JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Establish Guardrails for AI in Healthcare Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Gretchen Rydin, D-Littleton, and Javier Mabrey, D-Denver, to ensure patients’ continued access to mental healthcare provided by a licensed human professional. 

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

“Without input or oversight from a licensed professional, AI chatbots can be mistaken for legitimate therapy. This practice is dangerous for patients, which is why we passed this law to ensure Coloradans are protected and informed,” said Rydin. “This new law establishes reasonable protective measures on AI use in mental and behavioral health care, including prohibiting the use of AI to independently provide therapy to a patient. Licensed professionals are still allowed to use AI for administrative purposes, but clinical treatment and psychotherapy must be administered by a licensed provider.”

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

“Colorado patients deserve access to real, human-centered care,” said Mabrey. “This timely law sets up important guardrails for AI use in mental and behavioral health care. AI chatbots are biased, unlicensed tools and they should not be used for therapy and treatment recommendations without oversight and transparency. With this bill now law, we’re protecting patients while still allowing providers to take advantage of AI tools for administrative tasks.”

HB26-1195 sets standards in clinical settings, limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to administrative tasks with oversight by a licensed professional. Providers must disclose the use of AI for supplementary support, such as recording or transcribing meetings. To ensure patients receive legitimate behavioral healthcare, this new law makes sure that psychotherapy is human-delivered by a licensed professional, such as a social worker, psychologist or addiction counselor. 

To protect consumers and ensure access to quality care, this legislation will prohibit AI chatbots from being marketed to patients as equivalent to a licensed psychotherapist or counselor. AI chatbots would also be barred from implying patient input is covered by commonplace confidentiality protections like HIPAA. 

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

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

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Make Property Insurance More Affordable Signed Into Law

Hail damage accounts for up to 54 percent of annual homeowners insurance premiums

DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed into law legislation to drive down homeowners insurance premiums and prevent damage from hailstorms, windstorms and other extreme weather events.

SB26-155, sponsored by Senators Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Representative Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, will help stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market and make property insurance more affordable through the creation of a grant program to fortify roofs against costly wind and hail damage.

"This law is about saving Coloradans money and preventing costly hail and wind damage that raises prices for everyone," said Mullica. “Homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, squeezing household budgets and costing families thousands each year. This law is a commonsense approach to reduce costs and make Colorado homes more resilient and disaster-ready for years to come.”

“Our law will save Coloradans money on their property insurance premiums, protect homes from damage, and make our communities more resilient to extreme weather events,” said McCluskie. “Years ago, we created the FAIR Plan to offer property insurance of last resort to Coloradans who live in areas at-risk of wildfires and other natural disasters. As climate change creates increasingly damaging hailstorms, all homeowners pay the price. This law helps prevent property damage from hail and wind storms to save all homeowners money on their insurance premiums.”

“Hardening homes against hail and wind doesn’t just protect the family inside, it lowers costs for every policyholder in the state,” said Marchman. “Colorado ranks in the top 10 most expensive homeowners insurance markets and hail is driving more than half of premiums in communities like mine. If we are serious about affordability, we have to be serious about reducing the losses that are pushing rates up. This law does that.“

“This law could save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their property insurance and prevent costly property damage,” said Brown. “Climate change has escalated the threat of natural disasters, especially storms with baseball-sized hail that can easily break windows and destroy roofs. By making our communities more resilient to wind and hail destruction, we can stabilize Colorado’s homeowners insurance market, lowering property insurance costs for Coloradans.”

SB26-155 creates the Strengthen Colorado Homes Enterprise in the Division of Insurance to implement a grant program to help homeowners fortify their roofs against wind and hailstorms. The Enterprise will collect a fee from insurers that offer multiperil homeowners insurance policies and use the revenue to provide grants to homeowners to retrofit residential properties with resilient roof systems. The Enterprise will be governed by a seven-member board that includes the Colorado Insurance Commissioner, experts in home hardening, and members to represent the interests of insurers, industry experts, consumers, and counties. 

Beginning in 2027, the insurer fee imposed and collected by the Enterprise will be an amount equal to 0.5 percent of the total premium collected by an insurer on multiperil homeowners insurance policies in the preceding calendar year. The insurer may not add a surcharge to policyholders. An insurer offering multiperil homeowners insurance in the state will be required to demonstrate in their rate filings that savings from the installation of resilient roof systems are passed through to homeowners through discounts or reduced premiums on their insurance policies.

Additionally, the law requires the Enterprise and the Division of Insurance to conduct a study to analyze insurance risk in high-risk wildfire areas of the state. The study will include an analysis of market competition in high-risk wildfire areas, the impact of a high-risk program on potential losses, and the availability of homeowners insurance in those areas.

Colorado homeowners insurance rates are some of the highest in the nation and have doubled from 2020 to 2025. The Division of Insurance recently found that hail damage accounts for an average of 26 percent to 54 percent of an annual homeowners insurance premium and that hail mitigation has the potential to save consumers an average of $82 to $387 per year.

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Mobile Home Park Protections Bill Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, legislation to make mobile home park sales more fair and transparent was signed into law.

HB26-1224, sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Representative Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, strengthens Colorado’s Mobile Home Park Act (MHPA) to ensure that residents have a fair chance to purchase the land underneath their mobile home. 

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

“Mobile home residents are uniquely vulnerable to displacement, which is why we passed this law to strengthen protections for residents to prevent housing instability,” said Velasco. “Mobile homes are one of the most common affordable housing options we have in Colorado, especially on the Western Slope. This law builds on our work to protect mobile home residents and create opportunities for them to build generational wealth by bolstering resident protections and improving disclosure and notice requirements. This will help give residents the time and information they need to present a strong bid to purchase the park, preserving existing affordable housing.”

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

“Mobile home parks are a great source of unsubsidized affordable housing, and it is crucial that we protect this resource for hardworking Coloradans to bring down housing costs,” said Boesenecker. “Colorado Democrats have passed key protections for mobile home residents in recent years, but residents are still struggling to compete against better-resourced external buyers when presented with the opportunity to purchase the park. This law ensures that mobile home residents have a fair shot at buying the mobile home park that they live in, which will help maintain affordable housing options for low- and middle-income Coloradans.”

