May 15, 2025

THE MOTHER LODE

A short, sweet, and rich summary of what’s happened at the Capitol

The Colorado General Assembly adjourned “Sine Die” last Wednesday, ending the 2025 legislative session. Insiders are preparing for a special session this fall to address potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid and other programs due to Colorado’s so-called “sanctuary state” status as well as a possible fix to last year’s Artificial Intelligence bill. Governor Jared Polis has already exercised his veto power and is expected to do so again on several bills awaiting his signature.

The session’s two most controversial bills were SB25-003 and HB25-1312. SB25-003, initially a semi-automatic firearm regulation, was revised multiple times and ultimately passed both chambers and was signed by the governor. The final version requires individuals to attend training classes to obtain a license to purchase semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. HB25-1312, the “Kelly Loving Act,” a transgender rights bill, underwent significant changes. While keeping its focus on transgender protections, anti-parental rights provisions were removed, and new sections addressing gender options on government identification cards and forms were added. The bill amends Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act to include penalties for “deadnaming” and misuse of an individual’s pronoun and awaits the governor’s signature.

SB25-276, Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, has passed both chambers and is on its way to the governor’s desk. This bill was also one of the most controversial that was introduced this session. The bills adds on to existing limits on local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. With the passage of this bill, and the likely signature from the governor, federal funding may be at risk if President Trump makes good on his promise of pulling funding from sanctuary states and cities.

The House Resolution that authorized legal services to file a lawsuit on behalf of the Colorado legislature, HJR25-1023, was not brought up for a vote prior to the end of session. The Resolution was therefore effectively killed and will not be taking effect this year. However, the likelihood of a similar resolution being introduced next session is something to keep an eye on.

Both chambers passed SB25-005, which effectively ends Colorado’s Labor Peace Act, a labor policy in place for over 80 years. The bill simplifies unionization by eliminating the requirement for a second election needing 75% support. Despite strong support from House and Senate Democrats, Governor Polis announced he is likely to veto the bill, citing the lack of compromise between labor unions and the business community. Organized labor has stated they will bring up a similar bill next year and may move forward with a ballot measure.

Uber and Lyft are threatening to leave the state if Governor Polis signs HB25-1291. The bill adds some safeguards intended to protect riders and drivers. The bill had some significant changes when it reached the Senate. However, rideshare companies argue that the bill will threaten privacy and impose major burdens while offering no real safety benefits. Rideshare companies have left cities due to similar ordinances but returned soon after due to revisions in those ordinances. It is now up to Governor Polis to call rideshare companies’ bluff or deal with the potential consequences of the bill. 

The much-anticipated Artificial Intelligence bill, SB25-318, aimed to address issues from last year’s AI legislation. Senator Rodriguez, the bill’s sponsor, requested its indefinite postponement in the Senate Technology Committee after failing to reach consensus with business leaders and consumers. Prominent Democrats, including Governor Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and Congressman Joe Neguse, urged extending the bill’s implementation timeline. On the session’s second-to-last night, Representative Titone’s protest against the bill’s postponement nearly disrupted the Democrats’ ability to pass final legislation. As Colorado is the first in the nation to pass AI regulation, the law is unsettling to those associated with it and a change to the law is expected to take place in a special session or next year’s session.

With a special session looming, next year’s session faces significant challenges. An estimated $1 billion in additional budget cuts may be necessary due to anticipated federal funding reductions, which comes on the heels of $1.2 billion in program and spending cuts during the 2025 session. Next year’s regular session is also expected to require further reductions to meet the state’s constitutional obligation to balance the budget.

CAPITOL CHATTER

Press releases, news articles, and more

News Article – April 29, 2025 – Axios
Colorado lawmakers hike fees to fill budget gaps

News Article – April 28, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado legislature declines to override Jared Polis’ veto of social media bill after House caves

News Article – April 28, 2025 – Aspen Times
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs state budget with $1.2B in cuts. Here’s what it means for transit, health care and schools. 

News Article – April 29, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Are Colorado lawmakers leaving money on the table that would prevent school funding cuts?

News Article – April 29, 2025 – Denver Post
Gov. Jared Polis’ support uncertain as ban on software used by landlords to set rents nears finish line

News Article – April 30, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado lawmakers brace for special session over potential Medicaid cuts

News Article – May 1, 2025 – Washington Times
Colorado Democrats water down transgender-rights bill after public outcry

News Article – May 2, 2025 – Colorado Politics
Former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg named head of Farm Service Agency for Colorado by President Trump

News Article – May 2, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Report claiming environmental policies steal billions from Colorado’s economy based on bad math, advocates say

News Article – May 2, 2025 – Colorado Public Radio
Colorado lawmakers abandon effort to override veto of bill delaying open record responses

News Article – May 3, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado Democrats’ effort to further shield immigrants from deportation is one vote from Jared Polis’ desk

News Article – May 5, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Attempt to tweak Colorado’s controversial, first-in-the-nation artificial intelligence law is killed

News Article – May 5, 2025 – Denver Clarion
Uber threatens to leave Colorado over proposed rideshare bill

News Article – May 6, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Legislature rejects Jared Polis’ key effort this year to drive down Colorado home insurance costs

News Article – May 6, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Colorado Senate rejects “YIGBY” measure, a priority for Jared Polis that would have boosted housing on church land

News Article – May 7, 2025 – Colorado Politics
Guns, immigration and unions | Colorado lawmakers wrap up 2025 session

News Article – May 8, 2025 – Colorado Sun
101 bills debated by the Colorado legislature in 2025 that you need to know about

News Article – May 8, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Jared Polis plans to veto Labor Peace Act bill, a priority for Colorado unions

News Article – May 8, 2025 – Aspen Times
Colorado’s 2025 legislative session has ended. Here’s how these Western Slope lawmakers felt about it

News Article – May 9, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Defiant Democrats, lots of gun bills and more: The 5 biggest themes of Colorado’s 2025 legislative session

News Article – May 9, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Special legislative session on Colorado’s AI law looms after lawmakers failed to act

News Article – May 9, 2025 – Colorado Sun
Vetowatch — a Colorado soap opera