Author
Colorado closer to establishing waiting periods, new age restriction for firearm purchases
The four bills Democrats introduced as a package to curb gun violence in Colorado have now cleared both chambers of the state Legislature and are inching closer to the governor’s desk for signatures. The House passed two bills over the weekend — one that makes it easier for victims of gun violence to sue manufacturers […]
Colorado House Democrats limit debate on gun bills to stop GOP weekend filibuster
Democrats in the Colorado House of Representatives limited debate on two firearm-related bills Saturday evening after the second afternoon of Republican filibustering. Speaker Julie McCluskie moved to limit debate to one hour each on second reading for Senate Bill 23-168, which would make it easier for victims to sue gun manufacturers, and Senate Bill 23-170, […]
Denver students, teachers protest at Capitol in wake of gun violence
For the second day in a row, hundreds of Denver-area students demonstrated at the state Capitol, demanding the passage of legislation aimed at preventing gun violence. They were joined by teachers and educators on Friday as Denver Public Schools granted a mental health day following a shooting on Wednesday at East High School, when a […]
Colorado lawmakers consider new office for eating disorder prevention
A Colorado bill that would create a new office to work on eating disorder prevention made it through its first committee hearing Thursday as supporters argued that eating disorders are an under-studied, under-addressed public health concern. “This bill is dedicated to prevention, to getting information and resources to people before they develop an eating disorder,” […]
Denser development envisioned in Colorado Democrats’ landmark affordable housing bill
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and lawmakers unveiled a long-awaited plan Wednesday to spur residential development and increase the housing stock in the state by encouraging the construction of non-traditional housing types. It is a major proposal as the state grapples with how to responsibly accommodate explosive population growth — and how much control local governments […]
Bipartisan Colorado bill would require insurance to cover prosthetics for sports, recreation
Colorado lawmakers want to make it easier for people who use prosthetics to participate in sports and other active recreation by requiring insurance to cover additional prosthetics for those activities. “We have the technology and the means to allow our kids to access the outdoors and participate in sports in an equitable way to all […]
Colorado students could receive annual mental health screenings under Democratic bill
A bill that would make it easier for schools to provide mental health assessments and connect students to therapy passed the Colorado House of Representatives on Monday. House Bill 23-1003 would allow public schools to participate in a voluntary mental health screening program for sixth through twelfth graders and refer them to treatment if needed, […]
Colorado lawmakers hear final state economic forecast ahead of budget bill
Colorado’s economy is expected to continue its growth over the next few years, though it will be at a slower pace in the near term, economists told the Joint Budget Committee on Thursday. Nonpartisan representatives from the Legislative Council Staff and Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budget presented their quarterly economic report to lawmakers, […]
Trio of abortion access protection bills clear Senate committees
Three Democrat-led bills to expand access to abortion care in Colorado passed through committee on Wednesday, as lawmakers seek to protect reproductive health care amid efforts by many other states try to limit or outright ban abortion. If passed by the Legislature and signed into law, the bills would shield patients and providers from interstate […]
Colorado Democrats say gun bills will reduce violence. Here’s what experts say.
Colorado Democrats introduced a slate of bills aimed at gun violence prevention in February, all four of which have been passed by at least one chamber of the General Assembly. While the Democrats’ package came partially in response to last year’s mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, researchers agree that it is difficult […]
Bipartisan bills would bolster workforce for in-demand Colorado jobs like construction, fire fighting
Colorado lawmakers want to make it easier for young people to enter in-demand career pathways by reducing the costs — and in some cases making it free — to get trained in fields like construction, early childhood education and law enforcement. “We hear from businesses across the state, ‘We need people with the skills to […]
Gun waiting period, overdose prevention center bills advance despite all-night Republican filibuster
Colorado lawmakers advanced two controversial bills in the House early on Friday morning despite a Republican filibuster that lasted more than 16 hours. A bill to establish a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases and one to allow local governments to open overdose prevention centers both passed on second reading and are set for final […]