Colorado's Special Legislative Session: What Was Approved?

DENVER, CO — Gov. Jared Polis and Colorado's legislative leadership held a special session on COVID-19 relief Wednesday.

The legislation that was passed aims to support small businesses and help families avoid eviction or foreclosure, pay bills and access safe child care.

Legislation that was approved includes:

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SB20B-001 will send $57 million in direct aid, grants and annual fee waivers to small businesses. The businesses that are operating in counties with severe capacity restrictions will be prioritized, officials said. The legislation will also create grant programs and allocate funds specifically for art and cultural organizations and minority-owned businesses, the state said. Bill sponsors: Senators Faith Winter and Kevin Priola.

SB20B-002 provides $60 million for emergency housing assistance to residents who are in financial need due to the COVID-19. Of the funding, $1 million will support the Eviction Legal Assistance Fund, which will help Coloradans stay in their homes. The bill also establishes a provision that aims to ensure tens of thousands of unemployed Coloradans can continue to have access to the federally funded State Extended Benefits Program through Dec. 26. Bill sponsors: Senators Julie Gonzales and Chris Holbert.

SB20B-003 appropriates $5 million to the Energy Outreach Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund in order to provide financial relief to Coloradans that are struggling to pay their utility bills. Bill sponsors:Senators Rhonda Fields and Larry Crowder.

SB20B-004: Sponsored by , allocates an additional $100 million to ensure the state can continue to protect public health while waiting for further federal stimulus and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bill sponsor: Senator Dominick Moreno.

HB20B-1001 will dedicate $20 million towards increasing our state’s broadband capacity to connect more students to their teachers so that they can learn safely in the months ahead. Many families who are struggling with financial stability can’t afford to cover the cost, and some school districts lack the infrastructure to educate their students remotely. Bill sponsors: Reps. Mary Young and Matt Soper.

“The bipartisan efforts achieved this week will help folks get through the challenging months ahead," Polis said in a statement.

"I’m thrilled we are acting now as a state to improve internet access for students and educators, give a much needed boost to child care providers, provide a lifeline for small businesses and restaurants through tax relief and assistance, and bridge the gap on rent, utilities and food pantry programs for Coloradans who have been hit the hardest.

“But we know there is more work to be done and we continue to urge Washington to take action and give Coloradans the support we need to get through these tougher times and build back stronger.”