With just two weeks remaining in Colorado’s legislative session, the pace is accelerating as lawmakers rush to pass pending bills before the deadline. The House has swiftly passed several measures, including a gig worker protection bill and a proposal to explore a universal health care payment system. The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a bill that would balance the state budget and is considering similar legislation to address the impact of other bills.
Three housing-related bills have cleared the House but are expected to face challenges in the Senate, which has historically shown reluctance towards sweeping zoning reforms. The Local Government and Housing Committee will debate bills promoting residential density near transit areas and allowing accessory-dwelling units in Front Range cities. The same committee will also consider proposals to eliminate minimum parking requirements and give local governments a right of first refusal to purchase subsidized affordable housing.
Several resolutions are being considered in the House and its committees. One resolution seeks to reform the state’s vacancy committee system, while another proposes a Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights-type system to cap property taxes. House Republicans have introduced resolutions for a Parent’s Bill of Rights and to oppose forced labor in electric vehicle manufacturing.
In the House Judiciary Committee, a bill will be discussed to enhance law enforcement oversight by requiring officers to report concerns and mandating agencies to investigate allegations. A separate law enforcement oversight bill that passed the House will move to the Senate.
The Senate is set to debate a bill regulating the use of “deepfakes” in election communications. Final votes are scheduled for measures seeking to improve safe firearms storage in vehicles and establish new requirements for conceal-carry permits.
