The First Regular Session of the 72nd General Assembly of Colorado began on January 4, 2019. There is a new makeup to the legislature as the Democrats took control of the Senate with a 19-16 majority and gained seats to maintain a commanding 41-24 majority in the House. Democrat Jared Polis was inaugurated on January 8th as Colorado’s 43rd Governor. During Governor Polis’ State of the State, he focused on the road to funding full day kindergarten, rising health care costs, parental leave for state employees and prison reform. Introductory speeches were also given by members of House and Senate Leadership, including Senate President Leroy Garcia, Senate Minority Leader Chris Holbert, Speaker of the House KC Becker and House Minority Leader Patrick Neville. The House and Senate committee schedules as well as other useful information can be found on the Colorado Legislative website.
February 3rd marks the 31st day of the 2019 legislative session. There are 89 days remaining and plenty more bills will make their way through the process. As of February 1st, 278 bills have been introduced
Colorado has yet to see a “quiet year” for food and beverage legislation and 2019 proves to be no exception, with several bills already introduced involving liquor, food safety, recycling and labor.