THE MOTHER LODE
A short, sweet, and rich summary of what’s happened at the Capitol
This week marks a critical point in the legislative calendar as the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) works to finalize the “long bill” in advance of its expected introduction in the House next week. The process is going to be challenging, with a projected $1.5 billion shortfall that must be addressed to meet the state’s constitutional requirement to pass a balanced budget.
Significant amendments were made on the Senate floor to the bill addressing the ban on 3D-printed firearms. Reports indicate that the Governor signaled a potential veto unless language that prohibited the distribution of digital instructions for manufacturing these weapons was removed. This mirrors a similar situation from last year involving legislation on semiautomatic firearms.
Senate sponsors, Sen. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Sen. Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, expressed dissatisfaction with the changes and indicated their intent to revisit the issue under a new gubernatorial administration next session.
On Monday, Kim Bimestefer, Executive Director of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), announced her resignation. Her tenure has drawn scrutiny over concerns related to overpayments, spending growth, and mismanagement of the department. Bimestefer’s resignation came as Sen. Mullica, D-Thornton, along with 27 other Senators, had been preparing a resolution calling for her to resign her office. Bimestefer, who started in her role at the beginning of the
Hickenlooper administration, served for eight years. In a statement, Gov. Polis expressed appreciation for her service, citing her efforts to improve health care costs and system effciency across the state.
Campaign activity is also increasing as the election cycle progresses. Candidates seeking ballot access through the petition process have submitted their signatures, leaving party assemblies as the remaining pathway for ballot qualification. Democrats held their state assembly this past weekend, while Republicans are scheduled to convene in April. Both parties anticipate competitive primaries, with closely contested statewide races likely in the general election.
Finally, in an 8-1 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday struck down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy as narrowly applied to licensed therapists in talk therapy, citing concerns over First Amendment protections. This session, House Democrats introduced HB26-1322, which would allow people in Colorado to sue conversion therapists and those who hire or oversee them for damages. The bill, currently under consideration, also proposes removing the statute of limitations for such claims.
Notable House Bills Introduced:
HB26-1338 - 2026 Water Projects Bill HB26-1339 - Change Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day
Notable Senate Bills Introduced:
SB26-142 - Development of Thermal Energy Resources SB26-145 - Charter School Involvement in Local Ballot Questions SB26-146 - Restrict Single-Use Food Serviceware Distribution
CAPITOL CHATTER
Press releases, news articles, and more
April 1 - Lawmakers finish drafting Colorado’s budget with final round of major cuts to address roughly $1.5 billion shortfall
March 31 - Colorado renames César Chávez Day in honor of farmworkers just in time for today’s holiday
March 31 - Gov. Jared Polis signs law setting search warrant requirements for social media companies
March 30 - Under fire from legislators and critics, Colorado’s top Medicaid official resigns
March 30 - Lawmakers reject lower overtime pay threshold for Colorado farmworkers, instead advance e#ort to increase it
March 28 - State senator defeats two Democratic rivals, securing lone spot on primary ballot for Colorado treasurer
March 27 - Democrats abandon e#ort to ban distribution of 3D gun instructions to avoid Jared Polis veto
March 26 - Colorado data center bills split environmental, labor groups
March 25 - Colorado Democrats want large corporations to pay fee if employees are on Medicaid
March 25 - Colorado legislators consider $500 million in general fund cuts amid $1.5 billion deficit
March 25 - Colorado governor signs bill giving zoning exemptions to nonprofits, schools that want to build housing
March 24 - Lawmakers water down bill to protect Colorado workers from extreme temperatures
THE LOBBY TEAM
Always at your service and geared up
Jake Zambrano PRINCIPAL
[email protected] 303-378-2545
Eriks Lindemanis GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE
[email protected] 303-349-6858
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