Rep. Matt Soper

The bill requires that an investor-owned electric utility receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity (certificate) from the public utilities commission and obtain all necessary local government land use approvals and permits prior to initiating any condemnation proceedings related to a high-voltage transmission infrastructure project requiring the certificate.The bill does not change existing application and review processes related to the development of transmission projects that have been established by the public utilities commission or a relevant local government.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Maddy summaryThis House Memorial (HM 1001) is a formal tribute passed by the Colorado General Assembly honoring former State Representative Dan Williams, who died in October 2025. It recognizes his 1984-1992 service in the Colorado House, his leadership as chair of key committees (including Agriculture and Transportation), and his lifelong advocacy for Colorado ranching and farming communities. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and sends copies of the memorial to his partner and children. It has no policy impact, as it is purely a commemorative gesture with no new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHJR 1018 designates the 61-mile stretch of State Highway 86 through Elbert County, Colorado, as the "Plains-to-Pines Scenic Corridor." The resolution authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to accept donations for signage, markers, and landscaping to promote this scenic route connecting the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountain foothills. It specifically enables CDOT to collaborate with Elbert County and the towns of Kiowa and Elizabeth for maintenance of these promotional elements. This is a commemorative designation without new regulatory requirements, focusing on tourism and regional identity.

Maddy summarySJR 14 is a symbolic resolution declaring February 28, 2026, as "Rare Disease Day" in Colorado. It recognizes over 500,000 Coloradans living with rare diseases - conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people - and highlights challenges like limited treatments and high costs. The resolution encourages public awareness through events (like lighting Denver's City and County Building) and acknowledges the resilience of affected individuals. It does not create new laws, funding, or services, but formally supports the rare disease community through recognition.

The bill creates the "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rights and Authorities Act". The bill does the following:Authorizes an individual to operate an unmanned aircraft system (drone system) for recreational purposes in this state;Authorizes a person to operate a drone system for commercial purposes within this state if the business is lawful and the operation is in compliance with state and federal law;Prohibits the state or a political subdivision of the state (local government) from requiring the registration of an unmanned aircraft or a drone system beyond what may be required by state and federal law;Clarifies that the operation of a drone system in compliance with federal law does not, standing alone, give rise to legal liability;Establishes and limits the regulatory authority of the state; andEstablishes and limits the regulatory authority of a local government.In connection with establishing and limiting the regulatory authority of the state, the bill authorizes the state to regulate the use of drone systems owned by or used by the state or launching from or landing on state property. Exceptions to the state's regulatory authority are made for emergencies, maintenance, technical malfunctions, and law enforcement.In connection with establishing and limiting the regulatory authority of local governments, the bill prohibits a local government from regulating ownership, operation, design, manufacture, testing, maintenance, licensing, registration, certification, or equipment requirements or qualifications, training, or certification of a pilot, operator, or observer. A local government may regulate the use of drone systems owned by or used by the local government or launching from or landing on local government property. A local government's resolution or ordinance that is general in nature, such as a nuisance regulation, applies to a drone system.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a bill with policy changes. It designates February 20, 2026, as "Colorado FFA Day" to honor the Colorado Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. The resolution recognizes FFA's role in developing student leadership, career skills, and agricultural education across Colorado. It directly celebrates FFA members, educators, and supporters but does not create new laws or affect any legal obligations. The resolution was introduced in both chambers of the Colorado legislature in February 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a symbolic resolution celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 in Colorado, not a new law. It formally recognizes the cultural significance of Lunar New Year and honors Asian American contributions to the state, building on Colorado’s existing 2024 observed holiday (established by HB 23-1271). The resolution urges Coloradans to attend community events and acknowledges the holiday’s historical roots and global celebration by over two billion people. It has no direct policy impact or legal effect, as it serves purely ceremonial and commemorative purposes.

Maddy summarySJR 8 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Colorado General Assembly to honor Colorado athletes who qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It commends the athletes for representing Colorado and the United States with distinction on the global stage and expresses appreciation to their families, coaches, and communities for their support. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal gesture of recognition, with copies sent to each listed athlete. It specifically acknowledges 24 Colorado athletes across sports like skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating, including names like Mikaela Shiffrin and Red Gerard.

Maddy summaryHJR 1011 is a commemorative resolution honoring Colorado's World War II veterans on the 81st anniversary of the war's end. It recognizes the service of approximately 250,000 Colorado residents who served during 1941-1945, including over 3,500 who died in combat. The resolution formally acknowledges Colorado's historical military contributions, such as the 10th Mountain Division and the 157th Infantry Regiment, and references the Colorado Freedom Memorial. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect - it expresses legislative recognition and encourages support for honoring veterans, but does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summaryHJR 1010 is a symbolic joint resolution recognizing Colorado veterans who served in the Vietnam War. It formally honors the service of over 623 Coloradans who died and 24 who remain unaccounted for during the conflict, while acknowledging the challenges faced by veterans upon return. The resolution expresses appreciation for their fortitude, activism, and community contributions through four specific points of recognition. It does not create new policies or benefits but encourages all Coloradans to remember these sacrifices, with copies sent to veterans' organizations and state officials. This is a commemorative measure, not a legislative change.