State Representative Dusty Johnson of Fort Morgan concluded 2025 by successfully passing twelve significant bills that aim to enhance the lives of residents across rural Colorado. In a recent conversation with The Fort Morgan Times, Johnson detailed the implications of these laws, focusing on how they will address critical issues in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
Key Legislative Achievements
One of the standout measures is the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform (HB25-1094). This legislation targets the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), intermediaries between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. Originally intended to control drug prices, PBMs have shifted towards prioritizing rebate profits over patient needs. The new law sets a flat rebate rate and curtails PBMs’ negotiating power, ensuring that treatment decisions are based on patient care rather than profit margins. This change is particularly vital in rural areas where pharmacy options are limited.
Another important law is the Chronic Medication Dosage Changes (SB25-301), which streamlines the process for doctors to make real-time dosage adjustments for patients with chronic conditions. Previously, patients faced lengthy delays awaiting insurance reauthorization for dosage changes, even when the medication itself remained the same. The new law allows healthcare providers to act swiftly, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of detrimental delays.
Supporting Rural Communities
Johnson also addressed the pressing needs of rural hospitals through the Capital Needs of Rural Hospitals (HB25-1223). This legislation establishes a formal coalition for rural hospitals, enabling them to collaborate and present their funding needs as a collective. By uniting their voices, these hospitals can pursue shared projects that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
The Public Hospital Boards Update (HB25-1085) corrects an oversight where four rural hospitals were excluded from updated governance standards. This law ensures that all public hospitals adhere to the same regulations, promoting consistent governance across the state.
In the realm of education, the Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website (HB25-1038) aims to alleviate the burdens faced by students transferring between Colorado colleges. With this new resource, students can determine which credits will transfer before enrolling, thereby minimizing wasted time and financial resources.
Addressing the shortage of veterinarians, especially for large animals, the Remove Student Cap for CSU Veterinary Program (HB25-1131) legislation removes enrollment caps at Colorado State University. This allows the university to admit more qualified students, thereby strengthening the veterinary workforce statewide.
On the agricultural front, the Exempt Agricultural Buildings from Energy Code Mandates (SB25-039) provides relief for farmers and ranchers by exempting agricultural structures from urban energy codes that impose unnecessary expenses. This law helps reduce production costs, which is vital in managing rising food prices.
The Irrigation District Inflation Adjustment (SB25-140) updates outdated financial rules for irrigation districts, allowing them to adjust for inflation and maintain essential operations. This law is crucial for the long-term sustainability of water systems that farmers depend on.
Johnson also highlighted the establishment of an Advisory Board for School Safety (HB25-1173), which consolidates the efforts of various state departments to improve school safety initiatives. This law enhances coordination and resource sharing, ensuring that schools receive consistent support.
Additionally, the Confidential Voter Status for First Responders (HB25-1195) allows first responders and their families to register as confidential voters, safeguarding their personal information. This measure addresses the unique privacy concerns faced by those who serve their communities.
The Division of Water Resources Efficiency (HB25-1014) modifies the evaluation process for water rights applications, making it more efficient by dividing the workload into two cycles. This change alleviates backlogs and provides farmers and ranchers with more time to implement approved rights.
Unifying Rural Voices
Beyond specific legislative achievements, Johnson emphasized the importance of the newly formed Rural Caucus, now consisting of 18 members. The caucus played a crucial role in advocating for rural interests, notably preventing a proposed take-back of hospital funds earlier this year.
“By rallying media attention and speaking with one voice, rural legislators ensured those funds remained in place,” Johnson stated. “We’ve proven that when rural voices unite, we get results.”
She further stressed the need for transparency and accountability in government spending, advocating for prioritization of rural infrastructure projects over broader initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations where basic infrastructure remains inadequate.
“Transparency matters. Specificity matters. And I’ll keep fighting to make sure rural Colorado gets the respect and resources it deserves,” Johnson affirmed.
For more details on other bills signed into law, visit the Colorado Legislature website at leg.colorado.gov/bills.
