Rep. Carlos Barron

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating September 14-20, 2025, as "Co-Responder Units and Behavioral Health Crisis Professionals Week" in Colorado. It honors professionals who work alongside law enforcement in crisis situations involving mental health or substance use, recognizing their role in de-escalating emergencies and connecting individuals to resources like counseling and housing. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for their service but does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 25-007 is a ceremonial resolution proclaiming February 14 as "Colorado Read to Your Child Day." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of reading aloud to children for early literacy development. The resolution cites research linking early reading exposure to future academic success and reduced educational disparities. This resolution directly affects Colorado residents by designating an annual observance to encourage family reading habits, without implementing any concrete policy changes.

The bill allows a probation officer or employee to provide personal information about an individual to federal immigration authorities if the individual is on probation for certain violent felony offenses. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Under current law, when an employee takes leave from a job pursuant to the state's paid family and medical leave insurance program, the employer is required to hold the employee's job until the employee returns and maintain the employee's health-care benefits during the duration of their leave. Section 1 of the bill creates an exemption from these requirements for an employer that has a workforce of 51% or more highly specialized employees. The bill requires an employer to apply to and get approval from the division of family and medical leave insurance (division) in the department of labor and employment before the employer can qualify for the exemption. An employer that qualifies must reapply annually to maintain the exemption. Lastly, section 1 defines a highly specialized employee as an employee whose job description or duties: Involve responsibilities that are not easily transferrable; Require a specific or unique advanced degree that limits the pool of replacements; or Require a rare or in-high-demand skill set. Section 2 requires the division to establish a standardized application process for employers to apply for the highly specialized employees exemption by submitting documentation that proves that the employer has a workforce of 51% or more highly specialized employees. On or before March 1, 2026, the director of the division is required to adopt necessary rules to implement the application process.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Section 1 of the bill repeals the agreement among the states to elect the president by national popular vote. Section 2 makes a conforming amendment.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Under current law, retail establishments are prohibited from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale, but may provide recycled paper carryout bags for a fee of at least 10 cents per bag. The bill repeals the requirement that retail establishments charge a fee for providing recycled paper carryout bags. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution designates February 4 of each year as "Missing Persons Day" in Colorado. It formally recognizes the issue of missing persons through state-wide awareness, encouraging public support for families and law enforcement efforts without creating new legal requirements or funding. The resolution aligns with Colorado's existing AMBER Alert and Missing Indigenous Person Alert programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Monday, January 27, 2025, as "Colorado 4-H Day" to recognize the Colorado 4-H Youth Development program. It is a symbolic resolution honoring 4-H's work with youth aged 5-19, including its role in community engagement, leadership development, and STEM education through Colorado State University Extension. The resolution has no legal effect or new requirements - it simply encourages public acknowledgment of the program. (HJR 25-1006, passed by both chambers on January 27-30, 2025)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 25-1007) is a commemorative resolution designating a specific segment of Interstate 25 in Colorado - southbound from mile marker 199.4 and northbound from mile marker 194.8 - as the "Firefighters Memorial Hwy in Memory of Chief Troy Jackson." It honors Troy Jackson, a 30-year firefighter with South Metro Fire Rescue who developed cancer prevention programs for first responders before passing in 2019. The resolution allows the Colorado Department of Transportation to accept donations for signage and coordinate with Arapahoe and Douglas counties for sign maintenance. As a naming resolution, it has no policy or funding changes beyond this memorial designation.

The bill repeals standards created in House Bill 20-1343, enacted in 2020, regarding confinement standards for egg-laying hens whose eggs are sold. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)