BILLS BY ISSUE
LEGISLATION SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE LINDSEY DAUGHERTY
Listed below are details & summaries regarding all of the bills Rep. Daugherty has sponsored (sessions 2021 - 2024), sorted by policy issue.
To explore bills sorted chronologically by legislative session, please visit the Bills By Year page.
Note: While this page is updated often, the most current information regarding the content and status of my pending bills can be found on the General Assembly website.
Supporting Colorado Youth
BILL OF RIGHTS FOR FOSTER YOUTH (HB24-1017)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Parenti, Senator Zenzinger, & Senator Michaelson Jenet
⚠️ ISSUE: Foster youth in Colorado tend to face poorer outcomes compared to other children, including higher rates of homelessness, incarceration, and adverse experiences with the foster care system itself. Without a formalized set of rights, foster youth may not fully understand their entitlements, nor can they easily advocate for their needs, leading to varied experiences and outcomes in the foster care system.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Establishes statutory rights for foster youth, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect, have access to necessary services, and are protected from discrimination and harassment.
Requires the Office of the Child’s Representative (OCR) to develop a written notice of rights that county human service departments must distribute to foster youth, enhancing awareness and understanding.
Clarifies the authority of courts to enforce these rights, ensuring foster youth have legal recourse to uphold their entitlements.
Rights include freedom from discrimination, access to services and programs, privacy, education, and health care, among others.
Juvenile courts are restricted from limiting or denying these rights except in extraordinary circumstances, and the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) must annually report on complaints regarding these rights.
🎯 GOAL: Strengthen protections and support for foster youth in Colorado by establishing a comprehensive Bill of Rights in state law and providing mechanisms for notification and enforcement. The initiative aims to ensure that foster youth have clear, consistent access to their rights and services, promoting better outcomes and a smoother transition to adulthood.
CHECK BILL STATUS HERE
RIGHT TO COUNSEL FOR YOUTH (HB22-1038)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Van Beber, Senator Moreno, and Senator Gardner
Summary: Current law requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem for children or youth in dependency and neglect cases. The bill requires that client-directed counsel for youth be appointed for children or youth 12 years of age or older to provide specialized client-directed legal representation.
The bill prohibits the waiver of a child's or youth's right to counsel in dependency and neglect proceedings. The bill also allows a child or youth to be a party in a dependency and neglect proceeding. For a child or youth 12 years of age or older with diminished capacity, a guardian ad litem shall remain in the role and separate counsel for the child or youth must be appointed.
Articles & Resources:
JUVENILE DETENTION SERVICES AND FUNDING (HB23-1307)
Session: 2023 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Soper, Senator Simpson, & Senator Rodriguez
⚠️ ISSUE: Colorado's juvenile justice system is currently strained by limited resources, insufficient funding, and a lack of alternative placements for detained youth, exacerbating public safety concerns.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Appropriates $3,340,119 to the Department of Human Services to provide services for youth who can be placed in lieu of detention
Dedicates approximately $1.4 million of that appropriation to the creation of 22 temporary emergency detention beds, which do not count towards the statewide juvenile detention bed limit
Requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem for each detained juvenile and an annual review of data by the working group for criteria for placement of juvenile offenders
🎯 GOAL: Improve Colorado's juvenile detention system by increasing funding, expanding available services, and providing better care for detained youth.
FOSTER YOUTH IN TRANSITION PROGRAM CLARIFICATIONS (HB22-1245)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Van Beber, Senator Zenzinger
Summary: This bill updates and clarifies language related to the foster youth in transition program (HB21-1094).
YOUTH DELINQUENCY PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION GRANTS (HB22-1003)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senator Coleman, Senator Hinrichsen
Summary: The Youth Delinquency Prevention and Intervention Program creates a $4.1 million grant program to support proven approaches to reduce youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. Local governments and agencies, school districts, and communities-based organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise working with youth may apply for resources to help support or grow prevention programs that can ensure that young people are able to thrive.
