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AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

FERC Accepts Colorado Highlands Wind Market-Based Rate Tariff

On April 9, 2026, FERC issued a delegated order accepting Colorado Highlands Wind, LLC's revised market-based rate tariff filing submitted on February 13, 2026. The accepted filing adds an exception to the waiver of Part 101 for licensed hydropower projects, bringing the tariff into compliance with Order No. 816. The accepted tariff is docketed under ER26-1391-000. Energy market participants with market-based rate authorizations should monitor FERC's ongoing implementation of Order No. 816 for additional compliance requirements affecting hydropower projects.

Bureau of Reclamation Needs To Improve Transparency for IRA-Funded Water Conservation in Upper Colorado River Basin

The DOI Office of Inspector General issued Audit Report 2024-WR-007 on April 10, 2026, finding that the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) misclassified its agreements and failed to verify whether subcontractors appeared on an exclusions list prior to awarding Inflation Reduction Act-funded water conservation funds. The audit made three recommendations for corrective action to improve transparency and compliance in federal funding disbursement. Federal agencies and contractors receiving IRA infrastructure funds should review their subcontractor verification procedures and agreement classification practices.

Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Patent Granted Colorado State

The USPTO granted Patent US12605442B2 on April 21, 2026 to Colorado State University Research Foundation. The patent covers methods for inactivating viral particles using UV light and riboflavin, including SARS-CoV-2 particles, and vaccine compositions comprising inactivated viral particles with adjuvants capable of promoting a Th1-type immune response. Inventors are Raymond P. Goodrich and Richard Bowen.

Alaska Wins Gold for Unemployment Insurance Data Exchange Award

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Unemployment Insurance Program received the Gold Award from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) on April 16, 2026, at the SIDES Seminar in Denver, Colorado. Alaska was recognized for achieving 100% connection with SIDES integrated partners—companies or organizations whose internal software is directly connected to the State Information Data Exchange System for automatic data exchange. The award highlights Alaska's successful electronic integration with all SIDES partners, enabling employers and Third-Party Administrators to process UI information exchanges through standardized web-based programs instead of manual paper forms.

Modify Administration of Education Assessments

Colorado SB26-068 would require the state Department of Education to administer standardized summative assessments to students to the minimum extent possible and apply for federal waivers for assessment requirements if necessary. The bill is sponsored by Senators Kolker and Pelton and Representatives Hamrick and Garcia Sander, and is currently undergoing committee review in the Senate.

Fee Sharing with Nonlawyers in Legal Practice

Colorado House Bill HB26-1421 would prohibit certain compensation arrangements between lawyers and nonlawyers in legal practice, creating the 'Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee-sharing Prohibition Act.' The bill was introduced on April 21, 2026 by Representatives Javier Mabrey, Jarvis Caldwell, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Lisa Frizell. It is currently under consideration and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee for review.

Requires Pollinator Habitat Practices on State Lands

Colorado HB26-1132, introduced February 4, 2026, requires covered state agencies (State Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Personnel, and Department of Transportation) to prioritize ecoregionally specific native plant materials supporting pollinator habitats when planning vegetation projects. The bill mandates training programs for land managers and maintenance crews, integration of mowing and grazing practices based on recommendations from the 2022 DNR study under SB22-199, and sustainable site development on state capitol complex properties. Colorado State University Extension must conduct a Colorado native plant availability study and issue a report by August 1, 2031, contingent on acquiring sufficient gifts, grants, or donations. The bill has passed through three House committees (Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources; Finance; Appropriations) and awaits second reading.

Colorado Prison Population Management Measures

SB26-036 would require the Colorado Department of Corrections to report monthly on prison population management compliance and issue notifications within 48 hours when the prison bed vacancy rate falls below 3% for 30 consecutive days. The bill expands existing population management measures to include transitioning certain inmates to nonresidential community corrections status, granting 60 additional days of earned time to inmates within 120 days of mandatory release, finalizing inmate releases within 7 days of parole board conditional approval, and expediting parole reviews for eligible inmates past their parole eligibility date. Courts and sentencing entities receiving vacancy notifications would be encouraged to consider alternatives to prison sentences when lawfully available.

