Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

CONTACT:

Senate Majority Deputy Communications Director Ellie Lapp, 406.253.9088

House Majority Media Relations Director

Mallory Feeney, 563.542.8299

DENVER, CO – Today, Senators Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins, Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, and Lorena García, D-Unincorporated Adams County, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court released their decision upholding the principle of birthright citizenship.

“Today, we breathe a sigh of relief that the Supreme Court upheld one of the foundational principles of our country: that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen. This decision affirms a core promise of our democracy that anyone born here has the right to pursue the American Dream, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This principle has defined the United States for over 150 years.

“At the same time, we cannot ignore decisions announced last week that restrict access to asylum and endanger Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Trump Administration continues its broad assault on immigration, narrowing legal pathways for people who come to the United States in search of safety and opportunity – many fleeing war, violence, natural disasters, and persecution. Their choice is often one between life and death.

“Just a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable to question the legality of birthright citizenship. While today’s decision reaffirms common sense and the fundamental promise of our democracy, it is a sobering reminder of how this administration is willing to undermine our rights, restrict our constitutional freedoms, and divide our communities for political gain.”

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The post General Assembly Democrats on Today’s SCOTUS Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

HB25-1146 increases the emergency detention bed cap and funds deflection programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          June 26, 2025

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to allocate $10 million to support youth justice sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representative Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, goes into effect on July 1, 2025.

“This new law funds crucial programs to help kids get on the right path after a mistake and get connected to a community of support,” said Amabile. “The grant program aims to address the underlying causes of juvenile crime and treat them effectively – which is good for young people, their families, and our state. HB25-1146 is a balanced approach to keep Colorado communities safe while holistically supporting our youth.”

“This bipartisan law will make Colorado a safer place,” said Bird. “We know that many youth who commit violent crime often lack the support and guidance that they need to build a bright future for themselves. This law invests in programs to reduce recidivism and keep youth out of the justice system in the first place while also protecting our communities from harm by allowing more flexibility in the use emergency beds in detention centers.”

HB25-1146 is also sponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Dan Woog, R-Erie. The new law increases the number of emergency detention beds available under the statewide juvenile detention bed cap from 22 to 39, and allows more flexibility on when the beds may be used. It enhances transparency by requiring the Colorado Department of Human Services to publish a monthly report including the number of youth in detention and the number awaiting services.

Prairie Vista Youth Services Center in Brighton, CO.

To address concerns about staff interactions with detained youth, the law also establishes a pilot program for Department of Youth Services (DYS) staff at one facility to wear body-worn cameras during interactions with youth.

Additionally, the new law allocates over $3 million for deflection and community programs. The law creates the Deflection and Community Investment Grant Program in the Colorado Department of Public Safety to provide grants to eligible applicants to implement trauma-informed health and development deflection programs for youth, including Native American youth.

Finally, the law makes procedural changes to the juvenile justice system to repeal infrequently-used provisions and streamline case dismissal for some low-level charges, improving efficiency and fairness.

DYS operates 14 secure youth centers serving youth between the ages of 10 to 21. DYS also administers juvenile parole services. In 2023, HB23-1307 allowed DYS to administer 22 temporary emergency beds that did not count toward the detention cap of 215 beds.

The post Bill to Improve Youth Justice System Goes Into Effect appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

DENVER, CO – Colorado General Assembly Democratic Leadership today released statements following the assassination and targeted attack on Minnesota elected officials and their families.

“Melissa was a cherished colleague and words cannot express how deeply saddened I am,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “She was a brilliant public servant, a champion for her state, and simply a wonderful person. My heart is with her family, her caucus and the state of Minnesota who I know are grieving alongside an entire nation that is in shock, and I am praying for the recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife. Our democracy is based on the idea that we resolve our differences through peaceful debate and in courts, elected bodies, state legislatures and the halls of Congress. There is no place in our country, ever, for the targeting of elected officials and political violence, and those responsible must be brought to justice.”

“Under no circumstances is political violence acceptable in America. There is room for healthy disagreement and debate, but we must never turn to violence against our political opponents,” said Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver. “The targeted attacks in Minnesota are a dark example of how violent rhetoric can devolve into violent actions. I share in the grief of losing Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and I am praying for a full and speedy recovery for Senator John Hoffman and his wife.”