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

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

To prevent evictions and keep housing costs down, the law will:

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

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

• Limit the amount of the annual MHPA registration fee that can be passed onto homeowners.

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

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Signed! Legislation to Boost Utility Assistance

SB26-002 will improve access to energy assistance programs

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Governor signed into law legislation to standardize and improve energy assistance programs to ensure Coloradans have access to affordable, reliable energy. 

SB26-002, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, and Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, requires all investor-owned gas and electric utilities in Colorado to have a standardized framework for energy assistance programs known as Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP). 

“No one should be spending an exorbitant amount of their income on utilities,” said Kipp. “Colorado families face difficult choices every month between rent, groceries, bills, and all the unexpected expenses life throws their way. This law is about ensuring that Coloradans who need energy assistance are able to access these programs in a simple, efficient way no matter what part of the state they live in or who provides their utilities.”

“No one should have to choose between keeping the lights on and going to the doctor,” said Willford. “By standardizing utility assistance, ratepayers can easily find and apply for these essential programs. We’re taking steps to make Colorado a more affordable place to call home, and this law streamlines energy assistance programs so those who qualify can receive it.” 

“Every Colorado family should be able to keep the lights on and keep their home safe and functioning without breaking the bank,” said Exum. “The purpose behind this law has never wavered – to bring down energy bills for families who need it. This law standardizes utility assistance programs, increases their visibility, and simplifies the application process so that more Coloradans can benefit.”

“The application for energy assistance programs needs to be accessible, simple and standardized to save Coloradans time and money,” said Velasco. “Coloradans who qualify for energy assistance programs should be able to take advantage of these programs without unnecessary barriers. The demand for energy assistance programs hasn’t dropped, and our law makes necessary modifications to energy assistance programs to save Coloradans money on utility bills.” 

SB26-002 requires utilities to clearly post information about eligibility criteria and enrollment processes for the PIPP program on their websites and standardizes the name of PIPP programs across all investor-owned utilities to reduce confusion for customers. 

Under the new law, customers will be allowed to apply directly with their utility for the program, rather than having to first enroll in another assistance program. Utilities will determine an annual bill credit for the customer delivered either as an up-front annual credit or a monthly credit on their utility bill. To improve and expedite the application experience, utilities must inform applicants within 30 days whether they have been approved or denied for PIPP and the reason why. The programs will be under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission, to which utilities must submit an annual report about their PIPP program.

JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Support Victims’ Families After Deadly Use of Force by Law Enforcement Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Today legislation sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, to support victims’ families after deadly use of force by law enforcement was signed into law. 

“In the immediate aftermath of a loss caused by deadly use of force, families are often left trying to understand what happened and who is responsible for answering their questions,” said Coleman. “This new law is about how we respond in those moments, both in how we inform families and how we communicate with the public. This legislation is a step toward clarity. It ensures that families are informed, that information is accessible, and that communication is responsible.”

“This law is about accountability, transparency and how we handle the aftermath of a police-related death,” said Bacon. “We are updating and modifying how body camera footage is shared with the families of those who have died at the hands of the police. I am proud to have worked on this law with impacted families who pushed for us to create a better system for families in their pursuit of justice.”

“Senate Bill 190 establishes baseline requirements for how information must be shared with impacted family members when they have lost a loved one in a police use of force incident,” said Weissman. “This law will ensure that families navigating an extremely complicated system during an acutely painful time in their lives are provided with clear information about an investigation before it becomes broadly available for public access. At its core, this legislation is about responding to community concerns, supporting victims' families and providing clarification in moments that are often defined by confusion.”

“Families deserve timely access to information when their loved one dies due to lethal force by a law enforcement officer, which is why I sponsored this new law,” said English. “Families should never have to figure out how to navigate the justice system on their own, especially as they mourn the loss of a loved one. This law creates a clear and consistent framework for how information is shared with families and communities and ensures that families are quickly notified after a deadly incident.”

Currently, video and audio recordings depicting incidents of peace officer misconduct that result in death must be provided upon request to a victim’s family. SB26-190 establishes a clear, consistent framework for how information is shared following a peace officer’s use of force that results in death, regardless of whether the incident received a complaint of misconduct.

The new law will require law enforcement to try to identify a victim’s immediate family. The law will also require law enforcement to notify known family members of the agencies involved in an investigation, as well as the status of an investigation, within 24 hours of the incident. 

SB26-190 will also ensure that family members have the right to obtain video and audio recordings of an incident within a 21 day timeframe, which they may decline, and that victims’ families receive video and audio recordings before they are available for public access.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Bolster Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence Becomes Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation into law that will require lethality assessments to be conducted when law enforcement responds to domestic violence incidents to better protect survivors from harm.

“We’re giving law enforcement more tools to identify domestic violence to remove survivors from danger and connect them with life-saving resources,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “As a survivor, I know that lethality assessments can be the lifeline that helps a domestic violence survivor escape their abuser. This new law will improve public safety across Colorado and promote the use of additional tools to protect Coloradans from danger.”

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

HB26-1009, also sponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Representative Ryan Gonzalez, R-Greeley, creates the Colorado Mandatory Lethality Assessment Act to support survivors of domestic violence and keep Colorado communities safe.

Beginning July 1, 2027, the law requires police officers responding to a domestic violence case to conduct a “lethality assessment” and include the results in their incident report. This assessment is an evidence-based screening tool that helps identify the likelihood of serious injuries or death, including questions about whether the abuser has a history of abuse and if the abuser has ever threatened to use or has used a weapon to harm them. If the findings from the lethality assessment indicate that the survivor is at-risk of harm, law enforcement will immediately reach out to a community-based victim advocate and offer the victim an opportunity to speak with them. The law also requires the Attorney General’s office to create a mandatory training for law enforcement officers to learn how to administer the assessment.

Majority Leader Duran has spearheaded pivotal legislation supporting survivors, including laws to funnel $54 million annually to crime victim and behavioral health programs, invest $48 million toward life-saving access to critical resources, programs, and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence and increasing safety by strengthening protections around civil protection orders. 

