Government & Legislation

GAO: DOT Grants Need Lessons Learned Plan

The GAO released a report recommending that the Department of Transportation (DOT) develop a comprehensive lessons-learned plan for its Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grants program. The report highlights that while DOT has collected project data, it has not fully analyzed it to identify lessons for future technology deployments.

GAO Report on Federal Grants for Health Care Mental Health

A GAO report details three federal grant programs administered by HHS from 2022-2024, which provided $103.2 million to 45 grantees to improve mental health among health professionals. The report highlights the stress faced by healthcare workers and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental well-being.

GAO Reviews Senate Records Receipts and Procedures

The GAO has published a review of the Senate Office of Public Records' fiscal year 2024 receipts and procedures, as requested by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. The report details agreed-upon procedures performed to assist the Secretary of the Senate in verifying the accuracy of the office's financial records.

Colorado Bill HB26-1199: Catalytic Converter Replacement Standards

Colorado bill HB26-1199 proposes a temporary exception to catalytic converter replacement standards, allowing compliance with EPA standards instead of California's CARB rules under specific conditions related to theft or unavailability. The bill also requires repair facilities to inform customers about zero-emission vehicle programs.

Colorado Resolution Designating Arapahoe Road as Road of Remembrance

A resolution has been introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives to designate Arapahoe Road in Boulder County as the "Road of Remembrance." The resolution is currently under consideration and has been introduced in the 2026 Regular Session.

Colorado Bill HB26-1090: Teacher Licensing Disclosure Revisions

Colorado Bill HB26-1090 proposes revisions to teacher licensing disclosure rules. The bill would alter requirements for disclosing misdemeanor convictions and waive certain program requirements for applicants with private school teaching experience. The bill is currently under consideration.

Colorado: Discretionary Examination of School District Records

Colorado Bill HB26-1191 proposes to make the State Auditor's examination of school district records concerning capital construction projects for qualified charter schools discretionary rather than mandatory. This change would repeal a current annual examination requirement.

Colorado Bill Authorizes Dry Needling by Occupational Therapists

Colorado Bill HB26-1042 authorizes occupational therapists to perform dry needling starting September 1, 2027, provided they meet specific training and patient consent requirements. The bill mandates the division of professions and occupations to adopt equivalent rules to those for physical therapists.

Colorado Bill Prohibits Discharge of Preproduction Plastic Materials

Colorado SB26-016 proposes to prohibit facilities that make, use, handle, package, or transport plastic pellets and other preproduction plastic materials from discharging these materials into state waters, wastewater, or storm water runoff. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

Colorado Bill SB26-138: Reducing Health Care Administrative Burdens

Colorado Bill SB26-138, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, aims to reduce administrative burdens within the health-care system. The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.