THE MOTHER LODE
A short, sweet, and rich summary of what’s happened at the Capitol
Since the last update of the Gold Miner, long-spirited debates have been commonplace in both the House and Senate chambers.
In the Senate, two bills in particular ignited hours-long debates. The first, SB25-005 the “Labor Peace Act,” had a clear partisan divide. Republicans argued that it broke established precedents and agreements, while Democrats emphasized the measure was vital for workers’ rights. In the end, the bill advanced to the House along party lines. However, the Title Board also approved Initiative 12, which if enough signatures are collected and it is approved by voters, would reverse some of the provisions if the law is enacted.
The second Senate bill, SB25-003, dubbed the “Semi-Automatic Firearm Ban,” had the Senate debating until 2 AM. An amendment transformed the legislation, mandating classes for individuals seeking to purchase most semi-automatic firearms, instead of outright banning the firearms. Despite the late night, the bill passed, though not without three Democratic senators –– Nick Hinrichsen, Tony Exum, and Marc Snyder –– voting against the measure. The Bill is currently being delayed in the House, most likely due to its new fiscal note resulting from the addition of the major Senate amendment that transformed the bill.
In other legislation, Senator Carson introduced SB25-135, the Colorado Government Efficiency Authority bill, to the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. During the hearing, former Congressman Greg Lopez testified in support of the bill, describing it as a common-sense measure. The testimony grew heated following remarks from a representative of Colorado Common Cause. She argued that the bill would effectively make Colorado an extension of the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and sharply criticized its leader, Elon Musk. Her testimony concluded to a burst of applause and cheers from the audience, forcing the committee Chairman Senator Weissman to gavel down and sternly warn attendees against further outbursts of applause or cheering.
Senator Baisley introduced SB25-047, “Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law,” also to the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. The testimony for this bill lasted hours and sparked intense debate. Sheriffs and county commissioners notably voiced their support for the legislation, while numerous immigration advocacy groups rallied in opposition. After hours of heated discussion, the bill was defeated in a party-line vote. If passed, the bill would have permitted law enforcement to coordinate with ICE regarding individuals arrested for a criminal offense and being in the United States illegally.
Over in the House, two contentious measures stirred the pot. The first, a resolution condemning the pardoning of January 6th participants (SJR25-006) drew criticism from Republicans, who deemed it a distraction from pressing issues like Colorado’s upcoming budget deficit. Amid the debate, numerous Republican amendments were presented. One standout moment came when JBC member Representative Taggart took to the podium, delivering a plea for less divisiveness and reiterated the need for the legislature to focus and solve the Colorado budget deficit that makes Colorado highly dependent on federal dollars.
The second House bill, HB25-1133, aimed at restricting ammunition sales to those under 21, fueled a four-and-a-half-hour debate during Second Reading. Republicans argued the bill as unconstitutional and creates a larger urban-rural divide, while Democrats hailed it as a critical step for public safety. Republicans continued the 3 hours of arguments on Third Reading as well. The measure ultimately advanced to the Senate with amendments, including a provision allowing military members as young as 18 the ability to purchase ammunition.
Senator Jaquez Lewis abruptly resigned amid ethics allegations from former staffers. Her resignation came just before a scheduled Senate Ethics Committee hearing, where she reportedly submitted a fabricated letter of support. Her departure triggers yet another vacancy committee search to fill her seat — the 10th such occurrence among current Colorado senators and the 22nd across both chambers. Notably, all but three of these appointees have been Democrats.
On Monday, legislators from both chambers took a break from floor work to attend former Representative Rod Bockenfeld’s funeral. The former Representative passed away on February 13th and served three terms from 2018-2024.
Lastly, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty and former Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran have announced their candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Colorado Attorney General. Rumors suggest that others may also enter the race, including current Secretary of State Jena Griswold. In State Treasurer news, Representative Titone announced that she will be running, and there is reported to be a large amount of Democrat candidates vying to be the State Treasurer. On the Republican side, no formal candidates have announced for either office. In State Treasurer news, Representative Brianna Titone announced that she will be running, and there is reported to be a large amount of Democrat candidates vying to be the State Treasurer. Deep Singh Badhesha, a Democratic activist and strategist in Denver, put together a comprehensive guide of who’s running, rumored to be running, and out of all the statewide races on the Democratic side.
THE BILLFOLD
Updates on impactful legislation
House Bill 25-1272 Title: Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing Sponsors: Rep Bird, Rep Boesenecker, Sen Coleman, Sen Roberts Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government Summary: Concerning housing
House Bill 25-1261 Title: Consumers Construction Defect Action Sponsors: Rep Bacon, Sen Rodriguez, Sen Winter Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government Summary: Concerning protections for homeowners that relate to improvements to real property
House Bill 25-1264 Title: Prohibit Surveillance Data to Set Prices and Wages Sponsors: Rep Mabrey, Rep Garcia, Sen Jodeh Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Judiciary Summary: Concerning limiting the use of automated analysis intimate personal data to make inferences that impact a person’s financial position
Senate Bill 25-173 Title: Revenue Classification Taxpayer Bill of Rights Sponsors: Rep Weissman Last Action: Introduced In Senate – Assigned to Finance Summary: Concerning the classification of certain state revenue for purposes of calculating state fiscal year spending pursuant to Section 20 of Article X of the state constitution, and, in connection therewith, clarifying the statutory definitions of damage awards and property sale for purposes of calculating state fiscal year spending
House Bill 25-1267 Title: Support for Statewide Energy Strategies Sponsors: Rep Paschal, Rep McCormick, Sen Winter Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Energy & Environment Summary: Concerning support for statewide energy strategies, and, in connection therewith, modifying the electric vehicle grant fund within the Colorado Energy Office and regulating retail electric vehicle charging.
