Colorado Lawmakers Face Deadline as Key Bills Stall
With only nine days remaining in the 2025 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers are racing against time to address 257 out of the 652 bills introduced this session. Among these are some of the most contentious measures, including House Joint Resolution 1023, which aims to challenge the constitutionality of the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Despite recent support from the House Finance Committee, its future appears bleak as it has lingered without a House vote for over three weeks.
Another notable measure, Senate Bill 5, seeks to eliminate the need for a second election before labor organizations can negotiate dues with companies. Governor Jared Polis has expressed a desire for a balanced compromise between labor and business, further complicating its progress.
On a brighter note, Senate Bill 48, aimed at requiring health insurers to cover obesity treatments, received approval from the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill carries a significant $76 million price tag and requires a federal waiver, although concerns persist about its potential impact on the already overstretched Medicaid budget.
However, challenges are also mounting for House Bill 1297, which reallocates state reinsurance funds for undocumented individuals’ health insurance, struggling to gain traction in the House Finance Committee.
Among 124 pending House bills, House Bill 1169 proposes allowing nonprofit institutions to build affordable housing on their land but is facing strong opposition from local governments due to concerns surrounding property taxes.
Additionally, House Bill 1291 pertaining to ride-share regulations is under negotiation after receiving backlash from businesses like Uber.
As lawmakers approach the deadline, 107 bills have already been rejected, with 157 signed by Governor Polis, who continues to monitor contentious measures, including a potential veto override on Senate Bill 77 concerning open records laws. The next week promises critical decisions that will shape Colorado’s legislative landscape.
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