Colorado Legislature
Elephants partly inspired these new Colorado laws
When an elephant goes into labor in the wild, its herd quickly surrounds her in a tight circle, standing ready to fight any threats that come her way. The births, as with humans, can extend for many hours or even days. “It’s this incredible vision of defense and protection,” said Indra Lusero, founder and director […]
As abortion access shrinks nationwide, Colorado remains a sanctuary state for reproductive health care
When Lorenne Gavish found out she was pregnant in 2019 while living in New Mexico, she felt as if she was drowning in her abusive relationship. For Gavish, who now lives in Colorado, her first decision as a mother was to wait to become one. “Having been able to have that abortion and extract myself […]
Q&A: Rep. Naquetta Ricks, first African immigrant elected to Colorado Legislature
This week, States Newsroom outlets including Colorado Newsline featured refugees from around the country in honor of World Refugee Day. Colorado state Rep. Naquetta Ricks, a Democrat who represents Aurora and a Liberian refugee, was among those featured. Ricks — whose family fled political persecution in Liberia in 1980 — became the first African immigrant to […]
Number of bills passed by Colorado Legislature is the highest in nine years
Colorado lawmakers passed 503 bills this session, more than in any of the previous eight years, according to a Wednesday report from the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Legal Services. While fewer bills were introduced in 2021 than in 2020, 2018 or 2017, this legislative session, which concluded last week, brought a higher number and proportion […]
Colorado Republicans: Backlash over transportation fees could give GOP a shot in 2022
Republicans haven’t held power in the Colorado Senate since 2018, and not in the House since 2012. But they’re hoping what they perceive as new Democratic overreach into Coloradans’ lives, especially new transportation fees and “expanded bureaucracy,” will mean voters look to the GOP when filling out their ballots in 2022. Or perhaps the best […]
Colorado’s 2021 legislative session is over. Here are the big takeaways.
After one last hours-long debate on the House floor — this one over Senate amendments to a controversial climate bill — the Colorado General Assembly adjourned for the 2021 session shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday. It was the third year when Democrats held a trifecta of power in the House, Senate and governor’s office. Lawmakers […]
LIVE AT THE LEG: Updates from the Legislature’s final days
The 73rd Colorado General Assembly convened on Jan. 13, and it has since made a significant mark on the the lives of Coloradans. The three-day January meeting was a “soft opening,” and the Legislature, to allow time for COVID-19 case rates to decline, quickly adjourned before returning to work Feb. 16, a day before Gov. […]
‘Colorado Comeback’ stimulus update: State bills close to passing
Colorado leaders on May 25 announced a vague plan for allocating $3.8 billion in federal economic stimulus money, which the state received from coronavirus relief legislation Congress passed in March. But first things first. Besides that $3.8 billion from the feds, lawmakers have another $800 million worth of state money, largely from surplus income and […]
To-go cocktails, a COVID-era innovation, probably won’t disappear in Colorado
It looks like beer, wine and cocktails to-go are here to stay a while in Colorado — until 2026, at least. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Colorado lawmakers passed a law allowing businesses licensed to serve alcohol on their premises to also offer drinks for takeout and delivery. That policy was set to expire on […]
Gov. Polis signs ‘the very best’ budget for 2021-22 in Colorado
The Colorado budget for 2021-22 is in the books. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis on Monday signed Senate Bill 21-205, also known as “the long bill,” which details a $34.1 billion budget for the state starting July 1, when the fiscal year begins. The main story of the budget is the extraordinary shift it made from […]
People leaving prison would get Colorado ID cards under state bill
People leaving the prison system often have to jump through hoops to get a state-issued identification card. For them, it’s just another obstacle in the way of securing a new job, finding housing or reuniting with family members. An agreement between Colorado agencies already removes that obstacle for many people. It’s aimed at reducing their […]
Landmark police reform law from 2020 would get a boost under follow-up legislation
Last June, as protests in Denver, Minneapolis and across the nation highlighted police violence and racial injustice, the Colorado General Assembly passed landmark legislation aimed at holding law enforcement officers accountable for wrongdoing. Now, that 2020 law’s Democratic House sponsor, Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, is following up with another wide-ranging bill. With House Bill […]