Budget balanced (for now), AI decisions punted, relationships ruptured: What went down during special session
In a tense and, at times, dramatic special session, lawmakers pushed through bills to tackle a billion-dollar budget hole, SNAP cuts, and more.
What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole
Democrats at the Capitol also pushed back the start date of Colorado’s first-in-the-nation AI law, shored up subsidies on health insurance and tweaked a pair of measures on the November ballot.
Colorado Democrats move to protect SNAP benefits and Planned Parenthood care
Two bills passed in Colorado’s special session aim to safeguard safety-net programs. One boosts state funding for SNAP food assistance, the other guarantees Medicaid coverage at Planned Parenthood clinics.
Colorado’s overstretched state employees brace for further strain from hiring freeze
Gov. Polis implemented a hiring freeze for state agencies in response to the billion-dollar revenue loss for Colorado created by Congressional Republicans’ One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. But workers are concerned the freeze will make their jobs even harder.
In Fort Collins, it can be tough to afford rent. Colorado’s corporate landlords could be to blame
Housing advocates say corporate landlords and their use of rent-setting algorithms are unfairly driving up rents and manipulating the rental market, making it harder and harder for Coloradans to afford rent.
Colorado’s U.S. House members spar over “big, beautiful bill” at business luncheon in Denver
The Colorado Chamber hosted a panel with all eight of Colorado’s U.S. House members, focusing on the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” and its potential impacts on the state’s business community.
Colorado gets a lot of new laws Aug. 6 — Here are some you should know about
From pet sales and lab-grown meat labelling to nuclear energy, dozens of state laws officially go on the books this week.
Colorado lawmakers must cut $1 billion from state’s current budget because of GOP federal tax and spending bill
Presentations about the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill to the Executive Committee of the Legislative Council on Wednesday was a precursor to a special lawmaking term expected to be called by Polis for the coming weeks.
Neguse leads opposition to proposed NOAA cuts that would shut down Colorado labs
Congressman Joe Neguse and a coalition of lawmakers are pushing back on a White House proposal to slash funding to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that supports climate research, including several laboratories in Boulder.
Hundreds gather in Boulder after attack to denounce antisemitism
Hundreds of people came to stand together following an attack in Boulder over the weekend. Speakers included political and faith-based leaders.
Gov. Polis signs law to reduce Colorado’s rape kit backlog
The law will increase oversight over the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and try to speed up the turnaround time for sexual assault evidence kits.
That’s a wrap, for now. Here’s how the 2025 session ended up
From AI meltdowns to trans rights, rideshare safety and unions, Colorado’s lawmakers left plenty of big decisions till the very last minute.
The 5 biggest themes of Colorado’s 2025 legislative session
Democrats at the Capitol defied Gov. Jared Polis and took steps to push back against the Trump administration. A big slate of gun bills passed. Lawmakers tried to clear hurdles halting sex assault investigations.
101 bills debated by the Colorado legislature in 2025 that you need to know about
The Colorado Capitol News Alliance pored through the more than 600 measures debated at the Capitol this year to highlight the most notable ones that passed and failed.
Democrats’ immigration bill clears last major hurdle, approaches Polis’ desk
The Colorado House passed a bill that would further limit local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and other immigration authorities. It’s now one step away from the governor’s desk.
Colorado Democrats revive proposal to allow lawsuits over past child sexual abuse
The resolution, which was voted down in the Senate last year, needs two-thirds support in the legislature and voter approval because it would amend the Colorado Constitution.
