Emergency Mental Health Holds (18-21)
This issue brief addresses Colorado’s emergency mental health hold procedure, which allows for an individual to be involuntarily held for a 72‑hour period of treatment and evaluation if he or she appears to have a mental illness and, due to the mental illness, appears to be an imminent...
Autonomous Vehicles (17-15)
In October 2016, while Coloradans were sleeping, a self-driving semi‑trailer drove 51,744 cans of Budweiser beer from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs down Interstate 25. With the rise of investment in and the use of autonomous vehicles, governments face new challenges to address this growing...
State Laws Regarding Gravity and Switchblade Knives (17-10)
Gravity and switchblade knives, which were originally popularized by classic movies such as West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause, are considered illegal weapons in Colorado. Possessing such a weapon could result in a fine or jail time, or both. This issue brief...
The TABOR Revenue Limit
The Colorado Constitution limits the amount of revenue, from most sources, that the state government and local governments are permitted to retain and spend or save. Revenue collected in excess of the constitutional revenue limit, or TABOR limit, must be refunded to taxpayers unless voters...
Summary of Elections & Redistricting Legislation (2018)
During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures related to a variety of elections topics, including campaign finance, local elections, redistricting, and voter registration and voting.
Early Childhood and School Readiness Final Report
The Early Childhood and School Readiness Legislative Commission was created pursuant to Section 26-6.5-203, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this commission is to study issues related to early childhood and school readiness in order to improve the state’s early childhood policies.
Jury Duty in Criminal Cases
This memorandum provides an overview of jury duty for criminal trials in Colorado, including how jurors are summoned, excused, selected, paid, and impaneled. Jury deliberations, instructions, and verdicts are also covered.
Water Resources Review Committee Final Report
The Water Resources Review Committee was created pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee the conservation, use, development, and financing of Colorado's water resources.
Broadband Internet Services in Colorado
This memorandum provides an overview of broadband internet service programs in Colorado, including the Colorado High Cost Support Mechanism; state grant programs and...
Wildfire Matters Review Committee Final Report
The committee was created pursuant to Part 16 of Article 3 of Title 2, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee and review the prevention, mitigation, and financing of wildfire matters in Colorado.
Colorado Economic Development Programs and Incentives
This memorandum provides an overview of programs that are designed to provide a boost to Colorado's economy, including incentivizing businesses to locate in Colorado, expand their Colorado-based workforce, or otherwise grow their Colorado business operations. This memorandum does not include...
2018 School Start Time Interim Study Committee Final Report
Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the School Start Time Interim Study Committee.
Summary of Military and Veterans Legislation (2018)
During the 2018 legislative session, the General Assembly considered measures related to military and veterans, including their education, employment, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Other legislation addressed veterans' benefits and federal issues concerning Colorado.
Forecast December 2018
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2020-21. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...
FY 2019-20 Staff Budget Briefing Summary
Occupational and Professional Licensing for Military Spouses
This memorandum provides information concerning occupational and professional licenses for military spouses, including reciprocity and other licensing mechanisms for military spouses in Colorado and other states, and federal efforts to address military spouse licensure.
Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee Final Report
The Colorado Health Insurance Exchange Oversight Committee was created pursuant to Article 22 of Title 10, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to guide Colorado's health insurance exchange, including reviewing the financial and operational plans of the exchange and...
Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee Final Report
The Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee was created pursuant to Article 22.3 of Title 10, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to study issues relating to opioid and substance use disorders in Colorado and examine potential solutions concerning...