Articles & Resources:
LIMIT THE DETENTION OF JUVENILES (SB21-071)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Buckner, Senator Boesenecker
Summary: This bill removes the option of money bail for kids and sets the statewide juvenile detention center bed cap from 327 to 215. A working group will assess the data around what is needed in each judicial district and address any existing gaps.
Articles & Resources:
PAROLE ELIGIBILITY FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS (HB21-1209)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senator Lee
Summary: This legislation allows for offenders who are serving a sentence for a felony offense that was committed while the offender was between 18-24 years old to be eligible for parole after the offender serves 50% of their sentence or after 15 calendar years. The offender will be eligible to be released on parole if they had not had any code of penal discipline violations in the last five years and no class I code of penal discipline violations in the last 10 years, and at the parole board’s discretion.
Articles & Resources:
SUICIDE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION, AND POSTVENTION (HB21-1119)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Rich, Senator Donovan, Senator Coram
Summary: This bill creates and maintains a resource bank to be used in elementary and secondary public schools and creates training for educators and students on suicide prevention. It also develops a uniform statewide K-12 suicide prevention component to develop a plan for follow-up care for suicide attempt survivors who were treated in an emergency department. Additionally, the Office of Suicide Prevention will provide comprehensive education and training on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention for providers and first and last responders.
Articles & Resources:
SENTENCING JUVENILES TRANSFERRED TO ADULT COURT (HB21-1091)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Lynch, Senator Buckner
Summary: Currently, juveniles in the State of Colorado who have been convicted as adults following the direct filing of charges in District Court are not subject to mandatory minimum sentencing provisions for violent crimes. Juveniles that are convicted as adults following the transfer of charges from Juvenile Court to District Court are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing for violent crimes. This bill proposes changing the language in the current juvenile transfer statute to mirror the language currently found in the juvenile direct file statutes, to stipulate that a juvenile transferred to adult court is subject to the same sentencing provisions as a juvenile who is in adult court based on direct filing of charges.
FOSTER YOUTH IN TRANSITION PROGRAM (HB21-1094)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Van Beber, Senator Zenzinger
Summary: In the State of Colorado, kids in the Colorado Foster Care System that have closed cases may not receive support or services from child welfare after their 18th birthday. This bill proposes that they may voluntarily return to the system to receive benefits after they “age out” in specific circumstances. Select counties in the State of Colorado will implement a transition program for youth in the Colorado Foster Care System to extend support and services (employment and housing help, advising, help obtaining important documents, etc.) through the 21st birthday of eligible youth.
Articles & Resources:
JURISDICTION TO MODIFY FAMILY LAW ORDERS ON APPEAL (HB21-1031)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Woog, Senator Lee, Senator Gardner
Summary: In 2020, the State of Colorado Supreme Court ruled that District Courts would not retain jurisdiction for modification of decision-making and parenting time in parental rights cases that are in the process of being appealed. This bill proposes that District Courts will be given back jurisdiction for parental rights cases with regard to parenting time, child support and maintenance, and decision-making authorities while appeals are pending.
TEACHING AND LEARNING CONDITIONS SURVEY (HB21-1087)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Bradfield, Senator Danielson
Summary: The Colorado Department of Education administers a biennial survey for school teachers in Colorado public schools to assess teaching and learning conditions for students and teachers as well as teacher retention rates. Under current law, ESPs (Education Support Professionals) are not permitted to take part in the biennial survey to provide feedback to the Department of Education. This bill proposes that ESPs working in Colorado public schools may be allowed to participate in the biennial school surveys to provide a broader depth of feedback for the Department of Education regarding teaching and learning conditions.
SUNSET YOUTH RESTRAINT & SECLUSION WORKING GROUP (HB24-1277)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Holtorf, Senator Gonzales
⚠️ ISSUE: The effectiveness and practices of the youth restraint and seclusion working group are under review as its continuation is crucial for ensuring the safety and rights of youth in care facilities. The 2023 sunset report highlighted the need for ongoing evaluation and recommendations to improve regulatory oversight and practices related to restraint and seclusion.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Implements the Department of Regulatory Agencies' recommendation to continue the working group indefinitely.
