Heading into the 2026 Legislative Session

      The Joint Budget Committee began its hearings in early November, and it’s clear we’re facing a challenging fiscal year. As we head into the session, I am focused on legislation that meets the needs of our community and reflects my commitment to thoughtful, responsible decisions that support long-term stability.

    I have highlighted several bills I am committed to prime sponsor, and I’ll provide updates as they move forward. These measures tackle key priorities this session: strengthening state systems, promoting economic growth, improving public health, and addressing the issues that matter most to our community—including finding smarter, more efficient ways to manage our state’s infrastructure. I’m excited about the positive impact these policies can have and will continue working diligently to advance them.

1. Colorado Homeless Contribution Tax Credit (HCTC)

This bill continues the Homeless Contribution Tax Credit until 2030 to support organizations that serve people experiencing homelessness. Colorado has used this credit to address the effects of homelessness through private investment and civic engagement.

2. Colorado Child Advocacy Center Act

This bill modernizes Colorado’s statutory framework for Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) to ensure consistent, trauma-informed responses for children who are victims of abuse or witnesses to violent crime. This bill establishes a statutory definition of CACs, recognizes the Colorado Children’s Alliance as the statewide coordinating entity, and sets consistent practice standards across the state.

3. Job Growth Tax Credit Reauthorization

A clean eight-year reauthorization to maintain stability for employers and support job creation statewide.

4. Open Educational Resources (OER)

Continues support for the OER program at the Department of Higher Education, reducing textbook costs and increasing access to low- or no-cost learning materials for Colorado students.

5. Higher Education and Workforce Development

This bill aims to make higher education more efficient by reimagining the department to be more streamlined

and condensed, making it easier for Coloradans to access education and career opportunities.

6. Outdoor Opportunities Act

This bill helps Colorado better manage outdoor recreation by improving coordination between state agencies, local partners, and tribal governments. It directs the division to lead the Colorado Outdoors Strategy and use data-driven planning to support recreation, conservation, and climate resilience.