With the start of the 2025 legislative session around the corner, I want to share an update on my work as your new state representative, as well as the bills I’ll be proposing this year.
Over the past month, I’ve been meeting with constituents and local officials to understand the issues that matter most to our community before I head up to Denver next week. My top priorities this year include expanding access to health care, collaborating with tribal councils and ensuring House District 59’s rural perspective shapes policies ranging from home insurance assessments to education reform. Some of my bill proposals will lay the groundwork for initiatives that will extend into the 2026 legislative session.
My first bill will allow occupational therapists to prescribe durable medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers and blood pressure monitors. This change will streamline the process for patients, reducing unnecessary back-and-forth between physicians and therapists and helping people access the tools they need to live healthier lives.
Another health care bill in progress aims to expand telehealth services in rural hospitals. By increasing access to virtual care, we can ease the strain on rural physicians and ensure trauma care remains available during severe weather when medevac transports are not an option. While the state’s budgetary restrictions may push this effort to 2026, my co-sponsor from the Eastern Plains and I are determined to find a path forward as soon as possible.
I’m honored to be working alongside the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribal councils and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources on a joint initiative to expand tribal access to ancestral lands. This legislation will waive state park fees for Ute tribal members, reducing barriers to public lands and honoring our commitment to Native American communities in Colorado. Additionally, I’ll be proposing a bill to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday.
My final bill focuses on supporting children with disabilities in our schools. Building on the work of last year’s legislative task force, which studied the impact of discipline policies on students with disabilities, this bill will address gaps in discipline reporting processes and create a foundation for future reforms. This is the first step in a multiyear effort to ensure our education system meets the needs of all students.
I’m excited to bring HD59’s values and priorities to the state Legislature and will continue advocating for meaningful, practical solutions that benefit our community.
Katie Stewart represents Colorado House District 59, representing Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties and most of Montezuma County. Reach her at katie.stewart.house@coleg.gov.