Ensures that the group remains active beyond its initial sunset date of September 1, 2024, allowing for continued oversight, guidance, and reform in the practices of restraint and seclusion in youth services.
Facilitates ongoing review and improvement of policies to better protect the rights and well-being of youth in care settings
🎯 GOAL: Strengthen oversight and improve practices related to the restraint and seclusion of youth in care facilities. By continuing the working group indefinitely, this bill aims to ensure that policies evolve with best practices and that youth are treated with dignity and respect.
Public Safety
SUNSET MOD HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION TRAINING (SB23-074)
Session: 2023 | Status: Pending | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Van Winkle, Senator Ginal, & Senator Froelich
Summary: This bill continues human trafficking prevention training in the Department of Public Safety for seven years, until September 1, 2030. The decision is based on findings from the 2022 Sunset Review: Human Trafficking Prevention Training.
UNLAWFULLY AIMING LASER DEVICE AT AIRCRAFT (SB23-095)
Session: 2023 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Soper, Senator Ginal, & Senator Gardner
Summary: This bill makes it a state offense to unlawfully aim a laser device at a manned aircraft.
Shining a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety threat that continues to increase. A laser can incapacitate pilots, putting thousands of passengers, as well as people on the ground, at risk every year. In 2022, there were 304 such incidents in Colorado alone; this was a massive increase from previous years.
This act is currently considered a federal offense, but it needs to be a state offense. FBI resources are stretched thin, especially concerning aviation, and there is very limited manpower available to pursue laser strike cases. Without a state law, local law enforcement officers can do nothing more than confiscate the laser pointer. This bill mirrors the exemptions in federal law, and allows local jurisdictions to arrest and prosecute offenders.
LOCAL ENFORCEMENT TO PREVENT HUMAN TRAFFICKING (HB22-1300)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Carver, Senator Fields, Senator Gardner
Summary: This bill allows counties to license and monitor massage therapy businesses to help combat human trafficking in Colorado. Law enforcement agencies will conduct background checks on the applicant or licensee to help determine whether the application should be approved.
Articles & Resources:
YOUTH DELINQUENCY PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION GRANTS (HB22-1003)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senator Coleman, Senator Hinrichsen
Summary: The Youth Delinquency Prevention and Intervention Program creates a $4.1 million grant program to support proven approaches to reduce youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. Local governments and agencies, school districts, and communities-based organizations with demonstrated experience and expertise working with youth may apply for resources to help support or grow prevention programs that can ensure that young people are able to thrive.
Articles & Resources:
LOCAL REGULATION OF FIREARMS (SB21-256)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Hooton, Senator Moreno, Senator Fenberg
Summary: This bill allows for local governments, special districts, and governing boards of an institution of higher education to govern the sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of a firearm, ammunition, or firearm component or accessory so long as it is not less restrictive than state law.
Articles & Resources:
Business & Economic Development
STATE FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION PROJECTS (HB24-1231)
Sponsors: Representative Young, Representative Daugherty, Senator Kirkmeyer
⚠️ ISSUE: Colorado faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, exacerbated by an aging physician workforce and increasing population. State institutions of higher education are poised to address these shortages through significant expansions and renovations to health sciences education programs but require substantial capital investments.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Authorizes state-financed purchase agreements to support four major projects: University of Northern Colorado's College of Osteopathic Medicine, Metropolitan State University of Denver's Health Institute Tower, Colorado State University's Veterinary Health Education Campus, and Trinidad State College's Valley Campus Main Building renovation.
Provides $41,250,000 in general fund money to an escrow account for the University of Northern Colorado's College of Osteopathic Medicine accreditation, alongside financing for construction and renovation projects at the other institutions.
Aims to expand the capacity for training healthcare professionals, addressing critical workforce shortages in Colorado.
🎯 GOAL: Bolster Colorado's healthcare workforce by facilitating the expansion and modernization of health sciences education facilities across state institutions. This investment seeks to directly combat the healthcare professional shortage, improve educational infrastructure, and ensure Colorado's capacity to meet future healthcare demands.
