Some Colorado Democrats are open to increasing penalties for fentanyl possession
Lawmakers agree more needs to be done to combat the deadly opioid drug, but are divided over whether that should include a crackdown on possession.
Colorado lawmakers have $16 billion to spend
State lawmakers have $16 billion worth of decisions to make as they enter final debate on the budget for the upcoming year. A relatively healthy economy and COVID relief money are giving them more money to work with as they set their priorities.
6 quick highlights from Colorado’s $36 billion spending plan — the largest ever
The largest budget ever marks a full recovery for the state’s finances from the pandemic.
Inside Colorado’s $40 million plan to boost housing factories
A former rail yard in North Denver is home to a profitable new construction plant.
Wheelchair users could get the ‘right to repair’ in Colorado as bill heads to governor’s desk
A Democratic bill would require manufacturers to supply parts and information to wheelchair owners and independent repair shops.
Credit unions want to hold Colorado’s public money, but banks are putting up a fight
Banks and credit unions are battling in the state Capitol for government business.
The past, and future, of abortion in Colorado
Colorado has been a landmark state for both sides of the abortion debate: home to one of the earliest laws to liberalize access to the procedure, as well as the birthplace of the personhood movement. Now, with Roe v Wade in doubt at the federal level, state lawmakers are writing a new chapter Colorado’s convoluted history on the issue.
As fentanyl deaths climb in Colorado, policymakers unveil bill to fight back
The new fentanyl bill will not reverse the 2019 possession law, instead, focus on drug treatment and penalizing drug dealers.
Bill to protect sex workers reporting crimes passes the Colorado House unanimously
The proposal aims to ensure sex workers feel safe reporting crimes against themselves or others. The immunity also applies to people reporting human trafficking and stalking.
Universal free school lunch is set to expire. Some Colorado lawmakers want to keep it going
An expanded federal meal program ends this summer. A state version could cost around $100 million a year.
Should Colorado punish American businesses that continue to work in Russia? One state lawmaker calls for action
State Sen. Chris Hansen says Colorado should now look at canceling contracts with companies like Cargill, Subway and others that continue to do business in Russia.
Colorado property tax increases could be capped by 2022 ballot measure
Critics warn the initiative would benefit the wealthy while hurting local government budgets. Backers argue it would help homeowners, renters and businesses amid rising costs.
A plan to slow rent increases at Colorado mobile home parks lands at the Capitol
If passed, it would be Colorado’s first statewide regulation of rent prices.
Proposal to give physician assistants more power fails amid bipartisan opposition and pressure from doctors
While proponents said the bill would help ease the rural health care shortage, opponents argued the changes could lead to substandard care.
Can physician assistants answer Colorado’s rural health problems? The question is dividing both parties
State lawmakers are working on a controversial proposal to expand and empower the ranks of physician assistants in rural clinics and elsewhere.
Crime is rising in Colorado – is justice reform to blame?
For more than a decade, Colorado lawmakers have pursued a range of criminal justice reforms.
