Gov. Polis Signs Bills into Law in Grand Junction to Improve Access to Housing, Joins CMU Major Announcement to Help Save Students Money

GRAND JUNCTION — Today in Grand Junction, Governor Polis signed legislation to help increase access to housing, improve the criminal justice system and joined Colorado Mesa University, President John Marshall, Board Chair Alison Griffin and others for an announcement announcing an initiative to make career and technical education more affordable for students. 

“We are saving Coloradans money on housing, and providing bold support for Communities across Colorado,” said Gov. Polis. “I am proud that these new laws embrace modular housing innovation, increase access to affordable housing, support our hardworking healthcare workers, and save Coloradans money.”

This morning at the Mesa County Justice Center, Gov. Polis signed legislation to ensure Coloradans can easily access court opinions online for free and bring transparency and accountability to our mental health system. The Governor signed HB22-1091 Online Availability Of Judicial Opinions sponsored by Representatives Matt Soper and Mike. Weissman, and Senators Bob. Gardner and Jeff Bridges, and SB22-106 Conflict Of Interest In Public Behavioral Health sponsored by Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Janice Rich and Senators Chris Kolker and Jerry Sonnenberg. 

“HB22-1091, Public Access to Case Law Act, will create a website with every opinion of the Colorado Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. This Act will give rural Coloradans, those who cannot afford to visit the state law library in Denver, students, pro se litigants/defendants and citizens wishing to be better informed the ability to access every judicial opinion of precedential value, free of charge, in a searchable format, from the comfort and safety of their own home. This is a major advancement to give the public access to law,” said Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), sponsor of HB22-1091. 

Continuing to save Coloradans money, Gov. Polis signed bipartisan legislation in Grand Junction at the Mosaic Housing Site in Western Colorado sponsored by Rep. Kyle Mullica, Rep. Mike Lynch, Sen. Jeff Bridges, and Sen. Rob Woodward to increase Colorado’s affordable housing supply to help build thousands of high quality, innovating modular and 3-D printed homes. 

Governor Jared Polis then joined Colorado Mesa University President John Marshall,  Board Chair Alison Griffin for an announcement on the Learn for Less WCCC Affordability Initiative to save students money.

“It’s not every day we get to announce a 40% reduction in college tuition so this announcement combines two of my favorite things, saving people money and investing in education –  and this is great timing for Colorado, for Mesa County and the region. I thank CMU President Marshall, Board Chair Alison Griffin and Western Colorado Community College for working to save students and families money and to the Bishops for their generous contribution that will positively impact the lives of many," said Governor Jared Polis.

Then Governor Polis signed a new law to support innovation in Colorado’s agriculture industry and the future of producers. HB22-1301 Controlled Environmental Agricultural Facility As Agricultural Property sponsored by Western Slope Representatives Matt Soper and Dylan Roberts, and Senators Kerry Donovan and Cleave Simpson.

"HB22-1301 changes the tax treatment of hydroponic equipment used to plant, grow, and harvest crops for human or livestock consumption in controlled environment farms. This bill is about equal justice under the law, as the same equipment, if used outside, would not be subject to business-personal property tax. HB 1301 helps give farmers another tool for innovating, by being able to grow produce year round, conserve water, and utilize the latest technology in Colorado's agricultural sector!,” said Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), sponsor of HB22-1301.

Later this afternoon in Denver, Governor Polis will sign bills into law to establish the SMART policing grant fund and provide behavioral health resources to Coloradans who experience trauma related to crimes,  SB22-145 Resources To Increase Community Safety sponsored by Representatives Alex Valdez and Perry Will, Senators Janet Buckner and John Cooke and SB22-188 Behavioral Health Support For Criminal Justice Advocates sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Brianna Titone, and Senators Rhonda Fields and Don Coram.