ALCOHOL BEVERAGE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT PERMIT (HB23-1061):
Session: 2023 | Status: Pending | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty & Senator Zenzinger
Summary: This bill is intended to close the gap between the way art galleries are treated versus other retailers under the liquor code by expanding the gallery permit. This change will support these small businesses by providing them the opportunity to offer more experiential retail.
The proposed bill broadens the permit to allow all retail establishments to obtain the permit if the establishment conducts business at a physical building in Colorado, sells goods or services to the public at the location, and derives less than 50% of the establishment's gross sales of goods and services from the sale of food. The prohibitions applicable to art gallery permit holders under current law are not changed and apply to a retail establishment that obtains a permit; except that:
The prohibition on selling alcohol is broadened to cover the sale of alcohol beverages in any form; and
The number of days that an establishment may serve alcoholic beverages in a year is increased from 15 to 24 days.
CONTRACTS BETWEEN CARRIERS & PROVIDERS (HB23-1116)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Hartsook, Senator Rodriguez, & Senator Baisley
⚠️ ISSUE: Currently, some Colorado healthcare providers are forced to accept reimbursement payments through VCC (virtual credit card) payments, which makes the care they provide more expensive because of high fees associated with the VCC option.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Expand payment options for health care insurance providers, protecting them from fees charged by insurance carriers when using virtual credit cards
Require Colorado providers to offer a payment method that does not involve a credit card and does not require additional fees paid by consumers
Prohibit the imposition of fees for changing a payment method
🎯 GOAL: Enhance the affordability of health care in Colorado by eliminating fees imposed on providers and patients due to virtual credit card reimbursements from insurance carriers.
TABOR REFUND MECHANISM FOR FY 2021-2022 ONLY (SB22-233) AKA “COLORADO CASHBACK PLAN”
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Exum, Senator Rodriquez, Senator Hinrichsen
Summary: Reforms the TABOR refund mechanism to expedite tax refunds for every Colorado resident. Every taxpayer will receive a $750 tax refund and joint filers will receive $1500. This new flat-rate refund is a more equitable way to distribute TABOR refunds, which have historically benefitted wealthier Coloradans. These refund checks will provide immediate relief to the families most impacted by cost of living increases. In addition, we added an amendment to extend the tax filing deadline to June 30th so that more Coloradans can take advantage of these refunds.
Articles & Resources:
ECONOMIC MOBILITY PROGRAM (SB22-182)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Exum, Senator Rodriquez, Senator Hinrichsen
Summary: Helps tax filers take advantage of tax reforms that will save families and workers $180 million this year through the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. This bill formally establishes Colorado’s Economic Mobility Program and funds it with $4 million from the Economic Recovery and Relief Fund.
Articles & Resources:
SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATED GROWTH PROGRAM (SB21-241)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Ricks, Senator Bridges, Senator Fields
Summary: Creates a program under the Office of Economic Development to provide support to businesses with under 20 employees.
Articles & Resources:
CONTINUE COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM (HB21-1302)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Herod, Senator Winter
Summary: Continues the grant program from the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” to support small businesses suffering from the economic impacts of COVID-19.
EMPLOYEE-OWNED BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS (HB21-1241)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Lynch, Senator Rodriguez, Senator Priola
Summary: Currently, there is a Employee Ownership Revolving Loan Program in Colorado that was created by previous legislation. The passage of this bill extends this program and makes eligibility requirements more broad so more businesses are able to benefit from this program.
Workers’ Rights
WORKERS' COMPENSATION DISABILITY BENEFITS (HB24-1220)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty & Senator Marchman
⚠️ ISSUE: Workers facing injuries on the job are often constrained by rigid compensation limits and lack flexibility in accepting modified employment that aligns with their medical restrictions. Additionally, current benefit delivery methods do not accommodate modern financial management practices, and certain injuries are not adequately recognized in terms of compensation.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Allows workers to refuse modified employment offers if medical restrictions conflict with job requirements, such as driving restrictions.