Prohibit Government Access to Historical Location Information Database SB26-070

Colorado SB26-070 would prohibit government entities from accessing databases storing historical location information about individuals or vehicles, subject to certain exceptions. The bill bars sharing such information with third parties or agencies outside their jurisdiction, and classifies historical location data as non-public under the Colorado Open Records Act. Government entities collecting this data must adopt compliance policies, the attorney general is empowered to enforce violations, and evidence obtained in violation would be inadmissible at trial.

Wind Energy Facilities Light-Mitigating Technology Approval Changes

Colorado HB26-1420 would modify the approval process for light-mitigating technology required at certain wind-powered energy generation facilities. The bill was introduced on April 21, 2026 by Representatives Amy Paschal, Chris Richardson, and Senators Chris Kolker and Rod Pelton. It has been assigned to the House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee for consideration. As a proposed bill, it has not yet been enacted and remains subject to committee review and potential amendment before any vote by the full legislature.

HB26-1419 Over-Refund of Excess State Revenues

Colorado bill HB26-1419 was introduced on April 21, 2026, concerning the over-refund amount for state fiscal year 2024-25 of state revenues in excess of the state fiscal year spending limit under section 20 of article X of the state constitution. The bill has been assigned to the House Appropriations Committee and is currently under consideration. A committee hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:30 AM in the Old State Library.

Colorado Environmental Health Resources Highlighted for Earth Day

On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, CDPHE announced it is highlighting environmental health programs and resources statewide, including air quality monitoring, PFAS testing for private well owners, the Test and Fix Water for Kids program protecting over 700,000 children from lead exposure, and the Colorado Green Business Network whose 2025 participants reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 metric tons. The press release also references a new grant cycle opening soon for the Environmental Justice Grant Program and summarizes air quality control measures adopted by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission on April 17, 2026. No new compliance obligations or regulatory requirements are created.

CDPHE Reminds 61,000 Children Ages 4-6 to Vaccinate

Beginning April 22, 2026, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will send text messages and email notifications to families of more than 61,000 children ages 4-6 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System indicate they may be due for routine vaccines, including those required for K-12 school enrollment. Messages will be sent from number 45778 and email address cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us. Parents are directed to schedule appointments with healthcare providers or local public health agencies, with most insurance plans covering routine childhood vaccines at no cost.

Colorado Employment Situation February 2026

Colorado lost 7,200 nonfarm payroll jobs in February 2026, with private sector shedding all 7,200 positions while government remained unchanged, bringing total nonfarm employment to 2,953,500. The state's unemployment rate held steady at 3.9 percent, though the labor force contracted by 10,300 to 3,238,500 and the employment-population ratio fell to 64.0 percent, the lowest since September 2020. Over the year, Colorado's job growth rate of -0.3 percent lagged the national rate of 0.1 percent, with the largest private sector gains in educational and health services (≈13,400) offset by losses across financial activities, professional and business services, and manufacturing.

BLM Press Releases Searchable by State

The BLM press release index covers multiple regulatory actions across 13 states and regions from April 2–20, 2026, including oil and gas lease sales, mining project expansions, mineral exploration approvals, timber sales, pipeline rights-of-way, watershed restoration decisions, and grazing permit application periods. Substantive actions include a $592.7 million Q1 2026 oil and gas receipts figure, a June 2026 lease sale of 170 parcels totaling 155,816 acres in Colorado, and approval of exploratory drilling at 22 sites in Inyo County, California for Mojave Precious Metals Inc. Multiple 30-day public scoping and comment periods are open for oil and gas lease parcels in Wyoming, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Montana, and the Dakotas.

Explore BLM Public Lands, Recreation Opportunities Across America

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a public-facing webpage listing recreation opportunities across its managed lands in 21 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The site allows visitors to search by location, activity type, and keyword, with activities ranging from hiking and camping to rockhounding, wildlife viewing, and off-highway vehicle use. The BLM provides this portal to enable individuals and communities to achieve desired social, economic, and environmental outcomes through public land access.

