DENVER - Today, Governor Polis, bipartisan legislators, health care providers, business leaders, and trial lawyers announced an agreement to prevent costly, divisive ballot measures that would have been very risky for the future of Colorado.

“Here in Colorado we work together to get things done and this agreement shows how people from different viewpoints can work together to move Colorado forward. I appreciate the bill sponsors and the hard work and sincere negotiations from all sides to get this done, preventing more costly and divisive ballot measures, protecting the rights of patients, and saving people money on healthcare,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

If the consensus bill passes the legislature, all sides have agreed to pull their ballot measures from the ballot creating more certainty for Colorado businesses and consumers across the state. 

“Coloradans expect opposing sides to try to come together and find common ground, and that’s exactly what the sponsors and the governor have accomplished with this bill. This important step will avoid divisive ballot measures. I appreciate the work of Representative Brown, Senator Mullica, and Governor Polis to make this agreement happen and deliver results for Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie.

“I am grateful to Governor Polis and the legislators who helped make this agreement happen and am glad that both sides were able to sit down together and hammer out an agreement that works for everyone. It’s always a good thing when opposing parties can reach a compromise that will help avoid costly and divisive ballot measures,” Senate President Steve Fenberg. 

“I’m very glad that stakeholders were able to find a resolution that is good for the people of Colorado,” said Rep. Rose Pugliese, House Minority Leader.  

“Ballot box wars have unintended consequences and I am glad an agreement has been reached to avoid further, likely divisive and costly battles for stakeholders and voters. I thank the stakeholders on both sides of this issue for avoiding this fight,” said Senator Bob Gardner. 

“Coloradans expect their leaders to work together to find solutions, and that’s exactly what this bill does. It provides much-needed certainty for Coloradans and businesses while avoiding a potentially painful fight at the ballot box. I’m grateful to all the parties that have worked together to make this possible,” said Sen. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton.

“We’re helping Coloradans by coming together with this bill to avoid expensive ballot measures. This is the right way to move forward for Colorado consumers, and I’m grateful for everyone who put aside their differences to do what’s best for our state,” said Rep. Kyle Brown. 

We thank Governor Polis for bringing together this diverse group of leaders to help solve this challenge.  This bill is a significant step forward to improve access to justice for all Coloradans.  We are proud to have worked to bring about this change to help people and right wrongs,” said Kari Jones Dulin, President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. 

“Efforts to remove noneconomic damage caps would have had a detrimental impact on Colorado’s competitiveness, making it even more expensive to live and do business here,” said Colorado Chamber President and CEO Loren Furman. “We’re pleased that after months of work to find an agreement, this proposal will provide the predictability and stability employers need, avoiding an expensive fight at the ballot. The Colorado Chamber is committed to improving the state’s business and legal climate, and we appreciate the work of the Governor’s Office and legislative leadership for working with us to help take these costly measures off the table.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Polis and our bill sponsors, a key group of interested parties reached a consensus on changes that will safeguard Colorado’s stable medical liability laws. This agreement protects laws that allow for the review and improvement of care delivery and Colorado’s status as the best state to receive quality patient care,” said Tamra Ward, Executive Director of Coloradans Protecting Patient Access, a broad coalition of health care organizations and medical professionals.