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This memorandum provides an overview of the "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent Government Act" (SMART Government Act). The act requires executive agencies to annually present specific information to joint legislative committees during the first two weeks of the legislative session. This memorandum summarizes the information that state agencies are required to submit to committees in advance of the hearings and information presented in the hearings.
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Regenerative agriculture includes farming and ranching practices that reduce environmental impacts, maintain soil longevity, increase soil nutrients, and retain soil moisture, while simultaneously increasing or maintaining crop production. This issue brief provides information to policy makers about commonly used regenerative agriculture practices, and highlights state and federal resources to assist producers in implementing these practices.

This memorandum provides information on service and assistance animals. Specifically, it explains the differences between each type of animal, how each type of animal can be verified, the rights granted to individuals accompanied by a service animal, and offenses related to the misrepresentation of service or assistance animals.

Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2026-27. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law, legislation passed by the General Assembly affecting the forecast is described throughout the report.

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The Representative Hugh McKean Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee was established in 2019 to review the work of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC), which was created in 2008, and recommend legislation affecting Colorado youth. In 2025, the review committee’s bill drafting authority was repealed by Senate Bill 25-199. COYAC and the review committee are both scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2028, after a sunset review. 

Submitted herewith is the final report of the Legislative Oversight Committee for the Treatment of Persons with Behavioral Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems. The committee was created pursuant to Article 98 of Title 37, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to oversee an advisory task force that studies and makes recommendations concerning persons with behavioral health disorders who are justice-involved. 

Submitted herewith is the final report of the Transportation Legislation Review Committee (TLRC). This committee was created pursuant to Section 43-2-145, Colorado Revised Statutes. The purpose of this committee is to give guidance and direction to the Colorado Department of Transportation on the development of the state transportation system, and to provide legislative oversight of and input into such development.

Pursuant to Section 2-3-1602, C.R.S., the committee is charged with reviewing and proposing legislation or other policy changes related to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and related matters, including public safety and forest health issues.

This memorandum provides an overview of the statewide ballot measure process; a summary of the measures approved or rejected by Colorado voters between 1880 and 2025; and links to additional resources at the offices of the Colorado Legislative Council Staff and the Colorado Secretary of State.

Aging and ill inmates are the fastest growing population within Colorado prisons. Special needs parole (SNP) is designed to provide early release or parole to incarcerated individuals who have serious, debilitating, or terminal illnesses, or who are advanced age and no longer pose a threat to public safety. Yet, this release mechanism is used infrequently, often due to lack of healthcare services and housing options available upon release to the community.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered bills concerning the state, including the General Assembly, the Colorado Open Records Act, and a state symbol. Additionally, the General Assembly considered legislation addressing various immigration matters. 

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several bills concerning the military and veterans, including service providers, the military code, and assistance programs.

During the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several bills concerning elections, including changes to vacancy elections, voting rights, voter verification, the initiative process, and the national popular vote.

This issue brief provides an overview of geothermal energy resources and policies in the United States and Colorado as well as recent legislation enacted to promote the use of geothermal energy in Colorado.

This memorandum is intended for use by policymakers, legislative drafters, and budget analysts to understand the different funding mechanisms that may be used in legislation. It describes how different funding mechanisms in legislation impact the state budget and how they are shown in fiscal notes prepared by Legislative Council Staff. These funding mechanisms include appropriations, transfers, diversions, and warrants on state funds, as well as fee revenue and gifts, grants, or donations. The memorandum concludes with a list of funding mechanisms for which voter approval is required.

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) was signed into law in 1970. It requires federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of a project and involve the public in the decision-making process before proceeding with a project. The requirements for complying with NEPA depend on many factors, including the size and scope of the project and the extent of which it may affect community resources, such as parks, water resources, and urban communities.

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Competency to stand trial, refers to the constitutional requirement that people facing criminal charges must be able to assist in their own defense. A criminal case cannot be adjudicated unless this requirement is met. The U.S. Supreme Court considers an individual competent to stand trial if they are rationally able to consult with an attorney and hold a clear understanding of the charges against them. 1 1Dusky v. United States, 362 U.S.

The handbook is divided into four sections, 1:  Rules of the House of Representatives; 2:  Rules of the Senate; 3:  Joint Rules of the Senate and House and Joint Session Rules; and 4:  Colorado Constitution. This section includes only selected portions of the constitution.

The House, Senate, and Joint Rules in this handbook are current through November 2025.

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