US Measles Cases Exceed 1,100; Washington Reports 26

The Washington State Department of Health reported 26 measles cases in early 2026, with national cases surpassing 1,100. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with nearly 80% of Washington cases occurring in unvaccinated children. The DOH emphasizes the MMR vaccine as the primary prevention method.

Colorado Bill Increases Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Access

Colorado Bill HB26-1228 proposes changes to the licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists. The bill aims to increase access to licensure by allowing individuals whose master's or doctoral programs did not include an internship or practicum to still become licensed, with additional supervised clinical hours required.

Colorado Bill Clarifies Firearms Dealer Permit Requirements

Colorado HB26-1126 clarifies existing firearms dealer permit requirements, expands them to 'responsible persons' and employees/contractors, and introduces new security and reporting mandates. The bill also allows for fines up to $100,000 for repeat violations.

Colorado State Forest Service Good Neighbor Authority Bill HB26-1205

Colorado Bill HB26-1205 proposes changes to state law to align with the federal expansion of good neighbor authority agreements. The bill specifies that the Colorado State Forest Service may enter into these agreements with federal agencies and requires demonstration projects to improve forest health and resilience.

Colorado Bill Repeals Biomass Grant Program

Colorado Bill HB26-1213 proposes to repeal the state's Biomass Utilization Grant Program. This action is based on a recommendation from the 2025 sunset report by the department of regulatory agencies. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 legislative session.

Colorado Bill Continues Vessel Registration Program Until 2036

Colorado House Bill HB26-1197 proposes to continue the state's vessel registration program until September 1, 2036. The bill has been introduced and is currently under consideration by the House Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee.

Mobile Home Property Tax Bill Modifies Delinquent Tax Collection

Colorado HB26-1120 modifies mobile home property tax collection procedures, aligning them with real property tax lien sales and public auctions. The bill also extends redemption periods for mobile home owners and adjusts the property tax exemption threshold for mobile homes.

Colorado Bill: Opt-out of Mail Ballot Packets

Colorado's SB26-106 proposes a process for registered electors to opt out of receiving mail ballot packets for elections conducted by mail ballot starting November 2, 2027. The bill requires the Secretary of State to adopt rules for this opt-out process and for electors to resume receiving ballots. County clerks will report opt-out numbers and associated cost savings.

Colorado Firefighter Safety Act Petition Elections

Colorado Bill SB26-047 proposes changes to the definition of a general election for submitting ballot questions related to firefighter collective bargaining and the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act. The bill aims to modify when such questions can be added to the ballot.

Colorado Open Records Act Modifications

Colorado's SB26-107 modifies the state's Open Records Act by excluding disability communication records, altering response times, and adding provisions for fee determination and student data protection. The bill also requires public entities to post CORA rules and information on making requests.