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Polis Signs Bill to Strengthen AI Guardrails in Healthcare

HB26-1139 ensures patients’ continued access to healthcare provided by a human, licensed professional.

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to establish necessary requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. HB26-1139 will ensure a human oversight of critical insurance coverage determinations. 

“No matter your zip code or income level, you deserve human-centered health care,” said Rep. Junie Joseph, D-Boulder. “This important law establishes necessary requirements for the professional use of AI systems in health insurance coverage determinations. We are ensuring important decisions, especially denials, are not made solely based on group data. Technology is advancing rapidly, and we’re stepping up to safeguard Coloradans’ access to equitable health care determinations that reflect their individual circumstances.” 

"Coloradans are being denied coverage for life-saving healthcare by AI without human oversight. Healthcare is a deeply personal, subjective matter, and it is inhumane to allow machine intelligence to make decisions that can dramatically impact a person's life," said Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. "HB26-1139 ensures that a real person is involved in these critical decisions."

“Under our law, AI can be used to expedite approvals in health care coverage, but it cannot be used exclusively to deny coverage,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “Health care is nuanced, and every patient deserves to have their case reviewed by a licensed human, professional. We’re stepping up to ensure AI is responsibly used to make health care decisions that keep Coloradans safe and healthy.”

“Healthcare and coverage decisions should be made by patients and their doctors, not algorithms,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This new law is an important step toward ensuring fairness and transparency in important and sensitive healthcare contexts.”

HB26-1139 will establish important requirements for entities using AI systems in insurance coverage decisions, to ensure transparency, accountability, and individualized determinations that are subject to human oversight. Under this law, if an AI system recommends denying coverage for a patient, the final decision must come from a qualified human after review. To protect patients against algorithmic bias, decisions to deny healthcare coverage must be based on an individual’s medical history and clinical circumstances, not solely on group data that falls short of an individual’s unique needs. 

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! Bills to Protect Patient Access to Medication and Boost Support for Rural EMS

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will create a healthier, safer Colorado. 

HB26-1262 will protect Colorado’s drug compounding laws to ensure patients’ continued access to individualized prescription medication. HB26-1069 will save Coloradans money on healthcare and support Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers, especially in rural and underserved communities.

“These new laws work to safeguard life-saving healthcare in rural communities,” said Rep. Katie Stewart, D-Durango, sponsor of HB26-1262 and HB26-1069. “Patients in Southwest Colorado are already feeling the effects of federal restrictions on compounding, and this law creates clear protections so health care providers can continue to administer individualized medication across the state. With this law, we’re making sure compounding pharmacies can continue to operate. When I worked as an EMT in Southwest Colorado, we provided on-site care to many patients, but EMS was not reimbursed for those calls when we did not transport the patient to the emergency room. Our new law saves patients money and supports EMS workers by eliminating the need to flood the emergency room with non-emergent cases, freeing up EMS so they can continue to provide essential care to our communities.” 

“Hospitals, dental offices, and behavioral healthcare clinics across Colorado rely on compounding to provide their patients with individualized doses and custom formulations of the medicine they need,” said Sen. Matt Ball, D-Denver, sponsor of HB26-1262. “This law resolves the uncertainty caused by recent court decisions by establishing consistent, clear rules so compounding can continue safely in Colorado. We’re protecting patient access to medication made specifically for them at the right strength, form, and ingredient combination that they need.”

“From allergies to smaller dosages, there are many reasons health care professionals utilize compounding to meet the needs of patients," said Rep. Rebekah Stewart, D-Lakewood, sponsor of HB26-1262. “This law codifies compounding rules and regulations in state law to ensure that patients can continue accessing individualized medication at an affordable cost. Our legislation protects health care professionals' ability to treat patients' safety through compounded medications.” 

“This bill protects longstanding practices that help lower prescription drug costs and ensure access to customized medications tailored to patients’ needs, especially when those treatments aren’t commercially available,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, sponsor of HB26-1262. “Compounding is particularly critical in rural Colorado where care can be difficult to access. This law provides clarity for patients and providers, safeguards access to essential medicine Coloradans rely on, and keeps compounding practices under the oversight of state health and safety standards.” 

HB26-1262 safeguards Colorado’s compounding rules by aligning state and federal standards. This law provides necessary clarity in state law to protect the longstanding compounding practices used across hospitals, clinics and local pharmacies. Concentrated albuterol, a medication used to treat severe bronchospasms, asthma, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is created in a Colorado compounding facility that serves patients nationwide.

Conflicting decisions by the Ninth and Fifth Circuit Courts have created uncertainty around the definition and regulation of compounding for our state and the cross-country patients that rely on Colorado. This law establishes clear statutory language surrounding compounding, ensuring Colorado can safely continue best practices that have guided compounding for decades.

HB26-1069 will save patients and the state money on healthcare and sustain EMS in rural communities. 

“EMS shows up to every call they receive, but only get reimbursed when they transport patients to the emergency room,” said Rep. Lisa Feret, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB26-1069. “By reimbursing for treatment in place and transport to a non-emergent setting, we save patients time and Colorado taxpayers money. This law will provide additional resources to emergency response providers while saving both hospitals, health plans and consumers money and freeing up emergency room beds for those who truly need it."

“As an emergency healthcare provider, I know that our EMS workers must have every tool at their disposal to provide care in-the-moment, and they should be reimbursed for that care,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB26-1069. “This law will lower costs for patients, reduce overall healthcare spending, and close funding gaps so EMS can continue providing the life-saving care Colorado communities rely on.” 

EMS providers regularly provide essential on-site treatment, also known as treatment in place (TIP), which costs significantly less than a trip to the emergency room. However, under current law, EMS providers are only reimbursed if they transport a patient to an emergency room, even when that transport is not necessary. This new law, also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, will require Medicaid to reimburse EMS for TIP. It will also improve access to care by allowing Medicaid to reimburse for certain telehealth care involving EMS.

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

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

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Signed! Bill to Safeguard Colorado’s Gold-Standard Elections

DENVER, CO –  Legislation to uphold the integrity of Colorado’s gold-standard election system was signed into law yesterday. 

