To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners' Office
Prepared By:
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Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners' Office
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presenter
Presenter: Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell, Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs
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Subject:
title
12:30 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).
The lobbyist and staff legislative team will provide updates on the following bills and topics:
* Retail Food Bill Draft
* Long Bill Updates/Changes
o Footnote regarding judges (courtesy of Weissman)
o Elimination of gray/black marijuana program (SB25-246)
o Reduced State Funding for ADA salaries from 50% to 25% in 2026 (SB25-244)
o Eliminate Reimbursement for Community Health Workers (SB25-229)
o DOC Inmate Phone Call Costs from 100% to 75% (SB25-208)
o Modify GF transfers to state highway fund (SB25-257)
* HB25-1319, County Commissioner Vacancies
* SB25-276, Protect Civil ...
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