What They’re Saying About Bills Signed by Gov. Polis Today

DENVER — Today Governor Polis signed bipartisan bills into law today including key legislative investments to address homelessness in Colorado.

What community leaders are saying about HB22-1083 Colorado Homeless Contribution Income Tax Credit - Representatives K. Tipper| J. Rich, Senators F. Winter | C. Simpson

"Service providers for people experiencing homelessness celebrate the collective impact that this new slate of bills will have on our state-wide efforts. Though urban and rural programs have different needs, these initiatives will help all of us in our goals to assist individuals and family members experiencing homelessness stabilize, heal, strengthen and ultimately thrive,” Lance Cheslock, Chairperson for the Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit Coalition

What community leaders are saying about HB22-1377, HB22-1083, HB22-1378

“Homelessness is not an issue bounded by geography. Individuals who are living without shelter are located throughout Colorado – urban, suburban, and rural areas.To summarize, we hope this bill creates a growing a vibrant system of non-profit organizations with strong community support throughout the state. That’s the most effective way to address Colorado’s statewide homeless population,” - State Representative Janice Rich.

“Homelessness is a longstanding and growing issue in Metro Denver, exacerbated by the increasing cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the Governor for signing these bills that respectfully respond to the needs of the individual and provide funding for these efforts. These bills will positively impact our communities,” said Naomi Amaha, director of policy and government affairs for The Denver Foundation.

“The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is optimistic that the investments of HB1377, HB1328, and HB1083 will go a long way in providing meaningful solutions to Colorado’s homelessness crisis. We have the chance to make homelessness rare, brief, and quickly resolvable with these initiatives for the far too many families and individuals experiencing it across Colorado. It is so encouraging to see the Governor’s Office and our elected leaders engage and partner with local communities and nonprofits who have been working for decades to prevent and resolve homelessness in a very under-resourced environment,” - Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

What community leaders are saying about SB22-205 Intoxicating Hemp And Tetrahydrocannabinol Products - Representatives A. Valdez| K. Van Winkle, Senators S. Fenberg| C. Holbert

"Realm of Caring Foundation unites with the Colorado Hemp Industry in support of Senate Bill 22-205. Fair regulation for the purpose of maintaining a standard of quality across hemp products is necessary to ensure the longevity of a safe and responsible hemp industry, which we helped to create. We look forward to continuing to protect our hemp and cannabis industry consumers through legislation that benefits a quality of life for all,” - Realm of Caring Foundation.

"This Bill is an important step in the right direction for this industry and now is the time to tip the scales towards consumer safety by regulating CBD products without intoxicating cannabinoids,” - Priyanka Sharma, Ph.D. | CEO Kazmira.

“We are grateful to Governor Polis, his staff, and legislative leaders who listened to the hemp industry’s concerns and helped transform a bill draft into legislation that will address our mutual concerns.Collaboration and persistence on this important issue ultimately won the day, demonstrating the critical role Hemp Supporters continue to play when it comes to the latest topics in the industry. What happened in Colorado may even prove the model for how to thoughtfully and appropriately tackle intoxicating cannabinoids masquerading as hemp in the remainder of the states,” Jonathan Miller, General Counsel, US Hemp Roundtable.

“Colorado has been a long-time supporter and leader in the cannabis market including industrial hemp and marijuana. These are both important market segments for Colorado generating jobs and tax dollars in agriculture, manufacturing, processing, and distribution. The chemical modification, conversion, and synthetic derivation of industrial hemp products into intoxicating isomers really hurts both the CBD and Marijuana industries. The revised bill puts the correct focus on regulating the manufacturing and marketing of these tertiary products creating a degree of separation from the more organic, non-synthesized, producers of CBD and Marijuana products,” - Scott McWhorter CEO – Rocky Mountain Extraction Services.

“As a Colorado mother and cannabis business owner, I know how important it is to ensure intoxicating products are regulated in order to prevent youth access. This legislation is a critical step toward sensible regulation of hemp intoxicants and will help keep our communities healthy and safe. The Marijuana Industry Group is proud of our track record of preventing youth access and looks forward to continuing our partnerships with regulators and public safety agencies to protect the vulnerable in our state,”- Tiffany Goldman Board Chair of MIG.