Senate Bill 25-170 Title: Deoxyribonucleic Acid & Sexual Assault Backlog Testing & Data Sponsors: Rep Amabile, Sen Kirkmeyer, Sen Bird Last Action: Introduced In Senate – Assigned to Appropriations Summary: Concerning a state-fund response to genetic testing backlogs
House Bill 25-1277 Title: Increasing Transparency Impact of Fuel Products Sponsors: Rep Bacon, Rep Joseph, Sen Cutter Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Energy & Environment Summary: Concerning measures to increase transparency regarding the impact of the consumption of certain fuel products
House Bill 25-1281 Title: Title Register & Drive Kei Vehicles Sponsors: Rep Lindstedt, Rep Suckla, Sen Hinrichsen Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government Summary: Concerning Kei vehicles
House Bill 25-1280 Title: Advanced Leak Detection Technology Rules Sponsors: Rep Story, Rep Smith Last Action: Introduced In House – Assigned to Energy & Environment Summary: Concerning advanced leak detection for pipelines, and, in connection therewith, directing the public utilities commission to adopt rules regarding the implementation of advances leak detection technologies by a certain date.
Senate Bill 25-180 Title: Population Growth Calculation Sponsors: Sen Kirkmeyer, Rep Amabile, Rep Taggart Last Action: Introduced In Senate – Assigned to Appropriations Summary: Concerning the method of calculating state population growth for purposes of calculating state fiscal year spending pursuant to Section 20 of Article X of the state constitution.
Budget Bonanza: Joint Budget Committee (JBC) Watch
All that’s happening with the Joint Budget Committee — what Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee is doing with the state budget.
What Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee is doing with the state budget.
The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) continues to meet daily to evaluate potential cuts to state department budgets. Recent projections indicate that Colorado’s deficit has increased from approximately $1 billion to $1.2 billion. The JBC has repeatedly stated that all options are under consideration, as demonstrated by the elimination of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council—a program established in 2008 that saves $50,000 annually. Another program potentially facing cuts is the newly launched Equine Wellness Grant Program, created by HB24-1458. JBC members have voiced concerns about the budget and are eagerly awaiting the March forecast, which is expected to spark debate when the Long Bill is introduced in the Senate at the end of March.
CAPITOL CHATTER
Press releases, news articles, and more
News Article – January 31, 2025 – Colorado Sun Colorado’s cities, counties could be required to limit the amount and type of grass allowed around homes by 2028
News Article – February 14, 2025 – Colorado Public Radio The billion-dollar budget holeNews Article – February 20, 2025 – Longmont Leader State Senator Representing Longmont Resigns Amidst Ethics Committee Investigation
News Article – February 19, 2025 – Colorado Politics Colorado Gov Jared Polis Backs Bill Supporters Say will Boost Affordable Condo Market
News Article – February 20, 2025 – Aspen Times In ongoing effort to increase housing supply, Colorado lawmakers again set their sights on condo construction
News Article – February 20, 2025 – Montrose Daily Press 2026 ballot measure that would overturn Colorado wolf reintroduction clears first hurdle
News Article – February 21, 2025 – Colorado Sun Colorado’s budget hole is now $1.2 billion, as Medicaid costs continue to climb
News Article – February 24, 2025 – Aurora Sentinel Colorado legislators mull asking voters to boost taxes for free school meals
News Article – February 24, 2025 – Colorado Sun $3.2B in funding for Colorado rural electric co-ops and Tri-State frozen as clean energy programs are reconsidered
News Article – February 17, 2025 – Westword Proposed Colorado Law Would Cut Base Wages for Denver’s Tipped Employees
News Article – February 23, 2025 – Boulder Reporting Lab Race for Senate District 17 heats up following Jaquez Lewis’ resignation
News Article – February 24, 2025 – Axios Colorado Democratic Lawmakers Press Polis on Gun and union Bills
News Article – February 25, 2025 – Colorado Politics As Budget Deficit Worsens, Colorado Lawmakers Debate Need to Spend $4 Million for New Judges
News Article – February 25, 2025 – CBS Colorado As Colorado Budget Shortfall Grows, at State Senator Questions $4 Million in Spending on New Furniture
News Article – February 26, 2025 – Colorado Public Radio State Rep Brianna Titone of Arvada to Run for State Treasurer
News Article – February 25, 2025 – Durango Herald Boulder County DA Launches Bid to Become Colorado’s Attorney General