Week of February 15-21, 2026
The Colorado General Assembly’s fourth week demonstrated Democrats’ systematic expansion of state control over local governments while advancing measures to circumvent constitutional spending limits. Republicans killed two minor bills while defending property rights and parental authority in committee hearings on cultural flashpoint issues.
House Democrats passed three bills imposing unfunded mandates on county governments. HB26-1001 overrides local zoning authority to allow favored developers—nonprofits, school districts, and government agencies—to bypass land-use requirements that bind private property owners. HB26-1018 requires counties to presume Medicaid eligibility and arrange long-term care services before completing verification, transferring nursing home discharge planning costs to local taxpayers. HB26-1026 eliminates county flexibility in retirement benefits by mandating all PERA employers affiliate with the state deferred compensation plan.
Senate Democrats advanced SB26-042, legislation reclassifying millions in state revenue to avoid TABOR spending limits. The bill labels existing state taxes and penalties as “collections for another government” or “damage awards”—constitutional categories exempt from Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights restrictions. This creative accounting expands state spending authority without asking voters to approve revenue increases.
The week produced one unequivocal victory for child protection. SB26-015 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, increasing penalties for commercial sexual exploitation of children and updating terminology to reflect that minors cannot consent to prostitution. Sponsored by two Republicans and two Democrats, the bill demonstrates rare consensus on defending children from predators.
Republicans killed two bills Thursday, though neither represented significant policy victories. HB26-1097 would have allowed operation of surplus military vehicles, defending property rights for citizens who legally purchase equipment they cannot use. HB26-1149—sponsored by Republicans—would have required witnesses testifying before legislative committees to take oaths, transforming public participation into legal proceedings with perjury penalties. Democrats properly rejected the oath requirement as chilling civic engagement.
Wednesday’s committee hearings on HB26-1087 (prohibiting child gender medicine), HB26-1103 (child sexual assault testimony), and HB26-1144 (banning 3D-printed firearms) attracted significant attention but produced no final votes. These bills raise fundamental questions about parental rights, Sixth Amendment confrontation protections, and Second Amendment manufacturing rights respectively.
The week revealed Democratic priorities: expanding state power over local governments, circumventing constitutional spending limits, and advancing progressive social policy through mandate and prohibition. Republicans defended property rights and constitutional limits but offered few proactive measures beyond bipartisan child protection legislation. The session’s pattern continues—Democrats legislate, Republicans resist.
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