Lawmakers prep for final dash on housing, data centers, gambling in the Colorado legislature this week

The Colorado legislature is entering its final stretch, with less than a month remaining before the session concludes on May 13. Lawmakers are under pressure to finalize must-pass legislation, including the annual budget, which is nearing completion, and the School Finance Act, slated for its first committee hearing this week. Beyond these core bills, the legislature's docket includes several other significant measures. The Senate is expected to debate a ballot measure (Senate Bill 135) that would ask voters to exempt education from the state's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights spending cap, potentially freeing up billions for state priorities and education. Additionally, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees will hear bills (Senate Bill 163 and Senate Bill 131) aimed at regulating gaming and sports betting. The House Judiciary Committee will consider Senate Bill 5, which would allow individuals to sue for civil rights violations during immigration enforcement. The Senate Local Government and Housing Committee is set to discuss bills (House Bill 1308 and House Bill 1114) designed to increase urban density, such as allowing accessory dwelling units to be sold separately and prohibiting minimum lot sizes over 2,000 square feet. Critically for the tech sector, the House Energy and Environment Committee will hear House Bill 1030, one of two bills proposed this year to regulate data centers. This measure is currently undergoing negotiations among its sponsors, indicating potential changes before its final consideration.