THE MOTHER LODE
A short, sweet, and rich summary of what’s happened at the Capitol
We’ve officially crossed the midpoint of the legislative session. The state’s budget, also known as the “Long Bill,” is required to be introduced by the end of the month, and with its introduction, we will likely continue to see bills that draw controversy. Although the introduction of bills has slowed down, committee hearings have picked up, and action at the Capitol has not slowed.
One of the more consequential debates under the gold dome this session centers on data centers. There are currently two competing bills that have been introduced. One of the proposals (HB26-1030) prioritizes economic development through incentives and infrastructure investment to position Colorado as a hub for data center growth. The other (SB26-102) emphasizes regulatory guardrails focusing on energy usage and environmental impact. There has been lots of discussions about these two bills, but it is still unclear which will come out on top.
Another proposal (SB26-135) gaining attention would send a November ballot measure to voters aimed at increasing funding for education. This would significantly a#ect TABOR as well as the TABOR refunds citizens receive. The measure would allow the state to retain and spend revenue above current limits specifically for public K–12 education, increasing funding by up to 2% annually for 10 years. It outlines how funding levels will be calculated, creates a “positive factor” to distribute additional
money to school districts for priorities like teacher pay, retention, class size reduction, and career/technical programs, and establishes a dedicated account for excess revenues. The measure also requires annual auditing and reporting on how those funds are used, while ensuring no impact on existing tax credits or housing funds.
After a rocky couple of years, including a troubled rollout and a special session, Colorado’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) may finally be finding common ground, with input from the business community, tech leaders, and the legislature. For a closer look at what’s being proposed, the following article provides a detailed breakdown: The Sum and Substance
SB26-131 (Sports Betting Protections) narrowly passed Senate Finance by a single vote and moves on to Senate Appropriations. Its path forward remains uncertain as opposition builds and legislators are less than enthusiastic about significant portions of the bill, especially those around banning “prop bets” and regulating advertisement broadcasting. Also gaming related, SB26-117 (Permissible Methods of Selling Lottery Tickets), narrowly cleared Senate Finance and also now heads to Senate Appropriations. The bill aims to restrict certain lottery practices, including moves toward iGaming features and the use of credit cards for purchases. Many believe that Governor Polis will veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.
The House Ethics Committee recommended sexual harassment training for Representative Weinberg following complaints filed against him, while other complaints were dismissed. Prior to the ethics hearing, Representative Weinberg had already announced he would not seek re- election this November. He will still face a separate complaint with the Secretary of State regarding the alleged misuse of campaign funds.
Notable House Bills Introduced:
HB26-1319 – Right to be Out of Work HB26-1322 – Civil Actions for Conversion Therapy Survivors
HB26-1335 – Abortion Medication Access on College Campuses
Notable Senate Bills Introduced:
SB26-134 – Payment Cards’ Network Fees SB26-135 – State Public K-12 Education Funding SB26-140 – Exempt Drugs from Prescription Drug Affordability Board Reviews SB26-141 – Wildlife Collision Prevention
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) received an updated economic forecast today, which is important in finalizing the Long Bill. The committee is currently facing the challenging task of identifying more than $1 billion in cuts to meet the state’s constitutionally required budget balance. A notable action by the JBC was Senator Jeff Bridges proposal of a $5 million reduction to the Lottery Division’s budget, which had initially included full funding for marketing. With Representative Taggart absent, the proposal was approved on a 3-2 vote.
CAPITOL CHATTER
Press releases, news articles, and more
March 18: Did lawmakers end Colorado’s ‘oil and gas wars’? Seven years later, the verdict’s still out
March 18: How Medicaid cuts balance Colorado’s Budget will affect caregiver that rely on state assistance
March 17: Working group reaches consensus on fixes to Colorado AI regulations
March 17: Two ballot measures focused on transgender youth qualify for November ballot
March 16: Bill to decriminalize sex work sponsored by Pueblo senator abandoned
March 16: Lawmakers to get first crack at AI chatbots, data center regulations in the Colorado legislature this week
March 16: Providing health care to immigrants who are children or pregnant is costing Colorado 611% more than expected
March 16: Affordable housing for teachers and more: 4 education bills we’re keeping an eye on in Colorado legislature
March 15: Colorado lawmakers passed a housing bill. They’re weighing restrictions on ICE. Now here comes the budget.
March 13: Colorado effort to end credit card swipe dees on sales taxes is splitting businesses
March 12: Hair products laced with cancer-causing chemicals would come with a warning label under new Colorado bill
March 12: Colorado lawmakers reject cuts to program that helps hospitals train new doctors
March 9: To patch its budget hole, Colorado is proposing cuts to medical education. Hospitals say that’s a big mistake
March 9: Bill to roll back Colorado lottery credit card purchases clears Senate committee in tight vote
March 9: Colorado Democrats pass union fee bill, even after Polis signals another veto
THE LOBBY TEAM
Always at your service and geared up
Jake Zambrano PRINCIPAL
jakezambrano@76.group 303-378-2545
Eriks Lindemanis GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE
erikslindemanis@76.group 303-349-6858
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