Rep. Dusty Johnson

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 57th anniversary of the 1968 North Korean capture of the USS Pueblo, a U.S. Navy ship named after Pueblo, Colorado. It honors the crew's bravery, notes Colorado's historical connection to the ship, and calls for North Korea to return the vessel. The resolution designates January 23 as "USS Pueblo Day" for annual remembrance. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect on policy or operations.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1013 is a symbolic joint resolution honoring Colorado veterans who served in World War II on the 80th anniversary of the war's end. It recognizes the service of approximately 250,000 Coloradans who served during 1941-1945, including over 3,500 who died in action, and specifically references Colorado's military units like the 10th Mountain Division and the 157th Infantry Regiment. The resolution encourages support for commemorating this anniversary but does not create new programs, funding, or legal obligations. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to express legislative recognition.

Maddy summaryHJR 25-1016 is a Colorado legislative resolution honoring veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991), including three Coloradans who died in combat. It formally acknowledges their service, honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice, expresses gratitude to families of fallen service members, and encourages all Coloradans to remember their sacrifices. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition through the Colorado General Assembly. It was passed unanimously by both chambers of the state legislature in early 2025.

The act transfers all the unexpended and unencumbered money in the financial literacy and exchange (FLEX) fund to the general fund on June 30, 2025, and repeals the FLEX program on July 1, 2025. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

The bill grants a person who is at least 18 years of age and permitted to possess a handgun pursuant to federal and state law the same authority to carry a concealed handgun as a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun (permit). A person who carries a concealed handgun without a permit has the same rights, limitations, and authority to carry as a person who holds a permit. A person may obtain a permit for the purpose of using the permit to carry a concealed handgun in another state that recognizes a Colorado permit. The bill makes the minimum age to obtain a permit 18 years of age. Under existing law, Colorado recognizes permits issued in other states that meet certain criteria, including that the holder of the out-of-state permit is at least 21 years of age. The bill changes the minimum age for recognition of an out-of-state permit to 18 years of age. Under existing law, a permit is valid for 5 years. The bill makes a permit valid for the life of the permit holder. Existing permits, other than temporary emergency permits, are converted to lifetime permits. Because the bill makes permits valid for the life of the holder, the bill repeals provisions relating to the renewal of permits. The bill repeals the temporary emergency permit to carry a concealed handgun. The bill repeals local government authority to regulate open or concealed carry of a handgun, including repealing the authority of special districts and the governing boards of institutions of higher education, as applicable. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating September 14-20, 2025, as "Co-Responder Units and Behavioral Health Crisis Professionals Week" in Colorado. It honors professionals who work alongside law enforcement in crisis situations involving mental health or substance use, recognizing their role in de-escalating emergencies and connecting individuals to resources like counseling and housing. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for their service but does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 25-007 is a ceremonial resolution proclaiming February 14 as "Colorado Read to Your Child Day." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of reading aloud to children for early literacy development. The resolution cites research linking early reading exposure to future academic success and reduced educational disparities. This resolution directly affects Colorado residents by designating an annual observance to encourage family reading habits, without implementing any concrete policy changes.

Under current law, retail establishments are prohibited from providing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale, but may provide recycled paper carryout bags for a fee of at least 10 cents per bag. The bill repeals the requirement that retail establishments charge a fee for providing recycled paper carryout bags. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Maddy summaryThis procedural resolution designates February 4 of each year as "Missing Persons Day" in Colorado. It formally recognizes the issue of missing persons through state-wide awareness, encouraging public support for families and law enforcement efforts without creating new legal requirements or funding. The resolution aligns with Colorado's existing AMBER Alert and Missing Indigenous Person Alert programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Monday, January 27, 2025, as "Colorado 4-H Day" to recognize the Colorado 4-H Youth Development program. It is a symbolic resolution honoring 4-H's work with youth aged 5-19, including its role in community engagement, leadership development, and STEM education through Colorado State University Extension. The resolution has no legal effect or new requirements - it simply encourages public acknowledgment of the program. (HJR 25-1006, passed by both chambers on January 27-30, 2025)