Adds the loss of an ear to the list of injuries eligible for whole person permanent impairment benefits, recognizing the significant impact of such injuries.
Replaces the two existing limits on temporary and permanent injury benefits with a single, annually adjusted limit of $300,000, simplifying and updating compensation practices.
Requires workers' compensation insurers to offer direct deposit for benefit payments, providing claimants with faster and more secure access to their funds.
🎯 GOAL: Modernize and enhance the fairness of workers' compensation disability benefits. This bill aims to provide greater flexibility and recognition for injured workers, streamline compensation limits, and improve the efficiency of benefit payments, ultimately supporting workers' recovery and financial stability.
FIREFIGHTER HEART BENEFITS TRUST (SB24-089)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty & Senator Rodriguez
⚠️ ISSUE: Firefighters face heightened risks of heart and circulatory malfunctions due to the stressful and hazardous nature of their work. Current options for providing statutorily required benefits are limited and may not fully support the unique health needs of firefighters.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Removes the option for firefighter employers to select accident insurance self-insurance or a self-insurance pool for providing benefits related to heart and circulatory malfunctions.
Requires firefighter employers to participate in a multiple employer health trust to provide such benefits, ensuring consistent and comprehensive support for affected firefighters.
🎯 GOAL: Enhance the support and benefits provided to firefighters for heart and circulatory malfunctions by requiring participation in a specialized health trust, acknowledging the unique risks they face in their line of duty.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION (HB23-1076)
Session: 2023 | Status: Passed ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty
⚠️ ISSUE: Over 30,000 Coloradans are injured on the job ever year. Unfortunately, gaps in the workers' compensation system can make it difficult for workers to get the compensation they are owed.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Mental Health: Expands benefits for mental health reasons from 12 to 36 weeks so Coloradans can have to time to address and begin to heal from mental trauma.
Medical Devices: Cuts red tape for workers who require a device like a hearing aid or prosthetic as a result of an on-the-job injury.
Temporary Total Disability Termination: Creates an opportunity for a worker to challenge a doctor’s determination in an expedited hearing.
Attorneys’ Fees: Increase the amount workers' compensation attorneys can be paid so they may take on more complicated and more time-consuming cases.
🎯 GOAL: Reform Colorado's workers' compensation system to enhance access to fair compensation and adequate support for injured workers and their families.
Articles & Resources:
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INJURY NOTICES (HB22-1112)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Senator Gonzales
Summary: This bill extends the timeline for an employee to notify their employer about an on-the-job injury from four to ten days. It also updates public signage regarding workers’ compensation to help injured workers know & understand their rights.
Articles & Resources:
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION UPDATES (HB22-1347)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Senator Rodriguez
Summary: This legislation provides workers with meaningful support while reducing unnecessary litigation and improves the reporting of on-the-job injuries. This bill accomplishes the following:
Raises the funeral and burial expense benefit cap from $7000 to $12,500
Allows injured workers traveling 100+ miles for care to be paid mileage expenses up front rather than wait to be reimbursed
Improves data collection methods
OVERPAYMENT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS (HB21-1207)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Benavidez, Senator Lee, Senator Fields
Summary: Currently, the Workers’ Compensation system allows for the clawback of benefits that have already been issued. This bill specifies language that clawbacks can only be issued if an injured worker has committed fraud, protecting them from unfair medical bills.
Articles & Resources:
Justice Reform
MEASURES TO EXPAND POSTCONVICTION DNA TESTING (HB23-1034)
Session: 2023 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Soper, Senator Gonzales, & Senator Simpson
⚠️ ISSUE: There have been only three DNA-related exonerations in Colorado history; this is far fewer than other states of similar size that have updated their mechanisms for post-conviction DNA testing to reflect advances in DNA technology and a more nuanced understanding of the role of DNA evidence.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Changes the criteria for obtaining DNA testing, allowing people with plausible claims of innocence to access evidence held by the state
Allows formerly incarcerated people to access DNA testing to prove their innocence and clear their names
Allows for additional requests for DNA testing, particularly when advancements in DNA technology can yield more accurate results
Empowers courts to overturn convictions when DNA evidence demonstrates a person's innocence
🎯 GOAL: Strengthen Colorado's post-conviction DNA testing process to better help wrongfully convicted individuals prove their innocence and access justice.
