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How the Legislative Process Works in Colorado

  • Oct 14
  • 3 min read

Every year, hundreds of bills move through the Colorado State Capitol, many of which shape the policies that impact our schools, families, and communities. For educators and advocates, understanding how the process works is essential to making your voice count.


At the Education Alliance of Colorado (EAC), we help our member schools engage in this process with clarity and purpose. Here’s what happens behind the scenes at the Capitol.


1. The Session Begins

The Colorado General Assembly meets for 120 days, from early January to early May. During that time, legislators can introduce up to five bills each (with some exceptions).


Every bill starts with a sponsor—a legislator in either the House or the Senate—who works with nonpartisan staff to draft the language and fiscal note. Once introduced, the bill is assigned a number (e.g., HB25-1041 or SB25-003) and read across the desk to officially enter the record.


2. Committee Assignments

After introduction, the bill is sent to one or more committees of reference. Most education bills go to:

  • House Education Committee or Senate Education Committee, and sometimes also

  • Finance (if there’s a revenue component) or Appropriations (if the bill has budget implications).


A bill may be assigned to multiple committees in sequence, for example, Education first, then Appropriations. Each committee must approve the bill before it moves on. If a bill fails in any committee, it typically dies for the session.


This stage is often the best opportunity for schools and advocates to testify—either in person or remotely—about how a proposal will affect students and operations.


3. Committee Hearings

Committees are small, specialized groups of legislators who dig into the details. They:

  • Hear public testimony from stakeholders, experts, and citizens

  • Debate proposed amendments

  • Vote to advance, postpone indefinitely, or amend and refer the bill onward


If the bill passes all assigned committees, it moves to the full chamber for debate. This is often where advocates share their stories publicly.


4. Floor Debate and Vote

Next, the bill reaches the floor of its originating chamber (House or Senate). Legislators debate the bill, propose further amendments, and vote.


If it passes, the bill “crosses over” to the other chamber, where the process repeats: new committee hearings, debate, and a vote.

5. When the Chambers Disagree: Conference Committees

If the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, leadership from both sides can appoint a conference committee, a small, bipartisan group of legislators tasked with negotiating a compromise.


The conference committee produces a conference report, which both chambers must approve before the bill can advance. This is often where complex education legislation gets its final shape.


6. The Governor’s Desk

Once both chambers agree, the bill is sent to the Governor, who can:

  • Sign it into law

  • Veto it (sending it back to the legislature), or

  • Allow it to become law without a signature


If the Governor vetoes a bill, lawmakers can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.


7. Implementation

Most new laws take effect 90 days after adjournment—usually in early August—unless the bill contains a “safety clause” (immediate effect) or a specified later date.


After that, state agencies like the Colorado Department of Education begin drafting rules, guidance, or forms to put the new law into practice.


Where EAC Fits In

EAC monitors every education-related bill from introduction to signature. We analyze fiscal notes, testify in committees, and coordinate advocacy so schools can focus on students while staying informed about the policies that affect them.


Our role is simple: help our members understand the process, anticipate impacts, and act strategically.


Get Involved

If you want to follow or participate in the process:

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