Author: Marissa Ventrelli
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Colorado issues draft guidance on semi-automatic firearms ahead of new law’s implementation
The Colorado Department of Revenue has issued a draft of its “specified semi-automatic firearms guidance,” as required by a 2025 law that goes into effect on Aug. 1 of this year. Last legislative session, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 003, which requires individuals to undergo a $52 safety course through Colorado Parks and Wildlife in order…
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Denver, Boulder prosecutors call congressional immigration probe ‘political theater’
Elected officials in Denver and Boulder are pushing back after the U.S. House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation into their immigration policies, as part of a broader probe targeting “sanctuary” jurisdictions nationwide. On May 20, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, issued letters to the district attorneys, sheriffs and police…
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‘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…
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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,…
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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,…
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Colorado Democrats tout 2026 session wins; Republicans criticize budget choices
Colorado lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 legislative session on Wednesday with Democrats highlighting what they described as policy wins in affordability, health care and public safety issues, while Republicans argued that the majority’s budget decisions worsened the state’s financial and business climate. Lawmakers passed about 120 bills this legislative session amid federal funding cuts and…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Colorado ethics panel finds probable cause in complaint against Democrat caucus leader
The colleagues of a Democrat unanimously concluded they have probable cause to believe she committed an ethical violation by mismanaging her party caucus’s funds as its co-chair. The House Ethics Committee was charged with examining a complaint from Rep. Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, alleging that Rep. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, mishandled and improperly used caucus funds for…