Articles & Resources:
JUVENILE DETENTION SERVICES AND FUNDING (HB23-1307)
Session: 2023 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Soper, Senator Simpson, & Senator Rodriguez
⚠️ ISSUE: Colorado's juvenile justice system is currently strained by limited resources, insufficient funding, and a lack of alternative placements for detained youth, exacerbating public safety concerns.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Appropriates $3,340,119 to the Department of Human Services to provide services for youth who can be placed in lieu of detention
Dedicates approximately $1.4 million of that appropriation to the creation of 22 temporary emergency detention beds, which do not count towards the statewide juvenile detention bed limit
Requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem for each detained juvenile and an annual review of data by the working group for criteria for placement of juvenile offenders
🎯 GOAL: Improve Colorado's juvenile detention system by increasing funding, expanding available services, and providing better care for detained youth.
RIGHT TO COUNSEL FOR YOUTH (HB22-1038)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Van Beber, Senator Moreno, and Senator Gardner
Summary: Current law requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem for children or youth in dependency and neglect cases. The bill requires that client-directed counsel for youth be appointed for children or youth 12 years of age or older to provide specialized client-directed legal representation.
The bill prohibits the waiver of a child's or youth's right to counsel in dependency and neglect proceedings. The bill also allows a child or youth to be a party in a dependency and neglect proceeding. For a child or youth 12 years of age or older with diminished capacity, a guardian ad litem shall remain in the role and separate counsel for the child or youth must be appointed.
Articles & Resources:
PAROLE ELIGIBILITY FOR YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS (HB21-1209)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, Senator Lee
Summary: This legislation allows for offenders who are serving a sentence for a felony offense that was committed while the offender was between 18-24 years old to be eligible for parole after the offender serves 50% of their sentence or after 15 calendar years. The offender will be eligible to be released on parole if they had not had any code of penal discipline violations in the last five years and no class I code of penal discipline violations in the last 10 years, and at the parole board’s discretion.
Articles & Resources:
LIMIT THE DETENTION OF JUVENILES (SB21-071)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Buckner, Senator Boesenecker
Summary: This bill removes the option of money bail for kids and sets the statewide juvenile detention center bed cap from 327 to 215. A working group will assess the data around what is needed in each judicial district and address any existing gaps.
Articles & Resources:
JURISDICTION TO MODIFY FAMILY LAW ORDERS ON APPEAL (HB21-1031)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Woog, Senator Lee, Senator Gardner
Summary: In 2020, the State of Colorado Supreme Court ruled that District Courts would not retain jurisdiction for modification of decision-making and parenting time in parental rights cases that are in the process of being appealed. This bill proposes that District Courts will be given back jurisdiction for parental rights cases with regard to parenting time, child support and maintenance, and decision-making authorities while appeals are pending.
SENTENCING JUVENILES TRANSFERRED TO ADULT COURT (HB21-1091)
Session: 2021 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Lynch, Senator Buckner
Summary: Currently, juveniles in the State of Colorado who have been convicted as adults following the direct filing of charges in District Court are not subject to mandatory minimum sentencing provisions for violent crimes. Juveniles that are convicted as adults following the transfer of charges from Juvenile Court to District Court are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing for violent crimes. This bill proposes changing the language in the current juvenile transfer statute to mirror the language currently found in the juvenile direct file statutes, to stipulate that a juvenile transferred to adult court is subject to the same sentencing provisions as a juvenile who is in adult court based on direct filing of charges.
JURY POSTPONEMENT FOR OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS (HB22-1032)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Bockenfeld, Senator Kirkmeyer, Senator Bridges
Summary: Allows Colorado residents who are attending college out of state to postpone jury duty for up to 12 months (6 months is the standard).
Tax Policy & Assistance
EMPLOYER NOTICE OF INCOME TAX CREDITS (HB23-1006)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Young, & Senator Exum
⚠️ ISSUE: Many Colorado residents miss out on substantial income support from Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits due to lack of awareness and unclaimed benefits.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Requires employers to notify employees of their potential eligibility for federal and state tax credits, including EITC, CTC, and CDCTC
Follows the lead of other states, such as Texas and New Jersey, in implementing a tax credit notification requirement
🎯 GOAL: Enhance the economic well-being of Colorado families by requiring employers to notify employees of their potential eligibility for tax credits, leading to more claimed benefits and financial assistance.
SALES AND USE TAX REFUNDS (HB22-1118)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Senator Kolker
Summary: This bill requires the Department of Revenue to impose penalties on frivolous claims for sales-and-use-tax refunds. These changes incentivize the State to pay out sales tax refunds more quickly while also saving money for the State by reducing the amount of interest it has to pay out.
ECONOMIC MOBILITY PROGRAM (SB22-182)
Session: 2022 | Status: PASSED ✅ | Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Exum, Senator Rodriquez, Senator Hinrichsen
Summary: Helps tax filers take advantage of tax reforms that will save families and workers $180 million this year through the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. This bill formally establishes Colorado’s Economic Mobility Program and funds it with $4 million from the Economic Recovery and Relief Fund.
Articles & Resources:
Health & Insurance
PRIVACY OF BIOMETRIC IDENTIFIERS & DATA (HB24-1130)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Lynch, Senator Lundeen, & Senator Hansen
⚠️ ISSUE: The collection, storage, and sale of biometric data, such as DNA, facial mapping, and fingerprints, pose significant privacy risks. Current practices lack transparency and could lead to misuse, nonconsensual sharing, and exploitation of this highly sensitive information, affecting individuals' security and privacy.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Requires companies that collect biometric data to obtain consumer consent, disclose their retention policy, and delete the data within a year
Prohibits companies from selling biometric data, recognizing its sensitivity and the dangers of treating it as a commodity.
Allows consumers to access their biometric data held by a company and update/correct it
Authorizes the Attorney General to make rules protecting biometric data security
🎯 GOAL: Enhance privacy protections for Colorado residents by regulating the handling of biometric data. This bill aims to establish clear guidelines for consent, limit data commodification, ensure data deletion in a timely manner, and improve transparency, ultimately safeguarding individuals against privacy breaches and exploitation.
INCREASE SYPHILIS TESTING DURING PREGNANCY (HB24-1456)
Sponsors: Rep. Daugherty, Rep. Marvin & Sen. Michaelson Jenet
⚠️ ISSUE: The rise in congenital syphilis cases has been alarming, with Colorado experiencing a 900% increase since 2017. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent transmission from mother to child, which, if untreated, can lead to miscarriages or stillbirths, as well as severe birth defects such as deafness, blindness, and bone deformities.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Expands current syphilis testing requirements to include additional screenings in the third trimester and at delivery, ensuring multiple opportunities to detect and treat syphilis during pregnancy.
This proactive approach aligns with practices in at least 17 other states and is supported by evidence suggesting that increased testing can significantly reduce healthcare costs related to congenital syphilis.
🎯 GOAL: Strengthen Colorado's fight against congenital syphilis through enhanced testing protocols. By ensuring thorough screening during pregnancy, this bill aims to prevent the devastating health effects on newborns and significantly decrease the incidence of this preventable disease.
CHECK BILL STATUS HERE
HEALTH FACILITY TOPICAL MEDICATION CONTINUED CARE (SB24-087)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty & Senator Mullica
⚠️ ISSUE: Patients discharged from health facilities often leave unused portions of topical medications behind, leading to waste and additional costs for patients who must purchase new quantities for continued treatment at home.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Allows health care providers and facilities to give discharged patients the unused portions of certain topical medications required for their continued treatment.
Ensures these medications adhere to existing labeling requirements and mandates provider responsibility for counseling patients on medication use.
Aims to minimize waste and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients by allowing them to continue using medications initially provided in a health facility.
🎯 GOAL: Reduce medication waste and support patients' continued care by enabling the use of unused topical medications after discharge from health facilities.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS CONTRACT TERM REQUIREMENTS (HB23-1201)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty & Representative Soper
⚠️ ISSUE: Nearly 1 in 3 Coloradans don't take their medications as prescribed due to high costs, and prescription drugs are the largest driver of rising health care costs.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Stops pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurance companies from charging more for prescription drugs than they pay pharmacies (aka "spread pricing")
Increases openness between PBMs, insurance companies, and employers, helping them negotiate better deals
Prevents spread pricing in Colorado's Medicaid program, saving money for the state and taxpayers
🎯 GOAL: Reduce prescription drug costs and increase transparency by prohibiting spread pricing and fostering better negotiation between employers and PBMs or insurance carriers.
DENTAL PLANS MEDICAL LOSS RATIO (SB23-179)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Hartsook, Senator Moreno, & Senator Will
⚠️ ISSUE: Dental care is often treated differently than medical care, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability in how dental insurance plans function. The absence of a dental loss ratio standard in Colorado results in patients being uncertain about how their dental insurance premiums are spent and whether they are getting adequate value for their coverage.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Requires dental insurance companies to report how they spend money on patient care each year, using a defined formula
Makes information about dental insurance companies' spending on patient care and consumer costs available on a public website for easy comparison
Reports dental carriers' performance by market segment during SMART Act hearings to allow legislative oversight
Adds a label to dental insurance ID cards to indicate when a plan follows state laws
🎯 GOAL: Improve transparency, accountability, and value for patients in dental insurance by implementing a dental loss ratio standard similar to the medical insurance industry.
MEDICAL PRICE TRANSPARENCY (SB23-252)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Hartsook, Senator Gonzales, & Senator Van Winkle
⚠️ ISSUE: Colorado hospitals rank 6th highest in prices and 4th highest in profits nationally, leading to inflated costs for patients, employers, and taxpayers. The lack of effective price transparency in Colorado hospitals often leads to unexpected "surprise fees", preventing consumers from making informed decisions about their healthcare services.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Requires Colorado hospitals to post their Medicare reimbursement rates, and annually submit pricing information to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)
Allows HCPF to audit hospital websites and evaluate their performance relative to federal transparency guidance
Empowers the Attorney General's Office (AGO) to enforce existing penalties under the Consumer Protection Act if a hospital fails to meet federal transparency requirements
🎯 GOAL: Improve medical price transparency in Colorado hospitals, enabling consumers to make better-informed decisions and lowering healthcare costs.
Additional Policy Issues
REQUIREMENTS FOR RECALL ELECTIONS AND VACANCIES (HB23-1185)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Woodrow, & Senator Rodriguez
⚠️ ISSUE: Colorado's current recall election process is prone to outside influence and lacks clear procedures when faced with multiple vacancies or absence of a quorum in municipal councils.
WHAT THE BILL DOES:
Mandates that members of a municipal recall committee be registered electors of the municipality, limiting the influence of external interest groups
Standardizes information required on recall petitions to match other municipal petition requirements
Provides clearer deadlines and procedures for circulating, filing petitions, and submitting protests
🎯 GOAL: Enhance the integrity and transparency of Colorado's recall election process by addressing procedural gaps and limiting external influences.
REVOKE DRIVER'S LICENSE APPEAL ATTORNEY GENERAL (SB23-251)
Sponsors: Representative Daugherty, Representative Pugliese, Senator Rich, & Senator Roberts
⚠️ ISSUE: Under current law, district attorneys represent the Department of Revenue (DOR) during any appeals of a denied, canceled, suspended, or revoked driver license to the courts.
WHAT THE BILL DOES: On and after 3 specified dates that are designated for 3 groups of judicial districts, the bill requires the attorney general to represent the department in such appeals. The attorney general may appear for an appeals hearing by telephone, video teleconference, or any other court-authorized means of electronic participation.