Author: Marissa Ventrelli
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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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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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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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Grand jury indicts 2 petition circulators in 2024 signature-forgery case
A statewide grand jury has indicted two petition circulators on allegations that they forged signatures while gathering support for a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot. The Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office said the circulators — Cherell Long of Nevada and Martin Arellano of Texas — were working for a Colorado Springs–based canvassing…
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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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Session wrap-up: Colorado legislators pass 450 bills in 2026 session
The 2026 legislative session wrapped Wednesday with lawmakers approving roughly 450 bills, though how many would ultimately be signed by Gov. Jared Polis remains uncertain. Beyond high‑profile debates over artificial intelligence policy and the state budget, legislators advanced major measures on health care, education, immigration, and public safety. Here is an overview of some of…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…