To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
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Cody O’Brien, Management Analyst I, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell, Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs
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Subject:
title
1:00 PM *Legislative Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the status of Colorado's state legislative session, including potential impacts to Arapahoe County, and seek Board direction on legislative positions or specific advocacy activities.
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Background and Discussion: As a constitutional subdivision of Colorado state government, Arapahoe County can only exercise those powers specifically expressed in statute or in the constitution. Arapahoe County contracts with Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs for state advocacy activities. The Director of the Commissioners’ Office coordinates federal and state intergovernmental relations, in partnership with the Director of Human Services, the County Attorney, the Director of Community Resources, the Director of Public Works and Development, and the Director of Public Health (staff legislative team).
Staff reviews proposed legislation through the lens of operational and fiscal impacts to the county, in the context of the County’s legislative guide (attached for reference).
This week, the lobbyist team will provide updates on the following bills that could impact Arapahoe County as well as other topics deemed appropriate:
• SB25-077 Modification to Colorado Open Records Act
• HB25-1112 Local Authorities Enforce Vehicle Registration
• SB25-065 Indemnification of Peace Officers' Criminal Conduct
• HB25-1110 Railroad Crossing Maintenance Costs
• HB25-1097 Placement Transition Plans for Children
• HB25-1031 Law Enforcement Whistleblower Protection
• HB25-1096 Automated Permits for Clean Energy Technology
Additionally, the lobbyist and staff legislative team will provide updates on the following bills and topics:
• SB25-002 Regional Building Codes For Factory Built Structures
Permissive/Neutral/No Impact Bills for Awareness
• HB25-1130 Labor Requirements for Government Construction Projects
• SB25-023 Local Gov't Audit Exemption Threshold
• SB25-042 Behavioral Health Crisis Response Recommendations
• SB25-013 Senior Housing Income Tax Credit Extension
• HB25-1003 Medicaid Waiver Program for Children with Complex Health Needs
• HB25-1051 Repeal Recycled Paper Carryout Bag Fee
• HB25-1113 Limit Turf in New Residential Development
• HB25-1014 Increasing Efficiency Division of Water Resources
• Large County Elections Bill (Draft)
Fiscal Impact: Please refer to the attached 2025 Internal Legislative Report.
Alternatives: The Board could decide to not move forward with staff recommendations.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Please refer to the attached reference documents.
Concurrence: The staff legislative team will be in attendance to answer questions as needed.