Start of the 2021 Legislative Session

In Colorado, the second Wednesday in January traditionally marks the convening of the State Legislature, which holds a 120-day session. This year, however, things are a little different. Due to COVID-19, the General Assembly, as it is officially known, will begin today with swearing-in of legislators and other necessary business. Then, for the rest of this week, committees will hear a handful of time-sensitive bills which will quickly move through the two chambers. After that time, the lawmakers will adjourn until mid-February, at which time it is predicted more of them will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC), however, will continue to meet. Details on the operation of the General Assembly can be found in the Colorado Legislative Rules publication.

House and Senate calendars listing this week’s committee meetings can be found on the General Assembly homepage. You can also use the website to find the name and contact information for your Senator and Representative through an interactive map or directory; view all bills; sign up to give remote, written, or in-person testimony; and view information and publications from legislative service agencies. Live-stream and recorded audio and video of the House and Senate chambers is also available.

Because of the disrupted 2021 schedule, Governor Polis will also delay the annual State of the State speech, typically held on the second day of the Session.

For additional publications as well as prior governors’ State of the State addresses, search the State Publications Library’s online catalog.