Vaccinations for School-Aged Children (20-20)
Vaccinations offer protection from common infectious diseases. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific vaccines for all infants, children, and adults during their lifetime to provide immunity from preventable illness. A recent analysis estimated that...
State Education Fund Report (2020)
Pursuant to Section 22-55-104 C.R.S., Legislative Council Staff, in consultation with the State Auditor, the State Treasurer, the Department of Education (CDE), the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, and the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), is required to conduct a review of the model used to...
Summary of Transportation Legislation 2020
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to transportation funding, commercial vehicles, motor vehicles, and other transportation issues.
Fines and Fees in Colorado’s Criminal Justice System
Individuals convicted of criminal offenses are typically required by the court to pay associated fines, fees, and surcharges. This memorandum provides an overview of the fines and fees that are imposed upon a criminal conviction in Colorado, including those financial obligations that support...
Regional Transportation District Overview
This memorandum provides information on the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
Energy Handbook (2020)
The Legislative Council Staff's Energy Handbook is intended to serve as a reference guide to Colorado's energy sector. The book is divided into five sections. Section I covers the sources and uses of energy in Colorado. Section II explains how severance taxes and federal mineral lease moneys...
2019 Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee Final Report
Final Report to the Colorado General Assembly by the Prison Population Management Interim Study Committee.
Submission of Fiscal Impact Estimates for Citizen-Initiated Ballot Measures
This memorandum provides instructions and deadlines for interested parties to submit fiscal information for consideration by Legislative Council Staff, outlines the process for filing a motion for a rehearing before the Title Board if there are objections to the fiscal summary prepared by LCS,...
Summary of Water Legislation 2020
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to water, including water demand and conservation, water studies, instream flows, funding for water projects, and other water bills.
State-Sponsored Retirement Plans (20-22)
This issue brief provides an overview of state‑sponsored retirement plans, retirement plan marketplaces, and multiple employer retirement plans for private sector workers. The brief also includes a discussion of related federal laws and Congressional activity.
Information Technology and the Role of the Joint Technology Committee (20-21)
Information technology (IT) is used by every state agency to make operations more efficient and services more widely available to the citizens of Colorado. Along with other day-to-day expenses of state government, expenses related to IT are paid through the capital construction and
...Colorado's Climate Action Plan and Climate Change Data Collection (20-23)
In 2019, Colorado enacted House Bill 19-1261, establishing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals. Colorado also enacted Senate Bill 19‑096, requiring the Air Quality...
Local Government Affordable Housing Strategies
This issue brief focuses on additional strategies that local governments and communities in Colorado are using to meet the housing needs of residents.
State and Federal Laws Regarding Telemarketing (20-25)
This issue brief provides information about how to register a number on the Colorado and federal no‑call lists; an overview of Colorado's regulation and enforcement of telemarketers; an explanation of which calls are not subject to telemarketing laws; and a summary of federal provisions...
Adult Protective Services in Colorado (20-26)
Colorado's Adult Protective Services (APS) system, first established in 1983, protects at-risk adults who, because of mental or physical ability, are unable to obtain services or otherwise protect their own health, safety, and welfare. This issue brief provides an overview of the APS...
Regulation of Professions and Occupations in Colorado
This memorandum provides information about the regulation of professions and occupations in Colorado. Over 100 professions and occupations are currently required to be licensed, certified, or registered in Colorado, or are authorized to use an exclusive professional title, known as title...
Respite Care in Colorado (20-27)
Respite care provides temporary relief to a caregiver from the physical and emotional impacts of caring for a person with special needs who requires assistance to care for themselves. Care can be provided for a few hours, overnight, or on an extended basis by a friend, family member, volunteer...
Public Health Orders Issued During the COVID-19 Pandemic
This memorandum provides an overview of the various Public Health Orders issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) during the declared disaster emergency related to COVID‑19 in Colorado. Thirteen public health orders have been issued since March, 2020.
2020 Annual Report
Summary of Military and Veterans Legislation (2020)
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered several measures related to military and veterans affairs, including bills addressing the National Guard, providing veterans’ benefits, and clarifying laws concerning surplus military vehicles.
Summary of Elections and Redistricting Legislation (2020)
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly considered a number of measures related to elections, including bills addressing ballot access by candidates, ballot measures, local elections, and voting. Several redistricting bills were also considered in anticipation of the 2021...
Summary of Court Procedure and Corrections Legislation (2020)
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly introduced several bills concerning the Judicial Department, civil and criminal courts, and the Department of Corrections (DOC). Following is a recap of the major legislation considered in these subject areas.
Transportation Handbook (2020)
Colorado's transportation system consists of the state highway system, county and municipal roads, mass transit, airports, railroads, and bicycle and pedestrian routes. The system is primarily managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Cities, counties, transit authorities,...
Forecast December 2020
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2019-20. 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,...