Weekly Policy Update: Colorado General Assembly Sets Tentative Date to Resume Session
By: Colorado BioScience Association Date: 04/10/2020
The Colorado General Assembly’s top-ranking lawmakers from each party met on Wednesday to discuss a number of big issues they’re facing. First, legislative leadership determined that the General Assembly would plan to resume the session on May 18th, with the understanding that they will need to remain flexible and reassess depending on the public health situation at the time. They did not put an end date on the legislative term, and we know they continue to reassess and revise their agenda for the remainder of the session.
Leadership also discussed safety protocols and the possibility of remote hearings once the legislative session resumes, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions at this time.
One of the biggest driving factors for when to resume the session is that the legislature is constitutionally required to pass the School Finance Act by June 1 and the state budget by June 30.
Following decisions made by the Executive Committee meeting, Joint Budget Committee (JBC) leadership also announced a plan of action this week and release a preliminary timeline for completing the budget.
- Federal aid to Colorado is anticipated to be received around April 24.
- The JBC will publicly release revised figure setting documents around April 27.
- Beginning on May 4, the JBC will start meeting to review revenue scenarios and consider balancing options.
- On May 12, the Legislative Council and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting will provide an updated revenue forecast.
- Following the May 12th forecast, the JBC will make final budget balancing decisions.
- During the week of May 18, the Long Bill and other budget-related bills will be introduced in the House.
- During the week of May 25, the Long Bill and other budget-related bills will be introduced in the Senate.
It’s important to note that the dates in the plan are subject to change depending on the public health situation at that time.
The CBSA team will continue to monitor developments at the State Capitol and keep our life sciences community updated as we learn more.
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