Successful Legislation 2015-2020

Senator Tate introduced 201 bills during the 2015-2020 sessions with 145 of the bills (72%) becoming law.

2015 Legislative Session 

HB15-1197 modified limitations on liability obligations in public construction contracts. The new law provided that public entities may not ask design professionals to defend them in lawsuits, unless the design professionals are found negligent.

2016 Legislative Session

HB 16-1321 provided the ability for certain eligible persons to buy into the Medicaid insurance program.   Tate’s companion bill SB-170, which allowed Medicaid eligible persons to opt out in certain circumstances in order to buy on the health care exchange, failed.

HB 16-1288 created the industry infrastructure grant program in the Work Force Development Council and a fund to pay for it. The Council now partners with eligible nonprofit entities that support businesses in their implementation of work site training programs.

HB 16-1426 clarified what constitutes misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal and creates a criminal offense for intentional misrepresentation of being entitled to one.  A patient must acquire a written finding from a medical professional regarding whether he or she has a disability and whether the need for the animal is related to that disability.

HB16-1198 allowed certain accredited computer science classes to fulfill a graduation requirement in a mathematics or science subject area, as a way to get students interested in information technology as a career path.

HB 16-1160 modified the regulation of surgical assistants and technicians to allow for employers to identify drug seeking behavior in a potential employee’s past before a hire which implicitly provides access to narcotics.

HB 16-1085, nicknamed the “reclaim the name,” greatly simplified the process for returning to a prior name at a time later than when a divorce or legal separation decree has been entered at the court.

SB 16-121 removed the limit on the percentage of tuition revenue that a higher education institution pledge toward debt service and bonding, dramatically lowering borrowing costs.   This bill was estimated to have saved the University of Colorado millions of dollars.

2017 Legislative Session

SB 17-127 expanded the exemption from requirements that apply to a mortgage loan originator to include up to three loans per year without compensation between family members.  An example of loosening regulations to provide economic flexibility to Coloradans.

SB 17-134 excluded certain areas of an alcohol beverage licensee's operation in the application of penalties for certain violations.  This bill provided regulatory fairness to companies that have made significant capital investments in manufacturing operations.

SB 17-252 gave boards of any political subdivision an authority to enter into contracts for utility cost savings.   This bill improved local government capital investment decision making.

SB 17-280 ratified the continued existence and legal authority of the Colorado Economic Development Commission, which administers state economic development initiatives.

SB 17-298 modified franchise laws governing the relationship between auto manufacturers and auto dealers.   The bill disallowed certain unfair contract terms and provisions that negatively affect Colorado businesses.

HB 17-1011 provided a limitation on when certain disciplinary actions may be commenced against a mental health professional.  Bill provided long term regulatory and litigation relief to small business professionals.

HB 17-1082 clarified that financial assistance under the 'Building Excellent Schools Today Act' includes technology grants.  Another bill to improve local government capital investment decision making.

HB 17-1092 clarified legal obligations involving license royalties with proprietors of retail establishments that publicly perform music.  The policy protects small businesses like restaurants and taverns from frivolous lawsuits over alleged copyrights issues when these businesses subscribe to a commercial service.

HB 17-1115 established that direct primary health care agreements operate without regulation by the division of insurance.  This was important enabling legislation for an alternative business model for healthcare delivery in which administrative costs are typically 60% less.

HB 17-1193 related to the installation of small wireless service infrastructure (5G) within a local government's jurisdiction, and clarified that an expedited permitting process applies to small cell facilities and small cell networks and that the rights-of-way access afforded telecommunications providers extends to broadband providers and to small cell facilities and small cell networks.

HB 17-1200 modified the laws regulating public benefit corporations so as to provide marketing flexibility for businesses seeking such a designation.

HB 17-1214 provided a program in the Office of Economic Development to facilitate employee ownership (via ESOPs) and access to capital in the ownership transition of an existing small businesses.  

HB 17-1279, lauded as a "grand bargain," dealt with construction defects litigation, primarily with condos and condo homeowner associations. It required HOA boards to obtain permission from a majority of homeowners before launching a construction defects lawsuit and set deadlines for HOA boards to convene meetings and provide notifications.  Bill was a step towards reform aimed at reducing the frequency of frivolous construction defect claims so as to re-start condo construction in Colorado.

