2019 Colorado Legislative Recap
With the close of Colorado’s 2019 legislative session in May, we have some great accomplishments to celebrate! Because of the work that you did - sending emails, making calls, visiting lawmakers, and writing letters-to-the-editor - we were able to pass legislation that protects Coloradans from big tobacco, and ensures women will continue to receive the treatment they need when faced with breast and cervical cancer.
Local Governments May Regulate Nicotine Products – After 45 years, we reversed the law that placed a financial penalty on any local government attempting to tax or regulate cigarettes at a higher rate than the state. With this removal, municipalities are able to fight big tobacco the best way they see fit! This has made it possible for cities to tackle the e-cigarette epidemic right at home.
Cancer Treatment and License Plate Surcharge - This bill reauthorized the Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program for 10 years, ensuring women who cannot afford it will get the treatment they need to live! Previously, this program was reauthorized every five years. With this legislation, it will be a decade before the program needs to be revisited.
Update to Clean Indoor Air Act - With vaping among Colorado kids reaching epidemic levels, this bill added e-cigarettes to the clean indoor air act, making it illegal to vape everywhere it is already illegal to smoke. It also ensures that Denver International Airport will never again have a smoking lounge, and removes exemptions for hotels and small businesses. A true bipartisan win for Coloradans, championed by Rep. Michaelson Jenet, Rep. Larson, Senator Priola and Senator Donovan!
While our victories in Colorado were tremendous this legislative session, unfortunately, the same day Governor Polis signed into law the addition of e-cigarettes to our Clean Indoor Air Act, he also signed the Marijuana Hospitality Bill, giving a new exemption to clean indoor air.
We would like to thank you for your continued commitment and determination to create a state and world without cancer. Updated information on our policies will be found at www.fightcancer.org/CO and please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acscan.co.
Thank you!
RJ Ours, Government Relations Director
Eric Heydorn, Grassroots Manager