THE MOTHER LODE
A short, sweet, and rich summary of what’s happened at the Capitol
One of the most significant events in the Colorado legislature over the past two weeks has been the one-week delay of the state budget bill, commonly known as the Long Bill. The announcement came on the Senate floor by Senator Jeff Bridges last Friday just before the bill was set to be introduced. This delay will undoubtedly lead to a hectic final 41 days of the Colorado legislative session, with some long nights and last minute deliberations expected in the coming weeks.
This legislative session has seen a flurry of new legislation related to firearms. Among the bills introduced, Senate Bill 25-003 has proven to be the most controversial. During third readings, Representative Armagost argued that the bill had consumed over 100 hours of legislative time and that more pressing bills could have been debated instead. Ultimately, Senate Bill 25-003 passed out of the House and will return to the Senate for approval of the amendments. When first introduced, the bill was only 9 pages long, but in its current form, it spans almost 30 pages. Other firearm-related bills are also expected to pass both chambers and head to the governor’s desk for signing.
Two conflicting bills addressing the 340B Federal Drug Program were heard in the Senate Health Committee last week. This program allows eligible healthcare providers to purchase outpatient prescription drugs at discounted prices. Senate Bill 25-071 and Senate Bill 25-124 both aim to reform the program, and both bills have generated a broad range of public testimony from stakeholders, including hospital and pharmaceutical representatives, as well as members of organized labor groups.
Outside the State Capitol, two large rallies were held. The first was organized by labor groups in support of Senate Bill 25-005, which seeks to make union formation easier by eliminating the requirement for a second vote. The second rally, organized by Colorado teachers, was in protest of proposed budget cuts and unfunded mandates. The teacher rally also led to some school closures due to teacher shortages.
Of note, the “Colorado Road and Community Safety Act,” will take effect on March 31st. This measure removes prior requirements and fast-tracks the process for individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States to obtain a Colorado driver’s license or state identification card. The estimated cost for this year is approximately $126,000, with a similar fiscal impact expected next year.
Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, which became law in 2019 (HB19-1129), has remained controversial. The law has been challenged in court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals recently upheld it. In November, the plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, filed a motion with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, and earlier this month, the Court agreed to do so. A decision is expected in the summer of 2026. Opponents argue that the law infringes on free speech, particularly for licensed therapists, and religious liberty. Supporters contend that the law is grounded in “overwhelming evidence showing that attempts to change a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity are both unsafe and ineffective.”
The Colorado Republican Party will hold an election for a new chairman on Saturday, March 29th. The election is generating significant attention, as current chairman Dave Williams has announced he will not seek re-election. Meanwhile, the Colorado Democratic Party re-elected its current chairman, Shad Murib, for a second term earlier this month.
In other news, the Colorado State Senate swore in Katie Wallace to replace the outgoing Senator Jaquez Lewis, who resigned amid ethics complaints. Additionally, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell announced his candidacy in the Republican primary for Colorado Governor.
BUDGET BONANZA
The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has extended its decision-making process for one more week. As mentioned above, the budget bill—commonly known as the Long Bill—was not heard this past Monday in the Senate but will be discussed on Monday, March 31.
Several controversial issues were raised during recent JBC hearings. One request came from the Department of Law, which is asking for an additional $640,000 to fund three full-time employees. Representatives from the department argued that the funding is necessary due to recent and upcoming executive orders by President Trump, which require legal advice for residents and funding for current and future litigation. Another contentious issue involved the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), which will not have the authority to overspend on reproductive health policy. This could lead to uncertainty about government funding for contraceptives toward the end of the year. Representative Sirota pushed back against this limitation, arguing that increased access to contraceptives could ultimately save the state money by reducing future Medicaid costs due to less people requesting to receive it.
Last week, the March forecast was presented to the JBC. While the forecast was slightly more optimistic than expected, it still predicts the need for $1.2 billion in cuts to balance the budget. Although the forecast shows some positive signs, it also indicates that cuts will likely continue next year. The word “uncertainty” was frequently used during the presentation, primarily due to the unpredictable nature of federal funding.
Next Monday, March 31st, both the legislature and the people of Colorado will get a clearer picture of the budget, including the expected cuts needed to balance it. The coming weeks will be filled with intense budget debates in both the Senate and the House.
CAPITOL CHATTER
Press releases, news articles, and more
News Article – March 10, 2025 – NBC News
Supreme Court takes up challenge to Colorado conversion therapy ban
News Article – March 13, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado lawmakers funded an office to handle complaints against judges. No one set it up.
News Article – March 13, 2025 – The Gazette
‘I want my Colorado back’: Teller County sheriff to run for Colorado governor
News Article – March 13, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado charters could open without school board approval in low-performing areas under proposal
News Article – March 17, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado would become second state to limit when workers can be fired under union-backed ballot measure
News Article – March 17, 2025 – Colorado Public Radio
State revenue picture brightens a little, but changes driven by Trump make everything uncertain
News Article – March 18, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Katie Wallace selected by Democratic vacancy committee to replace Colorado senator who resigned amid controversy
News Article – March 18, 2025 – Aspen Times
‘Painful’ state budget cuts could reignite fight over TABOR as Colorado Democrats call for change to spending limit
News Article – March 19, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado lawmakers expanded a property tax relief program. Few applied, and now it’s on the chopping block.
News Article – March 19, 2025 – The Denver Post
Colorado labor bill may launch a ballot-box arms race as Gov. Jared Polis’ veto decision looms
News Article – March 19, 2025 – Denver Gazette
Is Colorado becoming more secretive? Lawmakers say no, critics say yes
News Article – March 20, 2025 – KDVR
Colorado defending ‘worst roads’ title in March Madness bracket
News Article – March 21, 2025 – Colorado Public Radio
State budget delayed as legislators seek agreement on big-money items, budget cuts and Medicaid’s rising costs
