Author: Marissa Ventrelli marissa.ventrelli@coloradopolitics.com
-
‘More free time’: Gov. Polis turns Colorado Democratic Party censure into scheduling perk
Facing public rebuke from his own party, Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday brushed off the Colorado Democratic Party’s censure and defended his decision to cut in half Tina Peters’ prison term, saying the case had long troubled him and that her beliefs should never have factored into her sentencing. At a news conference announcing an…
-
What didn’t pass: A look at the Colorado bills that died in the 2026 legislative session
Colorado’s legislative session ended with some imbalance: While lawmakers managed to pass about 120 bills, more than 150 others collapsed along the way, undone by political disagreements, budget pressures or simple lack of time before adjournment on May 13. The failed measures spanned a variety of policy areas, from taxes and health care to technology,…
-
Congressional panel probes Denver, Boulder over ICE cooperation limits
A congressional panel is reviewing Denver and Boulder’s policies, alleging that these cities, along with other “sanctuary” jurisdictions, are declining to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, the body announced Wednesday. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, issued letters to the district attorneys, sheriffs and police chiefs of Denver and Boulder,…
-
Colorado lawmakers pass bill negating road-funding ballot measure
Colorado lawmakers on Wednesday approved a last‑minute amendment to a bill crafted to counter a ballot measure requiring that public funds collected for “road transportation” go to “road transportation,” setting up a high‑stakes clash over street funding and public services. House Bill 1430 would only go into effect if Initiative No. 175 passes in November. That…
-
Colorado legislators abandon proposal targeting natural gas initiative
Colorado lawmakers pulled back plans to counter a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of consumers to use natural gas. The bill’s backers said the legislation would not have significantly affected the initiative’s impact, even as debate intensifies among environmental groups, the oil and gas industry and policymakers. The bill — initially planned by House…
-
Colorado legislators ask voters to forfeit thousands in TABOR refunds, redirect money to school spending
A Democratic‑backed proposal to direct money to K‑12 schools using Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights dollars is headed to the ballot, setting up a major debate over taxpayer refunds and long‑term education funding. If voters approve it, the average Coloradan would forfeit more than $7,000 in TABOR refunds over the next decade. Senate Bill 135 includes…
-
AI’s rapid growth spurs regulatory reaction in Colorado
The 2026 legislative session was marked by a major push to regulate artificial intelligence, a technology advancing at breakneck speed. Colorado is at the forefront of AI policy, becoming the first state to pursue regulation on “algorithmic discrimination” by passing a law in 2024. Supporters have lauded the legislation, saying it’s necessary to put guardrails…
-
Bill on firearm barrel sales withdrawn after veto threat from Colorado governor
A bill that would require firearm barrels to be sold in person by a federally licensed firearms dealer was pulled by its sponsors, who said they were all but told that Gov. Jared Polis would veto the measure. Sponsored by Sen. Tom Sullivan, D‑Centennial, and Reps. Kyle Brown, D‑Louisville, and Meg Froelich, D‑Englewood, Senate Bill…
-
Colorado legislature pushes AI rules targeting health care, therapy and chatbots
With just days left in the 2026 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers are rushing a trio of artificial intelligence bills to Gov. Jared Polis, aiming to set rules on artificial intelligence in the areas of health care, therapy and consumer-facing chatbots. As technology advances at breakneck speed, lawmakers have been scrambling to establish regulations, particularly regarding…
-
Fight over road funding intensifies as Democrats seek to negate citizen initiative
The battle over road funding intensified at the state Capitol this week, where legislators are seeking to negate an initiative that supporters say is sorely needed but which critics insist would divert money from other state priorities. Supporters of the initiative questioned the timing of new legislation that emerged in the waning days of the…