“These acts of targeted violence in Minnesota have shaken us all to the core and are a direct attack on the democratic values we hold dear,” said House Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. “I never thought I’d see the day when a state legislator would be assassinated in their home. No one who runs for office signs up to lose their life in their service to their community and standing up for what they believe in. We must all speak up and say unambiguously that violence is not the answer and work toward a future where something like this is never possible. The entire Colorado legislature is praying for the speedy recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife, and our hearts are with the families of Speaker Emeritus Hortman and her husband.”

“Retaliation and violence against public servants must never be tolerated,” said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver. “Americans across the country sacrifice their time and energy to run for office and serve their communities – they should never fear that in doing so they sacrifice their safety as well. We all must unequivocally condemn this horrific act of violence and commit to respectful and peaceful means of settling our political differences. My thoughts are with the families of Speaker Emerita Hartman and her husband, and I am hopeful for complete recovery for Senator Hoffman and his wife.”

The post Democratic Leadership Release Statements on Assassination and Targeted Attack on Minnesota Elected Officials appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press Releases are provided to Yellow Scene. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

DENVER, CO – The Governor today signed legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representative and Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, to improve services for people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal justice system.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their interactions with law enforcement and the justice system, especially people battling serious behavioral health issues,” said Michaelson Jenet. “This new law works to streamline and protect access to the resources that the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system need to heal and eventually re-enter their communities feeling healthier, stronger and more productive.”

“To create safer communities, we need to make sure Coloradans in the criminal justice system with behavioral health disorders receive the care they need to stand trial effectively,” said English. “Without consistent behavioral health care for these individuals, criminal trials are likely to be delayed, which hinders our justice system. This new law streamlines access to inpatient services for those in the criminal justice system to help reduce recidivism and prioritize justice for survivors.”

“Coloradans seeking support in the aftermath of mental health crises deserve comprehensive care and a system willing to treat them with dignity,” said Amabile. “Every American is owed the right to fair criminal trial, and we owe it to victims, defendants, their families and their communities to implement an equitable and dignified environment for proceedings to take place.”

SB25-041, cosponsored by Representative Mary Bradfield, R-El Paso County, will allow the Colorado Department of Human Services to continue providing inpatient services for up to 90 days after an individual’s case is dismissed because the person is deemed “incompetent to proceed.” It also allows the department to work with community organizations to provide permanent supportive housing for these individuals or those who complete the Bridges of Colorado program.

The new law was recommended by the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems Interim Committee, which is responsible for overseeing its associated task force and implementing recommendations regarding the treatment of people with behavioral health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems.

The post New Law Will Improve Treatment of People with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole. 

SB25-167 creates a down payment assistance program for public school employees

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, and Representatives Shannon Bird, D-Westminster, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, to create the Educator First Home Ownership Program to provide down payment assistance for public school employees.

SB25-167, also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, creates a Community Investment Portfolio within the Public School Fund to be used for a shared equity down payment assistance program and other community investments. The law unlocks at least $100 million by 2028 and $200 million by 2030 to assist public school employees in buying their first home.

“SB25-167 uses financial tools already in our toolbox to help teachers and other public school employees afford a down payment,” said Amabile. “This new program will allow teachers, who give so much to our communities, to put down roots, build generational wealth, and have a safe and stable place to call home. It is a win-win, letting participants keep most of their equity if they sell, while sustaining the program and paying it forward for others.”

“With this law, we’re making owning a home a reality for more Colorado teachers,” said Rep. Lukens. “The lack of affordable housing, especially in rural mountain communities like mine, can be a significant barrier for first-time homebuyers. By creating a new program to help public school teachers afford a down payment, more educators can afford to live in the communities where they teach.”

“For first-time homebuyers, the initial down payment can be financially intimidating or seemingly impossible,” said Bird. “This law makes it easier for our teachers to afford to purchase their very first home, making it possible for them to build generational wealth and put down roots in the communities they teach in. Together, we’re investing in our teachers.”

The down payment assistance program will be managed by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) who will establish criteria for participation, prioritizing first-time homebuyers using the home as their primary residence. The new law establishes reporting requirements to the House and Senate Education Committees, the Public School Fund Investment Board (PSFIB), and the Colorado Department of Education.

The PSFIB will manage the portfolio. They may contract with investment advisors to provide support and expertise, and one member must have experience in community investments.

CONTACT:
Senate Majority Communications Director Nina Krizman, 913.981.3713
House Majority Media Relations Director
Mallory Feeney, 563.542.8299

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