HB26-1113, sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Emily Sirota, D-Denver, and Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn, makes necessary modifications and updates to Colorado’s election system. 

“Colorado’s elections are safe, transparent, and fair, and we have some of the highest voter participation in the nation as a result of robust access to voting in our state,” said Wallace. “This law makes important improvements to our elections, like extending the window to return a mail-in ballot, making it easier for college students to vote, and ensuring clerks have the clarity they need. It continues our long-held tradition of upholding free and fair elections in Colorado, while responding to President Trump’s illegal executive order threatening mail-in voting and other federal interference in our elections.”

“Colorado’s elections are the gold standard in part because we continuously update our laws to guard against new threats to our democracy,” said Sirota. “Coloradans deserve to cast their ballot without barriers, and this new law safeguards against federal interference in our elections and makes it easier to vote. Whether you’re voting in-person, using a drop box or mailing in your ballot, this law aims to make voting more accessible to every voter.”

“I’m proud to sponsor this law to further strengthen Colorado’s elections,” said Weissman. “The right of states to administer their own elections is crystal clear in the United States Constitution. This law protects access to the ballot by extending voting windows, increasing access to drop boxes, and enacting protections against nefarious interference. The right to vote is the bedrock of our democracy, and we’re doing everything we can to shore that up in Colorado.” 

“Elections are free, fair and accessible in Colorado,” said Willford. “This law makes important updates to Colorado’s elections to safeguard against federal attempts to force people to vote in person and interfere in Colorado’s vote-by-mail elections. In Colorado, we administer gold-standard elections that are safe and secure. Voters are counting on us to uphold and protect the integrity of our elections, and this law makes casting your ballot easier.”

HB26-1113 extends voting windows by prohibiting polling centers from closing early and allowing them to stay open longer to accommodate voters if the polling center runs out of supplies, such as ballots. The legislation also protects against interference and attacks on the United States Postal Service by mailing ballots earlier, so there is more time to vote and return ballots if there are mail delays. 

Drop boxes make it easier for voters to return their ballots, and this law increases the number of drop boxes at Colorado higher education institutions with at least 1,000 enrolled students. The law also improves the visibility of on-campus voting services and polling centers. To make voting more accessible to working Coloradans, HB26-1113 will allow for more flexibility and approval of leave requests that pertain to voting. Additionally, if a vacancy occurs before a U.S. Senator can fulfill their term, HB26-1113 requires that vacancies be filled by a candidate in the same political party as their predecessor to respect electoral outcomes and encourage continuity. 

President Trump recently issued an Executive Order attempting to restrict voter eligibility and mail voting. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined a multistate coalition suing the Trump Administration to stop this attempt at interfering with states’ constitutional authority to administer elections.

To respond to these threats, the law restricts the transfer of Coloradans’ voter data to any third party, including the federal government, without a court order or directive from the Secretary of State. It also expands the definition of “disaster” in state law to include an occurrence or threat of an inability to carry out elections, and allows Colorado’s governor to convene an election emergency advisory group to respond in such cases.

Colorado has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the country. Over the years, Colorado Democrats have worked to safeguard Colorado’s gold-standard election system. Last year, Colorado Democrats passed the Colorado Voting Rights Act to codify stronger voter protections and expand access to voting information for historically excluded communities. Colorado Democrats also passed the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act last year to expand protections against intimidation, threats or coercion against voters and election officials. 

This builds upon previous legislation to safeguard free and fair elections, including two laws from 2022 to prevent armed voter intimidation and insider election security threats and a 2021 law to improve ballot access for Coloradans with disabilities.

JOINT RELEASE: Two Bills Blunt Rising Healthcare Costs, Protect Children with Autism Signed into Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law. SB26-178 will limit health insurance rate increases and reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to Congress’ continued refusal to extend enhanced premium tax credits. HB26-1425 creates necessary professional licensure for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) providers and facilities to reduce fraud and improve safety, reporting and accountability. 

“These laws establish important protections and efforts to not only blunt rising healthcare costs, but protect children with autism without limiting access to this essential care,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver, sponsor of SB26-178 and HB26-1425. “Without this SB26-178, everyone’s healthcare costs will go up. Coloradans will experience massive premium increases, more Coloradans will lose insurance and care altogether, and our safety net providers and emergency rooms will become strained. We need this law because of Congress’ refusal to extend premium tax credits. HB26-1425 establishes a licensure process for providers and lays the groundwork for the licensing of ABA facilities to keep children safe and uphold the integrity of qualified ABA therapists.” 

“While we’d like for the federal government to step in and extend the tax credits that bring down the cost of healthcare, this law is a solution for Coloradans that will prevent premiums from skyrocketing and protect access to care,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, sponsor of SB26-178. “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.”

“Without these laws, healthcare premiums will skyrocket, and ABA therapy will remain largely unregulated and more children could fall victim to abuse, neglect, and fraudulent care,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville, sponsor of SB26-178 and HB26-1425. “These monumental laws step up to keep our communities safe by keeping Coloradans insured and regulating ABA providers to standardize care and deter bad actors. We’re all just one illness or accident away from unexpected medical costs, and SB26-178 keeps premium costs down after Congress’ failure to extend premium tax credits.” 

“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 Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, sponsor of SB26-178. “This new law 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.”

SB26-178 will save Coloradans money and maintain health insurance coverage. SB26-178 only applies to the 2027 plan year. This law comes after last year’s HB25B-1006, which softened health insurance rate increases and helped prevent 70,000 Coloradans from losing their health care plan in the 2026 plan year. Without SB26-178, Coloradans who purchase their own health insurance would have experienced an average premium increase of $2,000 annually, with Colorado families on the Western Slope experiencing an average premium increase of $4,000 annually. Additionally, 22,000 Coloradans could lose their health insurance coverage. 

These laws come in response to Congressional Republicans’ continued refusal to reinstate enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. 

To sustain these affordable health insurance programs, SB26-178 invests one-time funds in the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (HIAE). The SB26-178 will also allow the HIAE board to invest enterprise funds and restructure a tax credit incentive to boost donations to the HIAE. Using these new funds and tools, the law will:

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

• Implement cost-savings measures to aim to reduce statewide average premium increases by 18 percent, and

• Support existing affordability programs, including on-exchange subsidies and the OmniSalud program, to maintain or expand coverage.

