Sen. Chris Kolker

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution recognizes October 2026 as Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado to promote peaceful dispute resolution methods. The bill directly affects Coloradans by encouraging community events, workplace discussions, and educational programs focused on mediation, arbitration, and restorative justice practices. Key provisions invite residents to reflect on and resolve conflicts responsibly while asking leaders and officials to participate in celebrating this month. The resolution also calls for increased awareness of conflict resolution benefits among judges, government staff, and local communities.

The act modifies the Colorado agricultural future loan program (program) to permit certain eligible entities to receive funding from the program. An eligible entity is defined as an entity that is certified by the division of conservation (division) or an entity that:Is a district that has authority to conduct water activities, an irrigation district, or a ditch and reservoir company; andHas a letter of support from an entity certified by the division.     The act directs the commissioner of agriculture to adopt rules that prioritize awarding loans to eligible entities that seek to acquire and conserve agriculturally productive land and to transfer ownership of that land to an eligible farmer or rancher who qualifies for a loan from the program.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summaryThis bill reappoints Kerri L. Hunter as Colorado's State Auditor for a five-year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031. The reappointment follows a unanimous recommendation from the Legislative Audit Committee, which reviews candidates for the position based on qualifications and experience. Under Colorado law, the General Assembly appoints the State Auditor, and this resolution formally approves Hunter's continued service after her initial term ended in 2026. The measure directly affects the State Auditor's office by extending its leadership while maintaining the existing appointment process.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates March 21 as "Single Parent Day in Colorado" to honor single parents who raise children alone due to divorce, death, or other circumstances. The measure directly affects single-parent households in the state, which include over 10 million households nationally and represent nearly a quarter of families with children under 18. The resolution contains no new laws or funding, serving instead as a symbolic gesture to recognize the dedication and challenges faced by single parents. It was signed by the Senate President and sent to Janice S. Moglen, a longtime Colorado advocate for Single Parent Day.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 8, 2026, as International Women's Day in Colorado and acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of women to society. It recognizes women's achievements across various fields, including politics, business, and social movements, while highlighting Colorado's early history of women's suffrage and female leadership in state government. The resolution encourages continued celebration of this day and commits the legislature to supporting policies that promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves specific updates to eligibility lists for two Colorado water funding programs. It adds new drinking water projects (like Delta County's distribution system) and modifies existing entries (such as adding "green infrastructure" to Loveland's project), while deleting completed projects (like Kiowa's). These changes determine which local water districts, municipalities, and property associations can access financial assistance from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund and Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. The bill does not create new funding rules but formally adopts the Commission's proposed list adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution expresses Colorado's legislative support for maintaining national public lands under federal stewardship and opposes efforts that would reduce public access or weaken environmental review laws. The resolution specifically targets potential erosion of bedrock federal laws like NEPA and FLPMA, which require public input and balanced resource management. It calls on state and federal officials to defend statutory safeguards that ensure public lands serve broad public benefits rather than narrow special interests. This non-binding resolution does not change any laws but serves as a formal statement of legislative intent and values regarding public land management.

Under current law, a local board of education's (local board) or board of cooperative services' (BOCES) licensed personnel employment performance system must ensure that nonprobationary teachers receive one evaluation resulting in a written evaluation report in each academic year.The bill requires that nonprobationary teachers receive one evaluation resulting in a written evaluation report at least once every 3 academic years; except that, if a nonprobationary teacher receives a less than effective rating, the local board or BOCES may require that the nonprobationary teacher receive one evaluation that results in a written evaluation report in the next academic year.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

The act adds a board of cooperative services (BOCES) executive director to the list of individuals covered by the public employees' retirement association (PERA) who may be employed in specified education-related positions under certain circumstances with no change in their PERA retirement benefits.     The act permits local education providers to elect to have all or some of their postsecondary and workforce readiness start-up funding distribution made directly to a BOCES.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Maddy summarySJR 11 is a commemorative resolution designating a specific segment of U.S. Highway 34 (between Wilson Ave. and North County Rd. 23H) as the "Sgt. John 'Jack' Thurman Memorial Highway" in honor of a World War II Marine Corps veteran. The bill, which has no policy or funding provisions, simply names the highway section to recognize Sergeant Thurman's service at Iwo Jima, his military awards, and his post-war contributions as an architect and community leader in Colorado. It authorizes the Colorado Department of Transportation to accept donations for signage and explore maintenance agreements with local governments. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct impact on residents or new laws.