Aurora Lawmakers Weigh In on Privacy, Public Safety, and Local Control Legislation

City officials are tracking and weighing in on several state bills related to personal data privacy, jail oversight, and homelessness prevention.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

As Colorado's legislative session progresses, the city of Aurora has taken positions on various bills being considered at the state level. These measures cover issues such as government purchase of personal data, access to historical location information, oversight of municipal jails, local government impact hearings, retail theft prevention, and funding for the Colorado DRIVES vehicle registration system. City officials are either supporting, opposing, or seeking amendments to these bills based on their potential impact on Aurora.

Why it matters

The legislation being considered in Colorado's statehouse has significant implications for Aurora's policies and operations, particularly around privacy, public safety, and the city's ability to manage its own affairs. By weighing in on these bills, Aurora is aiming to protect its interests and ensure state-level decisions align with the city's needs and priorities.

The details

Some of the key bills Aurora is tracking include HB 1037, which would ban government purchase of personal data from third parties; SB 70, which would prohibit governments from sharing historical location data; HB 1039, which would hold municipal jails to the same standards as county jails; and HB 1140, which would create a forum for local governments to testify on the impacts of state legislation. The city is taking various positions on these measures, ranging from support to opposition, depending on how the bills would affect Aurora.

  • The Colorado legislative session is currently underway in 2026.
  • The city of Aurora has already taken positions on several bills as of February 27, 2026.

The players

Liz Rogers

Aurora Intergovernmental Relations Manager, providing updates on the city's positions on state legislation.

Mike Coffman

Mayor of Aurora, concurring with the city manager's position to potentially close the municipal detention center due to costly facility requirements in HB 1039.

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What they’re saying

“We're not required to have a detention center, and I think the cost for changes were prohibitive.”

— Mike Coffman, Mayor of Aurora (sentinelcolorado.com)

What’s next

The city of Aurora will continue to monitor the progress of these bills and engage with state lawmakers to advocate for its interests. The city council will also need to formally approve the positions recommended by city staff on the various measures.

The takeaway

Aurora's involvement in the state legislative process highlights the importance of local governments having a voice in laws and regulations that can significantly impact their operations and communities. By taking proactive stances on these bills, Aurora is working to ensure state-level decisions align with the city's priorities around privacy, public safety, and local control.