Governor Polis also signed HB26-1425 to establish important regulations and licensure for ABA providers to align Colorado with other states, including Texas, Kentucky and Washington.

“The children who rely on the essential health services from Applied Behavioral Analysis providers deserve quality and uninterrupted care, especially as we see increasing concerns about the safety of youth care facilities,” said Sen. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada, sponsor of HB26-1425. “I’m proud to sponsor this new law to ensure that providers and facilities can provide top-notch care under the same standards as other providers across the country.”

Also sponsored by Senator Scott Bright, R-Platteville, HB26-1425 initiates the development of facilities licensure without restricting access to critical therapy services. ABA is an evidence-based behavioral health treatment primarily used to help manage the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Until this law, there was no licensure requirement for behavioral health technicians and ABA providers in Colorado. Under HB26-1425, ABA providers are required to apply for professional licensure. As concerns with facility conditions rise, this law will also take the necessary first steps to ensure ABA facilities are safe, clean, and comfortable for children in ABA therapy. Additionally, ABA clinics that receive notice of a negative licensing action must notify enrolled families of the notice and provide the state with a list of those families.

To hold bad actors accountable and keep children safe, HB26-1425 requires ABA providers and facilities to obtain licenses. Both professional and facility licenses require fingerprint-based background checks for providers and staff.

In February, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released an audit of ABA therapy in Colorado, finding that some ABA providers are making improper claims for payment. An internal report from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) revealed dozens of cases of child abuse largely due to a lack of ABA oversight. 

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: SIGNED! Bill to Improve Collaboration to Solve Gun Crimes

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed a bill into law to improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, helping to quickly identify firearms and generate leads for gun-related crimes.“Our new law ensures that Colorado law enforcement agencies are using this gun violence prevention tool to keep our communities safe from gun crimes,” said Rep. Manny Rutinel, D-Commerce City. “eTrace allows firearm information to be shared across jurisdictions, helping law enforcement identify guns connected to serious crimes. With this new bill being signed into law today, we’re ensuring that law enforcement agencies are on the same page so they can work together to keep illegal guns off of our streets and hold gun traffickers accountable.”

“We owe it to everyone affected by gun violence in Colorado to do all we can to prevent future tragedies,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This legislation will ensure that state law enforcement agencies have every tool at their disposal to track trafficked guns and help stem the ensuing tide of gun violence.”

“This law will improve coordination between law enforcement agencies to solve gun-related crimes and keep Colorado communities safe,” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial. “By opting in to this existing federal tool, Colorado law enforcement agencies can have nationwide information at their fingertips to help solve crimes. This new law ensures that Colorado is a part of a coordinated effort with other jurisdictions to save lives.”

“Collaboration between law enforcement agencies allows for the quickest possible response and investigation after an incident involving firearms,” said Sen. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Colorado Democrats are committed to making our communities safer. HB26-1265 is a critical piece of that commitment.”

By September 1, 2026, HB26-1265 will require each law enforcement agency in Colorado to register with eTrace and opt in to eTrace’s feature that allows for collaboration.

Under this legislation, law enforcement agencies are required to record information into eTrace when they:

• Recover or confiscate firearms in connection with a criminal investigation,

• Seize or forfeit firearms in connection with domestic violence crimes, and

• Obtain an abandoned or discarded firearm.

eTrace, a bilingual service, allows for collaboration among all participating law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement can submit trace requests through eTrace to quickly determine the firearm’s origin, helping identify potential firearms traffickers and suspects in criminal investigations. Nearly 640,000 firearm trace requests were completed in fiscal year 2024.

Last year, the Trump Administration revoked a policy that prevented gun dealers from selling guns to criminals. Trump also proposed a $400 million cut to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, putting more pressure on states to address firearm trafficking.

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Harms Caused by Addictive Sports Betting Signed Into Law

SB26-131 addresses problems arising from the online sports betting industry through commonsense guardrails around impulsive online betting

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to prevent harms caused by addictive sports betting practices was signed into law yesterday.

SB26-131, sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, addresses problems arising from the growing online sports betting industry by implementing guardrails around impulsive online betting.

“Pernicious algorithms and advertisements are increasingly preying on vulnerable online sports bettors,” said Ball. “Since Colorado’s legalization of online sports betting in 2019, technology has rapidly transformed the industry, catching more and more people in the cycle of devastating gambling addiction. As online sports betting continues its rise in popularity, we must ensure there are reasonable protections in place to help prevent addiction, protect underage Coloradans, and uphold the integrity of the game and its athletes.”

The law, cosponsored by Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, aims to curb addictive sports betting habits by implementing a limit of six deposits per customer within a continuous 24-hour period and restricting the use of credit cards for sports betting accounts.

To help prevent marketing to minors, the bill will prohibit a sports betting operation or their marketing affiliates from targeting Coloradans who are under twenty one years old or advertising when a majority of the demographic audience is reasonably expected to be under twenty one years old.

To better assess the impact of online sports betting across Colorado, the law will require sports betting operators to annually report transactional data and metrics to the Gaming Division within the Department of Revenue, beginning February 1, 2028. A public report on the data will be published by the Gaming Division every three years, beginning January 1, 2029.

In 2019, voters approved Proposition DD to legalize sports betting in Colorado. In 2025, more than $6.3 billion was wagered in online sports bets in the state, a 130 percent increase from 2020. The growth has been especially pronounced among young men, with 36 percent of boys aged 11 to 17 reporting that they have gambled in the past year.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Prevent Discrimination in Schools Signed into Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis today signed legislation to prevent discrimination in public schools based on disability, race, sexual orientation and other protected classes. 

“Our law makes it clear that Colorado students deserve protections if they experience discrimination based on their skin color, sexual orientation and disability,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “With the Trump Administration slashing funding for the federal Office of Civil Rights, it is crucial that Colorado strengthen civil rights protections for students. Students deserve a safe learning environment. This law will help ensure that students who experience discrimination have a pathway to accountability and a remedy to ensure equal access to quality education.”