Peo v. Obanion - Seized Psilocybin Return Denial Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's denial of Dan O'Banion's motion for return of seized psilocybin. The court applied the Colorado Supreme Court's holding in People v. Crouse, concluding that ordering law enforcement to return the psilocybin would violate the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. §§ 801-971, despite Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act (NMHA) having decriminalized psilocybin possession for personal use. O'Banion's argument that the NMHA was distinguishable from the medical marijuana provision at issue in Crouse was rejected as inadequately developed.

Peo v. Schendorf - Criminal Drug Conviction Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Lance Petersen Schendorf, who was found guilty by a jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Schendorf challenged his 20-year prison sentence on four grounds: sufficiency of evidence, denial of his motion to suppress, improper testimony, and cumulative error. The appellate court rejected all four contentions and affirmed the judgment.

Peo v. Klein - Proportionality Review Denial Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's denial of Bret Steven Klein's postconviction motion seeking an additional proportionality review of his 400-year habitual criminal sentence. The appellate court held that under McDonald v. People (2024 CO 75), the Colorado Supreme Court concluded Wells-Yates announced no new rules eligible for retroactive application, foreclosing Klein's argument that an exception applies to the procedural bar. Klein's claim that his sentences were grossly disproportionate, having been raised and resolved in a prior appeal, is barred as successive under Crim. P. 35(c)(3)(VI).

Peo v. Wilds - First Degree Criminal Trespass Conviction Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals Division II affirmed John Christopher Wilds' conviction for first degree criminal trespass under § 18-4-502(1)(a), C.R.S. 2025. The court rejected Wilds' sufficiency of evidence challenge, holding that the enclosed mudroom where she stood while banging on the inner door constituted part of Lopez's dwelling because it was attached to the home and used for household storage. The court applied the rationale from People v. Jiminez (651 P.2d 395) and People v. Hanna (981 P.2d 627) in reaching this determination. Wilds' claims of constitutional right to present a defense and cumulative error were also rejected.

Peo v. Quintanilla - Affirmed - Expert Witness Testimony

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed Jesse Ivan Quintanilla's conviction on two counts of sexual assault on a child, rejecting his argument that the trial court improperly admitted generalized expert witness testimony from Suvi Miller, a child sexual abuse expert. The appellate court applied an abuse-of-discretion standard in reviewing the trial court's qualification of Miller as an expert and found no reversible error under CRE 702, CRE 403, and CRE 608. Quintanilla was sentenced to two consecutive indeterminate terms of twelve years to life in prison.

Peo v. Arellano - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed Richard Lee Arellano's convictions for two counts of attempted second degree murder, one count of attempted reckless manslaughter, one count of felony menacing, and two counts of aggravated robbery (reduced from four counts at sentencing). The court rejected Arellano's sufficiency-of-evidence challenge to the aggravated robbery convictions as to the second loss prevention officer, concluding the evidence was sufficient to establish the stolen property was within the victim's presence and observation when Arellano pointed a gun at him. The court also affirmed the trial court's denial of Arellano's Batson challenge to the prosecution's peremptory strike of a Hispanic juror.

Eaves v. Executive Director of Colorado Department of Corrections

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed a district court judgment upholding a prison disciplinary conviction against inmate Rodney Douglas Eaves for 'Advocating or Creating Facility Disruption.' Eaves challenged the COPD violation claiming the elements duplicated criminal riot statutes and that certain state statutes deprived DOC of adjudicatory jurisdiction. The court rejected both arguments, finding the COPD violation requires only disruption, not violent conduct as criminal riot requires under section 18-8-211(1), and that disciplinary proceedings are administrative rather than criminal in nature.

SB143 Renames Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee

Colorado Senate Bill 143, signed into law by the Governor on April 13, 2026, renames the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee to an updated name. The bill passed the Senate on third reading 23-12 on April 13 and the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee on April 20 with an 8-3 vote, referring it to the Committee of the Whole unamended at each stage. The legislation was introduced in the Senate on March 19, 2026, and co-sponsored by 23 legislators from both chambers.