HB 17-1356 permitted businesses that make significant capital investments in the state to transfer or carryforward certain economic development tax credits, making them more useful in attracting, retaining, or growing businesses in Colorado.  

HB 17-1119 established the ability of the State to act with discretion when enforcing compliance with workers compensation laws.  Would prevent small businesses from being irreparably damaged by mandatory fines.  Bill also created a new State fund that partially compensates injured workers employed by a company without the required workers comp insurance.

2018 Legislative Session

SB18-007 implemented the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit program and an extended period during which the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority may allocate these tax credits. This is a program which is modeled after and compliments a similar federal program.

SB18-022 ensured appropriate opioid prescribing by restricting the number of opioid pills that a health care provider may prescribe at an initial prescription under certain circumstances.  Limiting the latent supply of excess opioids reduces the opioid addictions and overdoses that have become a serious problem in the community.

SB18-187 loosened and updated regulations for the transfer of marijuana fibrous waste for the purpose of producing industrial fiber products as a source of economic development and efficiency.

SB18-200 created a $30 Billion plan to assure the ongoing liquidity and future solvency for the State’s public pension system, known as the public employees' retirement association, by eliminating the unfunded liability of the plan within the next thirty years.

SB18-210 simplified the regulations of real estate appraisal management companies by aligning them with federal law and regulations.

SB18-219 updated franchise laws for Colorado businesses by creating rules around the rates an auto dealer charges a manufacturer for work performed by the dealer in accordance with the manufacturers’ warranty obligations.

HB18-1004 continued the income tax credit to promote childcare in the state. This tax credit is an incentive for childcare options for children across Colorado, and in particular kids in families facing the most economic barriers.

HB18-1032 Concerning access to medical records from the department of public health and environment's EMS agency patient care database by health information organization networks.

HB18-1083 created a sales and use tax exemption for aircraft assets to be used by on-demand air carriers as an economic development initiative that competes with neighboring states.

HB18-1135 extended the advanced industries export acceleration program as a measure for strategic economic development.

HB18-1190 extended the "Colorado Job Creation and Main Street Revitalization Act"and created enhancements for rural and economically struggling parts of the state.

HB18-1195 established an income tax credit to promote contributions to nonprofit organizations engaged in the development of affordable housing for home ownership.

HB18-1267 established an income tax credit to help people with an illness, impairment or disability retrofit their residence for greater accessibility and independence.

HB18-1270 required the public utilities commission to establish mechanisms for investor-owned electric utilities to procure energy storage systems if certain criteria are satisfied as an opportunity for economic development.

HB18-1271 authorized economic development rates to be charged by electric utilities to qualifying nonresidential customers to attract business investment and expansion.

HB18-1433 simplified the regulations of naturopathic doctors with the addition of consumer disclosures.

2019 Legislative Session

SB19-011 Streamlined alcoholic beverage licensing to enhance manufacturing and distribution cost efficiency during a period of regulatory transition.   This was the first bill signed into law by newly elected Governor Polis.

SB19-023 enacted the "Colorado Digital Token Act.”  This law removed regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies and similar digital assets created for consumptive purpose, thus clearing the way for Colorado entrepreneurs to build new technologies applications that use digital tokens. These tokens transfer value on a cryptographically secure blockchains and will not be labeled as securities or otherwise subject to laws designed for fundamentally different

SB19-024 Concerning the payment of taxes by electronic funds transfers in order to synchronize the laws with modern banking practices.

SB19-046 Concerning an amendment to the definition of "appraisal management company" to align with the definition in federal law.

SB19-061 allowed self-contained breathing apparatus to be recertified for use after the end of the apparatus’ original estimated service life, assuming it passes specialized safety testing.  This ability helps the budgeting needs of local fire districts in Colorado. The director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment would oversee inspections and rulemaking to determine inspection standards.

SB19-103, colloquially called “The Lemonade Stand Bill,” affirmed a minor’s ability to operate a business on a limited basis without obtaining the approval of a local government. The law sends a message about Colorado’s intent to maintain its reputation as an entrepreneur-friendly state.

SB19-134 was a bill to protect Colorado patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills, typically arising from situations when they didn’t know they were being sent out of network or perhaps otherwise were not given a choice.  This bill was postponed in favor of similar legislation introduced in the House.

