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The Colorado General Assembly meets annually in regular session for up to 120 days. However, the Colorado Constitution allows the Colorado General Assembly to meet outside of the 120‑day regular legislative session to conduct legislative business in a special legislative session (special session). This memorandum provides information about special sessions, including their length and frequency, how they can be called, and information on each special session since statehood.

The Colorado General Assembly passed a number of bills related to human services and families. Many of these laws were recommendations from interim committees and task forces. Others made changes to Colorado’s child welfare system, introduced guardrails around access to certain online material, and more.

Deadline Schedule for the 2026 Colorado General Assembly.

Deadline Schedule for the 2026 Colorado General Assembly.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to higher education in Colorado. Specifically, the legislature adopted bills related to workforce development, credentials and degrees, pathways to student success, and student athlete compensation.

The 75^th General Assembly passed numerous pieces of legislation regarding public health. While not all of the public health legislation fell into these groups, three major themes for public health were: emergency preparedness, education and transparency, and behavioral health.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered various measures related to labor and employment, including measures related to wage and hour laws, vocational rehabilitation, and workforce development.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to liquor, tobacco, marijuana, and gaming.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a variety of measures related to K-12 education in Colorado. The legislature passed laws related to student health and well-being, student and school safety, standards and assessments, school accountability, and governance and funding.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to business and economic development.

The 75^th General Assembly passed several bills related to veterinary care, animals, state parks, wildlife management, agriculture, and food regulations. There were also some notable bills that were introduced, but did not become law.

During the 2025 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly considered several measures to change or expand the regulation of certain professions including physicians and other medical professionals, motor vehicle dealers, plumbers, electricians, and real estate appraisers. The General Assembly also passed several laws continuing the regulation of certain professions under the state sunrise and sunset review process.

Water policy continues to be an important theme in the 75^th General Assembly. Water-related bills from this session focused on water quality, water administration efficiency, and municipal water use. Three measures that are generally passed annually, which allocate funding for species conservation and water projects, were also passed. As water resources become more limited with ongoing drought and shrinking snowpack, water policy is likely to continue to be a main concern for lawmakers.

The General Assembly considered several measures related to local governments during the 2025 legislation session, including bills that affect taxation and fees, permitting procedures, land use, and special districts.

The General Assembly considered several measures related to housing during the 2025 legislation session, including bills that affect landlords and tenants, state housing programs, and residential building regulations.

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 Minority Leader appointing the minority party members, all of whom must be approved by a majority of the Senate.