Creates Optional Wildlife Crossing Fee for Colorado Motor Vehicle Registration

Colorado has enacted SB141, creating an optional fee during motor vehicle registration to fund wildlife crossing construction and other transportation improvements. The bill passed the Senate 28-7 on third reading on April 13, 2026, after being amended through committee, and was signed by the Governor the same day. The optional fee mechanism allows vehicle owners to contribute to wildlife collision prevention projects without mandating participation.

ICE Arrests Criminal Aliens Convicted of Homicide, Rape, and Child Sex Crimes

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced on April 16, 2026, the arrest of criminal illegal aliens convicted for crimes including homicide, indecent liberties with a child, statutory rape, and aggravated robbery with deadly weapons. Named individuals arrested include Oreneile Masaka from Botswana (homicide and robbery with a weapon in Florida), Heber Borras from Cuba (attempted first-degree murder in Tampa), Jaoel Perez-Baez from Mexico (statutory rape in North Carolina), Jose Silvino Colorado-Hernandez from Mexico (sexual offenses against minors in California), and Johnny Roberto Bautista-Garcia from Mexico (aggravated robbery in Texas). ICE reported that nearly 70% of its arrests involve aliens charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S.

Oregon HB 4116 Bans Out-of-State Banks From Exceeding 36% Interest Rate on Consumer Loans

Oregon HB 4116 was signed by Governor Tina Kotek on April 7, 2026, prohibiting out-of-state FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks from making consumer finance loans of $50,000 or less to Oregon borrowers using interest rates exceeding Oregon's 36% cap. The law takes effect June 5, 2026, and applies to anyone originating, brokering, or facilitating consumer loans to Oregon residents by mail, telephone, or the Internet. Oregon becomes the fourth jurisdiction to opt out of DIDMCA, following Puerto Rico, Iowa, and Colorado, though national banks remain unaffected.

SJR018 Recognizes Nowruz and Supports Iranian Human Rights

Colorado Senate Joint Resolution SJR018 was signed by the Governor on April 17, 2026, recognizing the celebration of Nowruz and expressing support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people. The resolution specifically endorses the ongoing struggle for equality embodied in the Women, Life, Freedom movement. The bipartisan resolution passed the Senate 34-0 on April 7 and the House 59-2 on April 16, with 62 total sponsors across both chambers.

Timmerman Power Plant Fully Operational, 380 MW Online in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced that the second unit of the 380-megawatt Timmerman Power Plant in Maxwell is fully operational as of April 21, 2026, one month ahead of schedule. The natural gas-fired peaker plant provides dispatchable power capable of supporting over 100,000 homes during peak demand, marking the first Texas Energy Fund project to reach full operational status.

Emergency Order Extends Colorado Coal Plant Operations Through June 2026

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order on March 30, 2026, extending the operation of Unit 1 at the Craig Station coal plant in Craig, Colorado, through June 28, 2026. The order directs Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, PacifiCorp, and Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy), in coordination with the Western Area Power Administration Rocky Mountain Region and Southwest Power Pool, to ensure the coal unit remains available to operate. The prior emergency order issued December 30, 2025, was set to expire March 31, 2026. Effective April 1, 2026, SPP is directed to employ economic dispatch to minimize costs to ratepayers once Tri-State and WAPA Rocky Mountain Region join the SPP RTO West expansion.

Brush School District Re-2J Colorado v. Meta Platforms Inc et al - Personal Injury Product Liability

Brush School District Re-2J Colorado filed a civil complaint on April 7, 2026 in the Northern District of California against Meta Platforms, Inc. and additional defendants, alleging personal injury and product liability claims. The complaint was accompanied by a civil cover sheet and a proposed summons, with a filing fee of $405. No case summary is currently available, and the court has not issued a ruling on the merits.

