Rep. Elizabeth Velasco

Maddy summarySJR 4 designates September 20-26, 2026, as "Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week" in Colorado. This symbolic resolution recognizes FTD - a terminal, incurable neurodegenerative disease affecting speech, behavior, and motor skills - and aims to increase public awareness of the condition. It directly supports Coloradans living with FTD, their families, and advocacy groups like the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, which focuses on research and care. The bill has no funding or regulatory provisions, as it is purely a recognition measure.

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 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.

Maddy summaryHJR 1019 designates February 20, 2026, as Caregiving Youth Day in Colorado, with an official observance on February 27, 2026. The resolution recognizes children and adolescents under 18 who provide care for family members with health needs (such as chronic illness, disability, or aging-related care) and encourages schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to identify these young caregivers and offer appropriate support. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to increase awareness of this underserved population.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 26, 2026, as "Youth Mental Health Action Day" in Colorado. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally honors pediatric health-care providers working to support youth mental health. The resolution cites Colorado's high rates of youth mental health challenges (including suicide being a leading cause of death for children under 18) and emphasizes collaboration with providers, agencies, and communities. It commits the General Assembly to "promoting child and youth well-being" through existing mental health system efforts. This is a non-binding recognition, not a policy change.

On and after January 1, 2029, the bill prohibits a person from selling, offering for sale, or otherwise distributing in the state field crop seeds coated or treated with systemic insecticide (coated or treated seeds), which is an insecticide designed to be absorbed by plants, unless the buyer presents at the point of sale a certificate authorizing the purchase of such seeds from a seed dealer and the use of such seeds on agricultural property.A person may apply to the commissioner of agriculture (commissioner) for approval to serve as a third-party verifier (approved third-party verifier) to determine whether a specified use of coated or treated seeds is necessary and appropriate. On and after January 1, 2029, a person that seeks to apply such coated or treated seeds on agricultural property must work with an approved third-party verifier to determine if such use is necessary and appropriate.The approved third-party verifier shall conduct a pest risk assessment and prepare a report on the assessment. If the approved third-party verifier determines that the use of coated or treated seeds is necessary and appropriate on the agricultural property, they may issue a certificate authorizing the use of coated or treated seeds on the agricultural property for a period up to one year.The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement a program ensuring that coated or treated seeds are used on agricultural property only when needed and expected to be effective and may enforce against an approved third-party verifier's or seed dealer's noncompliance with the requirements of the bill, including by suspending or revoking approval of the third-party verifier or the seed dealer's license or by assessing a fine in an amount not to exceed $50,000 per violation. Approved third-party verifiers and seed dealers must annually report to the commissioner, and the commissioner must include a summary of the reports and the implementation of the bill in the commissioner's annual "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act" presentation to the general assembly.(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 9 is a procedural resolution that officially designates February 4 of each year as "Missing Persons Day" in Colorado. It raises public awareness about the issue of missing persons, acknowledges the emotional and practical challenges faced by families, and supports existing efforts to locate missing individuals. The resolution does not create new laws or programs but encourages community engagement and highlights Colorado's commitment to addressing this issue. It directly affects all Coloradans, particularly families of missing persons, by providing a designated day for advocacy and support.

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.