GOVERNOR POLIS SIGNS LAWS SAVING COLORADANS MONEY ON HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE, SUPPORTING STUDENTS, AND EXPANDING PATHWAYS FOR NATURAL MEDICINE

The following information was released by the office of the Governor of Colorado:

Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law to lower the price of homeowners insurance in Colorado, invest in early childhood education careers and care, and expand pathways for natural medicine.

Governor Polis signed SB26-155 - Increase Access Homeowner's Insurance Enterprise, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Kyle Brown, and Senators Kyle Mullica and Janice Marchman. This law will make it more affordable for Coloradans to get hail proof roofs, help decrease premiums and increase market competition in high-wildfire areas. This bill is part of Governor Polis's bold comprehensive strategy to save Coloradans $800 each year on homeowners insurance, moving Colorado from the 6th most expensive state for homeowners insurance to 13th by the end of next year.

"Homeowners insurance costs too much, and today's action will save people money. This law builds on the work outlined in my Roadmap to Reduce Homeowners Insurance by increasing access to hail-proof roofs and home hardening against hail and wildfire, reducing everyone's insurance premiums. Thank you to the sponsors and advocates for championing this effort to save Coloradans money," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis signed HB26-1325 - Natural Medicine, sponsored by Representatives Jarvis Caldwell and Lisa Feret, and Senators Matt Ball and Rod Pelton. This law creates the Ibogaine Pilot Program, ensuring the long-term success of the Natural Medicine Health Act passed by Colorado voters in 2022.

"This bipartisan bill is the latest step we are taking to implement the will of Colorado voters who first passed natural medicine at the ballot in 2022. Natural medicine has shown exceptional promise in Colorado to help veterans and others overcome substance abuse, trauma and more. We're especially excited to be leading the way with an opportunity to examine Ibogaine as a tool for treatment. This law recognizes the benefits of natural medicine and will help Coloradans recover and live healthy lives," said Governor Polis.

"For too long, too many Veterans and families struggling with substance use disorder and trauma have had too few effective options. Colorado's passage of this legislation reflects a growing recognition that we need to explore new solutions and follow the science wherever it leads. I commend Governor Polis and the Colorado legislature for their leadership and commitment to advancing research into ibogaine and its potential to help those who need it," said former Texas Governor Rick Perry, American for Ibogaine Chairman.

"I'm thrilled that Colorado has passed this landmark legislation advancing research in ibogaine treatment, offering new hope for people and families struggling with addiction. This pilot program has the potential to save and transform numerous lives while creating a powerful model of care for the nation to follow," said Melissa Etheridge, Mother, Activist, and Grammy and Academy Award-winning Rock Star.

"Colorado is once again leading the charge in bringing promising treatment modalities to fight our mental health and opiate abuse crisis," said Joshua Kappel, Partner - Vicente LLP and Interim Executive Director, Colorado For Ibogaine

Governor Polis also signed bills into law to support early childhood education careers, and support public schools:

SB26-080 - Cradle to Career Grant Program Creation, sponsored by Senate President James Coleman and Minority Leader Cleave Simpson and Representatives Meghan Lukens and Regina English

"Investing in our students and communities grows our economy, supports families, and helps all Coloradans thrive. The Cradle to Career grants are an important tool to help ensure Colorado kids have the support and resources to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you to the sponsors and advocates for coming together to create innovative ways to support Colorado children at every stage of life," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis also signed the following bills into law in ceremony:

SB26-170 - Task Force to Expand Effective Public Schools, sponsored by Senate President James Coleman and Senator Scott Bright and Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Mathew Martinez

HB26-1276 - Protect Safety of Individuals Who Are Immigrants, sponsored by Representatives Elizabeth Velasco, and Lorena Garcia, and Senators Iman Jodeh and Mike Weissman

HB26-1429 - County Administration Public Assistance Programs, sponsored by Representatives Kyle Brown and Emily Sirota, and Senators Jeff Bridges and Barbara Kirkmeyer