Fuel Executive Sentenced 5 Years for $4.5M Military Contract Fraud

Jasen Butler, 38, of Jupiter, Florida was sentenced in West Palm Beach to 60 months in prison and criminal forfeiture by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks for 34 counts of wire fraud, forgery, and money laundering. Butler, owner of Independent Marine Oil Services LLC, corrupted the competitive bidding process for military fuel contracts and submitted dozens of falsified documents such as wire transfer memos and invoices to multiple U.S. warships attempting to purchase fuel in international ports in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Croatia between August 2022 and January 2024, receiving over $4.5 million for phony expenses. After coming under scrutiny, Butler adopted a false name and feigned employment by a fictitious company, using proceeds to purchase multiple multi-million-dollar properties in Florida and Colorado.

Bank Acquisitions Announced in Three States

Peoples Bancorp of Marietta, Ohio agreed to acquire Citizens National in Paintsville, Kentucky for $76.6 million in cash and stock, valuing the $686 million-asset target at 118% of tangible book value, with closing expected in H2 2026. United Community Banks of Greenville, South Carolina agreed to acquire Peach State Bancshares in Gainesville, Georgia for $100.8 million, valuing the $788 million-asset target at 194% of tangible book value, with closing expected in Q3 2026. Points West Community Bank of Windsor, Colorado applied to the FDIC to acquire State Bank of Downs in Kansas, a $140.3 million-asset institution, with price undisclosed.

Peo v. Vernagallo - Felony Menacing Conviction Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed Vincente Tyler Vernagallo's conviction on two counts of felony menacing stemming from a January 2023 jury verdict. The defendant, who had been repeatedly hospitalized for schizoaffective and bipolar disorders, pointed an Airsoft revolver at two people in August 2021 after removing its CO2 cartridge so it could not fire, and followed them in his car. The court rejected sufficiency-of-evidence challenges, finding competent evidence that he used a deadly weapon to place victims in fear of serious bodily harm. Competency proceedings occupied much of the case timeline, with two initial findings of incompetence, court-ordered involuntary medication, and a third competency challenge filed by defense counsel.

Colorado Bill Prohibits Price/Wage Setting Using Surveillance Data

A Colorado bill, HB26-1210, proposes to prohibit the use of surveillance data to set individualized prices for consumers or wages for workers. The bill defines surveillance data and automated decision systems, and allows for civil actions and penalties for violations, classifying them as deceptive trade practices.

Contractor Sentenced to 10 Years for $1.4M Home Remodeling Fraud

A Denver District Court judge sentenced Avi Schwalb to 10 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for carrying out a home remodeling contractor fraud scheme and stealing over $1.4 million from homeowners. In February 2026, a jury found Schwalb guilty on all 47 felony charges of theft, money laundering, and violating the state's organized crime law. Schwalb and his business partners were accused of soliciting home remodeling contracts, collecting customer deposits, and then failing to complete any work on the projects.

Eric Gemelli Barred from Securities Sales in Colorado for 10 Years

The Colorado Securities Commissioner has barred Eric Gemelli and his company, Market4Caster, LLC, from selling securities in Colorado for 10 years. Gemelli admitted to unlicensed sales of over $3 million in unregistered securities, violating the Colorado Securities Act.

Marshall v. BOCC - Open Meetings Law Violation

The Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the Douglas County District Court's order denying plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction in Marshall v. BOCC. The appellate court found that plaintiffs demonstrated a reasonable probability of success on the merits regarding whether the BOCC's closed 'advanced planning meetings' violated Colorado's Open Meetings Law (COML), which requires that meetings of public bodies where public business is discussed must be open to the public. The case was remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Peo v. Li - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Colorado Court of Appeals affirmed the second-degree murder conviction of Lin F. Li, who pistol-whipped and shot victim Daoud Francis in a parked SUV following a heated argument over Francis's phone use at a party. The court rejected Li's argument that he was entitled to a heat of passion jury instruction as a mitigator, finding Francis's belligerence and insults legally insufficient to constitute the required 'serious and highly provoking act.' Li was sentenced to 48 years in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections.