About this Weekly Policy Brief

This brief is your source for the latest updates on legislation and policies impacting the Rocky Mountain Partnership's priorities. It's not just about staying informed – we want to equip you to understand and engage with the legislative landscape. 

Please note: Some email providers may clip the content at the bottom of this email due to its length. Click the link below to view the full email in your browser.

Click HERE to view the full email

Please also note: This information is subject to change. In addition, some updates may be sourced from organizations that have read limits or limits on how many articles you can access in a given time period.

Bills impacting housing, such as construction defect litigation reform and occupancy limits, along with a consumer protection bill are taking further steps through the legislative process at the state Capitol. READ MORE

468 bills have been introduced so far during this legislative session. Check out the bills RMP is monitoring in alignment with our priorities below.

As we mentioned in the kickoff email, we aim to provide education, awareness, and essential information about the legislation and policy most impacting RMP's priorities. By doing so, we hope to empower you with the information you need to take action that is most meaningful and impactful to your organization.

New Bills We Are Keeping an Eye On

• SB24-154: Accessory Dwelling Units
• SB24-155: Payment of Family & Medical Leave Benefits
• SB24-156: College Preparation & Enrichment Program
• HB24-1226: Tuition Assistance for Colorado National Guard & Dependents
• HB24-1230: Protections for Real Property Owners
• HB24-1231: State Funding for Higher Education Projects
• HB24-1233: Homeowners' Association Delinquency Payments Enforcement Procedures
• HB24-1243: Income Tax Owed by Minors on Earned Income
• HB24-1259: Price Gouging in Rent Declared Disaster
• HB24-1260: Prohibition Against Employee Discipline
• HB24-1262: Maternal Health Midwives
• HB24-1263: Licensure of Electricians
• HB24-1264: Supporting the Educator Workforce

• HB24-1268: Financial Assistance for Certain Low-Income Individuals
• HB24-1278: Sunset Concurrent Enrollment Advisory Board
• HB24-1280: Welcome, Reception, & Integration Grant Program
• HB24-1286: Equal Justice Fund Authority
• HB24-1287: Access to State Grant Opportunities
• HB24-1290: Student Educator Stipend Program
• HB24-1291: Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals
• HB24-1294: Mobile Homes in Mobile Home Parks
• HB24-1299: Short-Term Rental Unit Property Tax Classification
• HB24-1305: Changes for Concurrent Enrollment Students
• HB24-1306: Increase Penalty Possession of Synthetic Opiates
• HB24-1308: Effective Implementation of Affordable Housing Programs

Bills Being Heard in Committee Next Week

Tuesday, February 20

House Health & Human Services

Time: Upon Adjournment

• HB24-1120: Resources for Persons in Child Welfare System
• HB24-1037: Substance Use Disorders Harm Reduction
• HB24-1045: Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

House Judiciary

Time: 1:30 PM

• HB24-1126: Substance Use Disorder Treatment as Bond Condition

House Transportation, Housing, & Local Government

Time: 1:30 PM

• HB24-1107: Judicial Review of Local Land Use Decision
• HB24-1099: Defendant Filing Fees in Evictions
• HB24-1175: Local Governments Rights to Property for Affordable Housing

Wednesday, February 21

Senate Health & Human Services

Time: Upon Adjournment

• SB24-073: Maximum Number of Employees to Qualify as Small Employer

Senate Education

Time: 1:30 PM

• SB24-143: Credential Quality Apprenticeship Classification

House Health & Human Services

Time: 1:30 PM

• HB24-1149: Prior Authorization Requirements Alternatives

Thursday, February 22

Senate Finance

Time: Upon Adjournment

• SB24-010: Dentist & Dental Hygienist Compact
• SB24-146: Tax Credit for Qualified Renters

Senate Health & Human Services

Time: 1:30 PM

• SB24-125: Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children
• SB24-141: Out-of-State Telehealth Providers
• SB24-059: Children's Behavioral Health Statewide System of Care
• SB24-115: Mental Health Professionals Practice Requirements

House Education

Time: 1:30 PM

• HB24-1096: School Psychologist Licensure Interstate Compact

Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs

Time: 1:30 PM

• SB24-109: Continue Colorado Veterans' Service-to-Career Program

Out of Committee and Headed to the Floor

• HB24-1003: Opiate Antagonists and Detection Products in Schools
• HB24-1098: Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant
• HB24-1122: Protection Orders for Victims of Crimes
• SB24-017: Distribution of State Share of District Total Program

Bills That Have Successfully Passed in One Chamber

• HB24-1007: Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits
• HB24-1210: Higher Education Longitudinal Data System Report Deadline
• HB24-1214: Community Crime Victims Funding

LEARN

Take a deep dive into the bills that are most meaningful and impactful to you. Click the button below to view RMP's State Bill Tracker.

WRITE

Write a letter sharing your thoughts about the bills most meaningful and impactful to you Click the button below to download our letter template.

SHARE

Talk directly to legislators about the bills most meaningful and impactful to you by testifying at the statehouse. Click the button below to learn more.

Is the Great Resignation over? Here's how turnover is trending in Colorado

Colorado employees appear to be staying put at their jobs, a sign that the pandemic-induced turnover tsunami could be slowing, according to a Business Journals analysis of turnover and job-opening data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

The federal jobs report for December 2023 showed that the number of people quitting their jobs decreased by nearly 38% compared to December 2022, with separations decreasing by 20%.

Separations include quits, layoffs and retirements.

Investors are buying cheaper homes at a record rate — and certain markets have their attention

High mortgage rates have pushed investors to buy more low-cost homes than ever before, according to a new analysis by real estate firm Redfin Corp. 

Redfin's research shows that investors bought 26.1% of low-priced homes sold in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2023, the highest share on record and up from 24% a year ago. Investors purchased 16% of high-priced homes and 14% of mid-priced homes — both lower than their 2022 peaks but higher than before the pandemic.

Questions? Reach out to Ashley Edinger, RMP's Senior Director of Institute & Strategic Supports at AshleyEdinger@RMPBackbone.org.

Rocky Mountain Partnership (RMP) is a group of leaders and community members who are WORKING TOGETHER to ensure that every young person across our region has the opportunity to embark on a successful journey toward economic and social advancement. 

Guided by a globally recognized framework and data, we strive to create impactful, large-scale solutions. We break down silos within existing efforts, optimize regional resources, and advance impactful policies and strategies.