Colorado Legislature Debates Budget, Election Law, and Youth Gaming

The $46.8 billion state budget bill begins its journey through the legislature this week, along with bills on gun dealers, elections, and online gaming regulations.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows casting an air of contemplation and uncertainty.As Colorado lawmakers grapple with budget constraints and policy debates, the state capitol building stands as a symbol of the complex political landscape.Denver Today

The Colorado legislature's $46.8 billion budget bill will be the focus of debate this week as it moves through the House. Lawmakers will also consider bills related to gun dealer training requirements, election law changes, and new regulations for online gaming services that have minors as users.

Why it matters

The state budget is a critical piece of legislation that sets funding priorities for the coming fiscal year. The other bills under consideration address issues like public safety, election integrity, and protecting minors from potential harms of online gaming - all of which have significant implications for Colorado residents.

The details

The $46.8 billion budget bill includes about $17.3 billion in general fund money, up from $17.1 billion in the current fiscal year. However, general fund growth is 'significantly below' the rate of inflation as the state grapples with a budget deficit. The House will debate the budget bill on the floor on Wednesday, with rank-and-file members getting a chance to ask questions and propose amendments on Tuesday. Other bills being considered this week include measures to raise the overtime threshold for agricultural workers, expand firearms dealer training requirements, create new regulations for online gaming services with minor users, and limit law enforcement's use of certain surveillance technologies.

  • The Joint Budget Committee formally introduced the $46.8 billion budget bill in the House on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • The House Republican and Democratic caucuses will meet separately on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 to discuss the budget bill.
  • The House plans to introduce the budget bill for full floor debate on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Rep. Rick Taggart

A Grand Junction Republican on the Joint Budget Committee.

Gov. Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado who will consider the final budget bill.

Senate Bill 121

A proposal to raise the overtime threshold for agriculture workers to 56 hours.

House Bill 1126

A bill that would expand which kinds of employees must meet firearms dealer training requirements.

House Bill 1148

A measure that would create new regulations for online gaming services that have minors in their user base.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“General fund growth is 'significantly below' the rate of inflation as the state grapples with its latest budget deficit.”

— Rep. Rick Taggart, Grand Junction Republican on the Joint Budget Committee

What’s next

If the budget bill passes the House, it will then move to the Senate for consideration before heading to Gov. Jared Polis for final approval.

The takeaway

This week's legislative agenda in Colorado highlights the state's ongoing fiscal challenges, as well as efforts to address public safety, election integrity, and the regulation of emerging technologies that impact minors. The budget bill and other measures under debate will have significant implications for Colorado residents.