“Students, faculty, and families deserve to know with complete certainty that if they experience discrimination in public schools, Colorado stands behind them, even if the federal government will not,” said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “This new law is a part of our holistic, 360-degree approach to supporting students of all backgrounds and ensuring that Colorado is a place where all students can learn and grow in a safe environment.”

“Colorado students are as diverse as the state itself, and that diversity is a strength that we must protect, especially in the face of ongoing threats to the federal Office of Civil Rights,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “With this new law, we are following through on that commitment by ensuring equal treatment for protected classes, which now includes those who are pregnant and expecting, in school and after-school programs.”

HB26-1141 prohibits public K-12 schools, higher education institutions and their employees from discriminating based on a protected class, like disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and national origin. The law also adds pregnancy and prenatal status to the definition of “harassment and discrimination" in K-12 public schools.

The law outlines discrimination in K-12 schools and higher education institutions as denying a person the full and equal enjoyment of a public accommodation when the school:

• Excludes a student from participating in school programs or activities,

• Denies educational services, benefits, or opportunities to a student without a legitimate, non-discriminatory basis and treats the student differently than a similar student, and

• Fails to take prompt and effective steps to address a complaint that they have created a hostile environment based on a protected class.

The law allows an impacted student or their family to file a discrimination complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division. The division is also able to create rules specifically for how to address these types of complaints.

Higher education institutions, including community and technical colleges, will be required to establish a discrimination complaint process. They will also be required to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and Title VI, educate students and employees about the complaint process, manage and respond to grievances and publish data on violations.

Since Trump started his second term, he has slashed the US Department of Education’s workforce by nearly 50 percent, including firing half of the staff in the Office for Civil Rights and closing seven of the 12 regional offices. The Office of Civil Rights leads investigations of discrimination at schools and higher education institutions across the country.

Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Senator Marchman previously passed a law that clearly defines what is considered harassment and discrimination in Colorado’s K-12 public schools. They also passed a law in 2024 that ensures that schools and educators have trauma-informed resources to support youth against harassment and discrimination.

JOINT RELEASE: “Conversion Therapy” Accountability Bill Signed Into Law

HB26-1322 will create a civil cause of action for harm done by “conversion therapy”

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representatives Alex Valdez, D-Denver, and Karen McCormick, D-Longmont to allow Coloradans to pursue a civil cause of action for damages related to “conversion therapy” was signed into law today.

"Mental health is crucial to our overall health and wellbeing. A licensed therapist should not inflict harm on a child or young person by steering them in any predetermined direction," said Cutter. "This law recognizes that real harm can be inflicted in the name of therapy, and that this harm might not be fully understood for many years. We are simply allowing people to have the time to process and understand the trauma that might have been inflicted, and seek the remedies already available to them under Colorado law."

“Conversation therapy is ineffective and has dangerous repercussions, and we’re creating a clear pathway for someone who is harmed by these practices to seek justice,” said Valdez. “This law is for all of the LGBTQ+ Coloradans who were told that something about them was wrong because of who they were or who they loved. With the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Colorado’s conversion therapy ban, we are committed to offering survivors of this harmful practice the protections they deserve.”

“It is critical that we as policymakers listen to trusted scientific organizations when they tell us a practice is harmful. For over a decade, we’ve known that ‘conversion therapy’ increases suicidality and exacerbates depression and anxiety for LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said Mullica. “In light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, it’s vital that we create avenues for those who have been subjected to ‘conversion therapy’ to get some justice.”

“While the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Colorado’s conversion therapy ban law is deeply harmful, we’re not giving up the fight to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Coloradans,” said McCormick. “The LGBTQ+ community faces higher rates of depression and suicide, and conversion therapy only increases those rates. With this new law, we’re ensuring that LGBTQ+ Coloradans can seek justice for the harm caused by conversion therapy.”

Beginning July 1, 2026, HB26-1322 will allow an individual who was subject to “conversion therapy” to bring a civil cause of action against certain professionals who cause damages from efforts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

The law defines conversion therapy as any practice by a licensed mental health professional that seeks to direct a patient toward a predetermined sexual orientation or gender identity outcome, or to eliminate or reduce attractions toward individuals of a particular sex or gender. The definition excludes counseling that provides acceptance and support to a patient without directing toward a predetermined outcome, therapy neutral with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity, and therapy related to a patient's sexual behaviors or relationships that does not seek to direct the patient toward a predetermined outcome.

Currently, Colorado law requires these claims to be filed within two years. The law removes this time restriction, and if the impacted individual has passed away, their representative can bring a survival action within five years of the individual’s death.

A 2024 report from the Trevor Project found that 14 percent of LGBTQ+ youth in Colorado had been threatened with or subjected to “conversion therapy.”

In 2009, the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation concluded that “conversion therapy” is not likely to be successful and increases the risk of depression, suicidality and anxiety. The American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and many other mental health and medical organizations believe that “conversion therapy” is harmful and ineffective.

In 2019, Colorado Democrats passed a law to ban state-licensed medical or mental health care providers from providing “conversion therapy” to minors. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled against this law, making it vitally important to create new protections for people who are harmed by “conversion therapy.”

JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Trio of Bills to Support Higher Education Students

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills to support students at higher education institutions. HB26-1016 will save college students and professors money on educational materials. HB26-1006 will support college students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1078 will expand access to low- and no-cost college-level courses for high school students. 

“Our law saves college students and instructors money by making high-quality education materials, such as textbooks, available and easily accessible at no cost,” said Rep. Jacque Phillips, D-Thornton, sponsor of HB26-1016. “This legislation ensures the state develops and implements open educational resources to reduce barriers to a well-rounded education and support our higher education professors and students alike.” 

“No student should be denied educational opportunities because they can’t afford their textbooks,” said Sen. Judy Amabile, sponsor of HB26-1016. “Free access to course materials through the Open Educational Resources program has already saved Colorado students millions and expanded access to higher education. This law ensures the program continues so that students from all backgrounds can complete their degrees without the burden of expensive textbooks.”

HB26-1016, also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction and Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, will help college students and professors access no-cost education materials, known as open education resources (OER). OERs include free and openly-licensed teaching, learning and research materials, such as textbooks and videos. OERs save students money, help reduce barriers to high-quality education and spur innovation. 

HB26-1006 creates an outcome-based designation at the state level to recognize outstanding institutions that serve diverse student populations and make it easier for them to apply for future funding sources or grants. This law establishes a thriving designation for post-secondary higher education institutions. To receive the thriving designation, higher education institutions need to meet certain criteria, such as aligning with Colorado’s workforce development priorities.

“No matter their zip code or background, Colorado students should have access to a world-class education at an institution that strives to meet their needs,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1006. “This law will improve outcomes for students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds. HB26-1006 supports rural communities with higher education institutions that serve Coloradans from all backgrounds.”

“Students across Colorado represent the diversity of our great state, and those thriving at rural and underserved schools deserve recognition and resources,” said Sen. Dylan Roberts, sponsor of HB26-1006. “This new law will boost resources for those students and faculty. Kudos to institutions like Colorado Mountain College that worked so hard with us to get this bill passed and signed into law."

“When resources are tailored to the individual needs of our students, they’re better equipped for life after graduation,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB26-1006. “As the federal government actively works to punish minority serving institutions and the communities they serve, we’re boosting Colorado’s higher education landscape and supporting students of different backgrounds and income levels. In Colorado, we celebrate all students, and this law helps our students from diverse, low-income and rural backgrounds achieve their dreams.”

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

“By broadening the scope of concurrent enrollment to include off-campus courses offered by four-year higher ed institutions, more high school students can take advantage of this cost-saving tool,” said Rep. Lesley Smith, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB26-1078. “Our law expands access to college-level courses to save students money and encourage them to try something new. Colorado’s higher education institutions are top-notch, and this legislation makes it easier for high school students to take advantage of concurrent enrollment.”

“Concurrent enrollment classes accelerate student learning and prepare them for future careers, whether it be public service, private sector jobs, or technical training,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, sponsor of HB26-1078. “I’m proud to have sponsored this new law that will expand these effective and low-cost programs and create more opportunities for Colorado students to excel.”

“With this law, we’re establishing stronger career pathways and educational opportunities for our students while they’re still in high school,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB26-1078. “The narrow definition of concurrent enrollment programs excluded some higher education institutions, and this law makes it possible for our colleges and universities to offer accredited courses that meet the needs of today’s students. When we equip our students with the tools they need to learn and grow, including concurrent enrollment, we can save them money and time as they begin to build their careers.” 

This law modifies the state’s narrow requirement by allowing higher education institutions to offer off-campus courses that qualify as concurrent enrollment courses, provided the courses meet state and federal requirements and accreditation guidelines. The law also applies to post-secondary technical and career education courses offered through area technical colleges, which are non-traditional, hands-on courses such as workshops, certificate classes, and skilled trades.

JOINT RELEASE: Governor Signs Bill to Modernize the Public Utilities Commission, Protect Ratepayers and Improve Oversight

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on May 29 signed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Sunset (HB26-1326). This legislation will extend the PUC's critical functions while modernizing the commission to better meet the needs of Coloradans.

“We need a dynamic, modern PUC to protect jobs, streamline services and protect ratepayers and consumers,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “Our law extends the critical functions of the PUC that Coloradans rely on, including transportation, utilities and cell services, while improving transparency and oversight of the commission. The PUC keeps Coloradans safe and connected, and we worked alongside many stakeholders, including rural and local leaders, utility providers, labor, and environmental advocates, to ensure the commission can continue its important role.” 

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

“Our law helps ensure the PUC is appropriately resourced and more efficient,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “The safety and security of our transportation services and utility infrastructure is critical, and without this law, the PUC will not be able to continue its important work. We’ve taken steps to modernize the commission in a way that protects ratepayers, strengthens transportation safety and continues Colorado’s clean energy transition.”

“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 Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County. “After months of work and negotiations between impacted groups, this legislation 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. In 2019, 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 extends the PUC's critical functions for another seven years while modernizing and boosting transparency within the agency. This will 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 law will update and streamline clean energy reporting requirements and scheduling for utility companies. The law will 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 law will also help electric utilities secure more renewable energy assets, such as wind and solar, by requiring the PUC to conduct a study on the barriers companies face to joint procurement, or collaborative purchasing, for large-scale investments.

Improving safety

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

The law will also require rideshare companies to provide the commission’s contact information to riders for increased transparency. PUC staff receiving complaints about rideshares will 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 modern 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 law will increase the fees for companies that purchase no-call lists and sell them to other companies.  

Improving local participation and engagement

HB26-1326 will 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 will create an equity task force to represent the interests of disproportionately impacted communities, workers, and income-qualified customers. 

JOINT RELEASE: Signed! AI Chatbot Protections Bill

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis on May 29 signed a bill into law that will create safeguards around artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots to protect Colorado kids.

“The unfortunate reality is that AI chatbots have encouraged suicide attempts and engaged in romantic interactions with minors. Our new law protects users, especially children, from misleading AI chatbot conversations,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “As a parent, it is unsettling to know that unchecked AI chatbots can put children in harm's way, especially when children show signs of depression or suicidal ideation. Our law improves transparency and safeguards around AI chatbots to protect Colorado children from manipulative and dangerous AI technology.”

“The cases we’ve seen in recent years where AI chatbots encourage children to commit suicide are horrifying and unnecessary,” said Sen. Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We must step up as policymakers to ensure our children, especially those who are struggling, are safe. This new law takes the first step toward establishing commonsense guardrails so that our children are encouraged to turn to trusted adults, not to AI chatbots, in times of need.”

“AI chatbots have posed as licensed mental health professionals or as a romantic partner, which has led to emotional dependence and in some cases suicide,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Our phones have become an extension of ourselves, making these AI chatbots available at kids’ fingertips. This new law establishes guidelines to prevent the gamification of chatbots, prevent AI from generating or engaging in sexually-explicit content with children and require AI companies to provide resources to users who express mental health struggles.”

Beginning January 1, 2027, HB26-1263 implements safeguards around artificial intelligence chatbots, particularly as they interact with children. The law requires AI developers to provide a clear and visible disclosure to minor users that the AI chatbot is artificially generated and not a human, and prohibit the use of rewards to encourage engagement.

