Colorado State Representative Dusty Johnson, a member of the Republican party representing Fort Morgan, ended the year 2025 by celebrating the passage of twelve significant bills that aim to improve the quality of life in rural Colorado. These laws address various issues, from healthcare accessibility to education and agriculture, reflecting the unique needs of communities across the state.
Key Legislative Achievements
During an interview with The Fort Morgan Times, Johnson detailed the purpose and anticipated impact of each new law. Notably, the legislation surrounding Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) stands out as pivotal for rural residents. The bill, HB25-1094, reforms the role of PBMs, the intermediaries between drug manufacturers and pharmacies. Initially established to control drug prices, PBMs have increasingly directed patients towards medications based on rebate incentives rather than medical necessity. This law imposes a flat rebate rate and curtails the negotiating power of PBMs, ensuring that patient care remains the priority, particularly in areas with limited pharmacy options.
Another significant change arrived with SB25-301, which addresses delays in medication dosage adjustments for patients with chronic conditions. Previously, patients faced long waits for insurance reauthorization, even for minor dosage changes. Under the new law, healthcare providers can make real-time adjustments without additional approvals, enhancing patient care and responsiveness when immediate action is necessary.
Supporting Rural Hospitals and Education
Johnson also highlighted the challenges faced by rural hospitals in securing necessary funding for infrastructure improvements. The bill HB25-1223 creates a formal coalition for rural hospitals, allowing them to collaborate and present their needs collectively. This united approach not only increases their credibility but also opens avenues for shared projects aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
In the realm of education, HB25-1038 introduces a statewide website designed to help students transferring between Colorado colleges assess credit transfers more effectively. This initiative promises to save students time and money by minimizing the loss of credits during transitions between institutions.
The shortage of veterinarians, particularly for livestock and large animals, prompted the passage of HB25-1131, which lifts the enrollment cap for the veterinary program at Colorado State University. This change allows the university to admit more qualified students, bolstering the veterinary workforce essential for Colorado’s agricultural sector.
Economic and Environmental Reforms
Further reforms include SB25-039, which exempts agricultural buildings from urban energy code mandates that impose unnecessary costs on farmers. This exemption is expected to help maintain lower food production costs. Additionally, SB25-140 updates financial rules for irrigation districts to adjust for inflation, ensuring these districts can operate sustainably despite rising expenses.
On the safety and governance front, the establishment of an advisory board for school safety through HB25-1173 aims to unify efforts across different departments to improve school security and resource allocation.
Johnson also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the personal information of first responders with the new law HB25-1195, allowing them to register as confidential voters in recognition of their unique privacy concerns.
Advocating for Rural Representation
The formation of the Rural Caucus, now comprising 18 members, has empowered rural legislators to advocate effectively for their communities. Johnson noted that their coordinated efforts successfully prevented the proposed reallocation of funds meant for rural hospitals earlier this year.
He stated, “By rallying media attention and speaking with one voice, rural legislators ensured those funds remained in place. We’ve proven that when rural voices unite, we get results.” Johnson underscored the need for transparency and specificity in legislative language, particularly regarding funding allocations for rural infrastructure projects.
For further details on the bills signed into law, interested individuals can visit the Colorado Legislature’s website at leg.colorado.gov/bills.