SB19-170, colloquially called “Ban the Box for Higher Ed,” helps people with criminal records turn their lives around by prohibiting state higher education institutions from seeking criminal history during the initial application process. Studies indicated that the original screening disincentivized those seeking second chances.

SB19-201 established a voluntary framework for health care providers and facilities to offer compassionate and candid responses to patients who experience an adverse health care incident through a formal, non-adversarial process where there can be open communication about what happened. Known as the “Colorado Candor Act.”

SB19-248 Requires that the director of research of the legislative council convene a working group to conduct an analysis of the state tax system used by the department of revenue.

SB19-255 concerned property taxes and lowered the assessment rate for residential real property.

HB19-1077 allowed pharmacists to dispense life-maintaining medications without a prescription in an emergency if their care provider cannot be reached to issue a prescription renewal. This can save lives with better timely access to critical medication.

HB19-1109 streamlined regulations to enable a licensed convalescent center to operate a pharmacy for the benefit of patients being treated in the center, proving better care at lower cost.

HB19-1163 sought to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses from administrative rules adopted by state agencies in order to facilitate business growth.   This bill was lost in the House.

HB19-1228 increased the annual amount available under the Colorado Affordable Housing Tax Credit established in 2018 by Tate’s SB18-007.

HB19-1240 concerned sales and use tax administration as Colorado moved from origin-based to destination-based sourcing rules. It establishes economic nexus for retailers without physical presence in the state, codifies the destination sourcing rule with a specified exception, requires marketplace facilitators to collect and remit sales tax for sales made by marketplace sellers on the marketplace facilitator's marketplace, and repeals obsolete statutory references to remote sellers.

HB19-1291 was a corporate governance bill, involving the supervision of insurers and new disclosure requirements for insurers. Based on model law of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

2020 Legislative Session

SB20-021 adds a requirement that all new tax expenditures authorized by the legislature contain a statutory statement of purpose for the tax preference and a sunset date.

SB20-033 allowed working adults with disabilities to continue buy-in to Medicaid benefits under a special program after the age 65 without having to give up their income and become impoverished.

SB20-100 repealed the death penalty in Colorado for all offenses charged on or after July 1, 2020.

SB20-151 was a comprehensive reform of the regional transportation district, a $1 Billion enterprise.  The bill sought financial transparency and accountability measures, while affirming that the transit dependent community should have priority in the provision of services. A complex initiative, the bill was lost due the COVID recess and resulting shortened session.

SB20-185 created the Imagination Library of Colorado program. The bill allows for the state to contract with a Colorado-based nonprofit organization, ostensibly one affiliated with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.  The organization provides books in the mail for free to children under the age of 5.

SB20-212 maintained going forward patients’ ability to receive care via telehealth that was granted during the 2020 COVID-19 public health emergency. The bill positioned Colorado as a national leader in requiring that health insurance carriers, including Medicaid, cover telehealth visits for behavioral, mental and physical health care, should the interaction be medically appropriate. Further, the bill let clients establish care with a provider through telehealth, and prevents health insurance carriers from setting specific limits on the technology needed for telehealth, as long as it is HIPAA-compliant.

SB20-221 proscribed the use of a panic defense strategy unless a party can show its relevance to the court.   This controversial legal strategy claimed that discovering a victim’s sexuality or gender identity causes the defendant to suffer from a state of temporary insanity, leading to violence and murder.

SCR20-001/SB20-223 ends the ratio of valuation for assessment between classes of property used for property taxation and is contingent voter approval.  

HB20-1022 extended the Sales and Use Tax Simplification Tax Force which looks at Colorado’s byzantine sales-tax system that has businesses that ship products having to pay taxes to about 750 different taxing districts across the state with the overlap of cities, counties and special districts, an administrative nightmare.  A companion bill created a necessary database.

HB20-1039 created a transparent state web portal that allows the public to search easily for information relating to state agency rules at no cost.

HB20-1136 modified and updated the regulations around the investments made by domestic insurance companies.

HB20-1206 was the “Mental Health Practices Act,” continued the regulation of mental health professionals with several improvements and the creation of a working group to further recommend public policy changes.

HB20-1214 continued statutes governing home warranty service contracts.

HB20-1236 created a program that will use our tax filing system to help uninsured tax filers and any uninsured household members get connected to the health care system, available health care options and receive assistance in applying for health insurance.