What community leaders are saying about SB22-099 Sealing Criminal Records - Senators R. Rodriguez | D. Hisey, Representatives K. Tipper | C. Larson

“It's not often you get to pass a policy that has the potential to help millions of people overnight, and Clean Slate Colorado did just that,” said Healthier Colorado CEO Jake Williams. “Healthier Colorado is proud to be a member of this diverse coalition because we know that living a healthy life is determined by many factors. Meaningful employment, putting a roof over your head, and securing economic stability are all predictors of how healthy you are. If you face barriers to even one of these, the likelihood that your health will pay the price is higher. We've now removed many of these barriers for deserving people and their families and we know our communities will be stronger, safer, and healthier for it.”

"Currently, only 5% of eligible Coloradons successfully get their records sealed. The stigma of a record needlessly creates ongoing obstacles to long-term employment, education, safe and affordable housing, and family health and well-being. Removing barriers to employment and housing equips everyone with the opportunity to provide for their families. The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado is pleased to have lead the Clean Slate Coalition's efforts to ensure all Coloradans with eligible records can remove those barriers and become more productive citizens. We're deeply grateful to Governor Polis for signing this important legislation,” said Shara Smith, Executive Director, The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado.

“Expunge Colorado is pleased to have Governor Polis sign SB22-099 into Colorado law. Streamlining and automating the current complex process for record sealing will help thousands of Coloradans receive new opportunities for employment and housing improving the lives and wellbeing for individuals and their families,” - Expunge Colorado.

“Automating the record clearance process will offer many Coloradans a pathway to redemption," said Sheena Meade, executive director of the Clean Slate Initiative. "Colorado's Clean Slate Act is a commonsense policy that ensures more people have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families. This law will truly have a transformational impact in so many people's lives and was made possible by directly-impacted people, elected officials, advocates, business leaders, and stakeholders from across the political spectrum coming together to do what’s right. Thanks to this broad, bipartisan effort, Colorado's communities will be safer, and its economy and families will be stronger,” - Clean State Initiative.

“The Colorado Center on Law and Policy is thrilled to see senate bill 99 signed into law. In passing this legislation, Colorado has become a leader in a nationwide movement to dismantle the cycle of poverty that is so deeply intertwined with the criminal legal system – a system that unfairly targets communities of color. Colorado’s Clean Slate legislation will help Coloradans who have served their sentences and are seeking to better their lives by removing the collateral consequences associated with records, including the ability to get stable jobs and safe housing,” - Colorado Center on Law and Policy.

What community leaders are saying about SB22-005 Law Enforcement Agency Peace Officer Services - Senators J. Cooke | J. Bridges, Representatives D. Roberts| D. Woog

“Colorado needs our peace officers to be healthy, and not only for their own sake. The safety of Colorado communities rests on well-trained law-enforcement officers who are physically as well as mentally fit. Their ability to navigate potentially explosive situations quickly, coolly and competently hinges in significant degree on their mental health. Senate Bill 22-005 will help provide Colorado’s peace officers with the peace of mind they deserve — so they can continue to serve us all, - Dan Brite Colorado Fraternal Order of Police.

What community leaders are saying about SB22-057 Violent Crime Victim Brain Injury Screening Program - Representative M. Weissman, Senators J. Cooke| R. Fields

“The complexity of neurons and the function of the Brain is in itself a unique part of the human body. Cognitive memory doesn’t stop at a young age as once thought it keeps adapting, after my head was run over twice and 7 brain surgeries I’m living proof of that theory. This bill and it’s input moving forward could easily catapult studying the Brain into the medical field which is still slowly showing an interest. I have no doubt this will exceed it’s greatest expectations and in a short time show progress!” - Bridget Dyson, who testified in support of this legislation.

What community leaders are saying about HB22-1374 Foster Care Success Act

“Colorado is leading the nation in developing evidence-based policy and practice solutions to improve educational outcomes for youth in foster care. The Fostering Youth Success Act is a wonderful example of scaling an innovative pilot program that has demonstrated success. The collaboration between child welfare and education agencies is what makes it possible to set young people in foster care on a path for success in school and life,” Elysia V. Clemens, PhD, LPC, Deputy Director/COO, Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab University of Denver.

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