Under the law, AI developers are now required to take reasonable steps to prevent AI chatbots from generating sexually explicit content or generating conversations that encourage or engage in sexually explicit interactions with minors. These developers must also prevent AI chatbots from creating an emotional dependence through false claims that the chatbot is human, generating conversations that are romantic or sexual, or role-playing with a minor.

The law, which is also sponsored by Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, additionally requires AI developers to allow for parental controls if their chatbots are accessible to children under the age of 13.HB26-1263 requires AI chatbots to provide suicide-prevention resources to users who express suicidal thoughts or interest in self-harm, and platforms would be required to file reports on how often a chatbot flags suicidal or self-harm behaviors.

The American Psychological Association has warned that, while AI chatbots are low-cost and accessible, they lack necessary regulations to guarantee that they are being used safely.

JOINT RELEASE: Legislation to Create More Good-Paying Jobs in Colorado Signed Into Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Polis on May 29 signed into law legislation to create more good-paying jobs by incentivizing businesses to expand or relocate to Colorado.

Sponsored by Senator Matt Ball, D-Denver, and Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, HB26-1014 extends 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 performance-based 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 bipartisan legislation is also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, and Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction.

“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.”

“This new law will create new, good-paying job opportunities and boost Coloradans in their career fields,” said Boesenecker. “The Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit has successfully created jobs in every corner of our state with wages that pay more than the average pay in that area. Expanding this tax credit will help attract businesses to Colorado, which will create more good-paying jobs and jumpstart careers.”

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.

JOINT RELEASE: Bill to Create Jobs and Support New Small Businesses Becomes Law

DENVER, CO - Governor Jared Polis on May 29 signed a bill into law to expand eligibility for the successful CLIMBER (Colorado Loans to Increase Mainstreet Business Economic Recovery) program to better equip small businesses for success, create more good-paying jobs and support local economies.

“The CLIMBER Program generates much-needed funding for start-ups and small businesses that create jobs in our local communities, which is why I sponsored this law to make capital more accessible for small businesses,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks, D-Aurora. “This program was a lifeline for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping businesses keep workers on payroll and grow. By signing this bill into law today, we are opening up more funding and adding flexibility to the qualification requirements. Colorado Democrats are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring Colorado’s economy rewards hardworking people and job creators.”

“Here in Colorado, small businesses power our economy,” said Sen. Chris Kolker, D-Centennial. “Access to a loan to grow a business or help it get off the ground can be a game-changer for Colorado entrepreneurs, their employees, and our local communities. The updates to this program will increase access to loans for small businesses and create flexibility to allocate loans where the need is greatest throughout the state.”

“Our law can help save small businesses hundreds to thousands of dollars a month, which can be used to grow their company, increase employee wages and help Coloradans realize their dream of being a business owner,” said Rep. Sean Camacho, D-Denver. “Data shows that the CLIMBER program is making a measurable impact on communities by creating and supporting over 2,000 jobs across our state. By strengthening access to these loans and restructuring the program to meet the current needs of small businesses, our new law will deliver results for Colorado’s small businesses, workers and local economies.”

“Since its creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CLIMBER program has delivered measurable results – supporting hundreds of small businesses and creating jobs,” said Sen. Janice Marchman, D-Loveland. “This law modernizes the program to meet the needs of small businesses today, expand eligibility, and increase support for rural and underserved businesses.” 

HB26-1003 removes the COVID-19 recovery language from the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Program and expands loan eligibility to better equip small businesses for success, create more good-paying jobs, and support local economies.

HB26-1003 builds upon a 2024 law sponsored by Rep. Ricks, Sen. Kolker and Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, to make the CLIMBER Program permanent and target resources and expertise to underserved businesses in order to secure favorable loans. The new law reappropriates $5 million to the Colorado Startup Loan Fund, a program that’s been highly successful in supporting business owners in rural areas, multilingual speakers, and those who have been unable to receive traditional financing.

The law also increases the accessibility of the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Fund by lowering the private leverage requirement, which previously required $4 of private funds for every $1 of state funds. HB26-1003 lowers the matching ratio requirement to 1:1.

In order to support Colorado's small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Colorado Democrats established the CLIMBER program in 2020 to offer small business loans with below-market interest rates. Under the program, small businesses with up to 99 employees may apply for working capital loans between $10,000 and $500,000. These loans can be used to hire more employees, start or expand brick-and-mortar storefronts, get new businesses off the ground and more. In fiscal year 2023-2024, the CLIMBER program loaned over $17 million and helped create or support nearly 1,900 jobs across the state.

JOINT RELEASE: ICYMI: Polis Signs Bill to Expand Access to Abortion Care for College Students

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis yesterday signed legislation to require college student health centers to provide on-site abortion medication services. 

“Despite the Trump administration’s attempts to outlaw abortion entirely, Colorado remains a beacon for safe, legal and protected reproductive health care,” said Rep. Lorena García D-Unincorporated Adams County. “When voters approved Amendment 79, they enshrined the right to an abortion into the Colorado Constitution, and this new law makes sure college students can easily access their constitutionally-protected right to reproductive healthcare. For college students, their entire lives center around campus, and this law makes medication abortion accessible through a student health clinic or pharmacy.” 

“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,” said Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont. “This law will ensure that students who rely on campus health centers are able to access the healthcare they need, when they need it, where they are.”

“In a post-Dobbs era where patients and providers navigate a frightening national landscape, Colorado has stepped up to safeguard reproductive healthcare,” said Rep. Kenny Nguyen, D-Broomfield. “While abortion is legal, it’s not always accessible, and this law makes it easier for college students to access abortion medication on campus. College students shouldn’t have to go through hoops to receive their constitutionally-protected right to an abortion. Our law streamlines access to medication abortion so college students can receive life-saving care.” 

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

HB26-1335 will 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 will be required to submit a prescription for abortion medication to a pharmacy or other prescription drug outlet located off campus. The law will also add privacy protections by requiring institutions to comply with preexisting personally identifying information maintenance and disclosure protections in state law. The law will 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.