Colorado Lawmakers Rush to Wrap Up Legislation as 2024 Session Nears End

Lawmakers in Colorado are working tirelessly as the end of the 2024 legislative session approaches on May 8. The House and Senate are focusing on passing key legislation on property taxes, gun regulations, housing, land-use policy, transportation, and other priorities. One of the significant bills that passed on Tuesday was legislation streamlining the process for new immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The bill, Senate Bill 182, aims to reduce the wait time for immigrants without legal residency documents to get licenses, allowing them to drive to work or school.

In addition, the Senate passed two important land-use reform bills, completing Governor Jared Polis’ priority housing package. These bills will encourage denser development near transit-rich areas and allow for accessory-dwelling units to be built across the Front Range. Despite facing opposition, the bills provide a significant policy win for Polis and the coalition of housing and environmental groups supporting the measures.

Furthermore, the Senate approved a bill to reform state property tax policy, which aims to provide long-term relief to homeowners and cap property tax revenue growth. Without this bill, property taxes are set to increase, and the state would face significant budget shortfalls due to proposed ballot initiatives. Lawmakers also finalized a bill to backfill protections of wetlands that were erased by a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year, ensuring the regulation of construction activity near wetlands and seasonal streams.

As the legislative session nears its end, Colorado lawmakers are working diligently to pass crucial legislation that will impact the state’s residents and communities. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments from the Colorado State Capitol.