Law Enforcement Liability
Under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA), public entities and employees are generally immune from liability in all claims except those specifically provided for in state law. In 2020, national and local public demonstrations against excessive use of force by law enforcement prompted...
Food Assistance in Colorado
Federal, state, and local entities work to deliver programs and initiatives to increase food security and accessibility for Coloradans. This issue brief provides an overview of key programs and efforts within the state, including beneficiaries, operations, and funding.
Summary of Local Government 2023 Legislation
The General Assembly considered several measures related to local government during the 2023 legislative session, including bills regarding local government operations, metropolitan districts, public employees, electric vehicles, and safety.
Summary of 2023 Energy and Natural Resources Legislation
During the 2023 legislative session the General Assembly considered several measures related to energy and natural resources including clean energy; wildfire; and going green at home.
Summary of 2023 Water Legislation
The General Assembly considered multiple bills related to water, including legislation focused on project funding, xeriscaping, studying various water challenges across the state, and stream restoration.
Summary of 2023 State Government and Immigration Major Legislation
The 2023 Colorado General Assembly considered a range of state government and immigration bills related to detention facilities, government records, legislative committees, workplace standards, and public buildings.
Overview of the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA)
The state legislature established the Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) in 1931 to provide a pension benefit to state and local government employees, predating the federal Social Security Act of 1935 by four years. PERA is administered under Article 51 of Title 24 of the...
2023 Colorado Water Handbook
The Legislative Council Staff’s Water Policy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's water policies and programs. The book is divided into three parts. Each part covers a different aspect of Colorado water law and policy.
Wildfire Mitigation Deduction
Report No. 2023-TE4
Colorado's Instream Flow Program (23-05)
The instream flow (ISF) program was created by legislation in 1973, which authorized the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to appropriate or acquire water rights of natural streams and lakes to preserve the natural environment without diverting the water. The ISF program recognized the...
Legislative Council Handbook
Colorado statute establishes the Legislative Council as a body of 18 Senators and Representatives with specific functions and responsibilities (Section 2-3-301, et seq., C.R.S.). Six senators are appointed, with the President of the Senate appointing the majority party members and the...
Procedures for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reports for the 2023 and Future Legislative Sessions
This memorandum memorializes the process for requesting and preparing greenhouse gas emissions reports (GHG reports) pursuant to Section 2-2-322.3, C.R.S., starting at the 2023 legislative session. It outlines the number of reports per session, the process for requesting reports, the...
SMART Act Hearings Overview Memorandum
This memorandum provides an overview of the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent Government Act" (SMART Government Act). The act requires executive agencies to annually present specific information to joint legislative committees during the first two weeks of the...