justice. 

We also wish to share our sincere concern for the safety and longevity of our county clerks, in particular rural county clerks and their staff, should you grant sentence relief. As a result of election denial conspiracy theories - the likes of which Ms. Peters continues to propagate - our election administrators face threats to their safety and attempted interference in their work. In the last year alone, we have seen one Colorado elections office targeted with arson, in addition to other increasing threats against our election workers. 

As they seek to ensure transparency and integrity in our elections, clerks and election workers should be afforded every safeguard the state can create. They have made their message clear and we reiterate it here: if you take this action, many will leave their roles and Colorado’s safe and secure elections will suffer greatly as a result.  

We applaud your transparent approach to this issue, and share your desire to see equal application of justice. In this case, we ask that you let the courts do that work, as is their mandate. 

We ask for your approach to consider - beyond all else - that the impacts of your decision ripple far beyond fairness in carceral sentencing. This is not about any of us, or you, or even Ms. Peters. This is about the security and assuredness of our elections as a whole. This is about the future of our democracy, and of free and fair elections in our nation. We ask you to stand with us in safeguarding that future. 

Thank you for your consideration of our genuine concern for the future of our elections.

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.