A federal audit found Colorado made at least $77.8M in improper Medicaid payments for applied behavior analysis and was ordered to return about $42.6M in federal funds. The findings raise questions about access and state budget pressure.

A narrow committee vote sent a Colorado second‑look bill forward that would let some long‑term prisoners ask judges to reopen sentences after 20 years, but prosecutors warn victims could lose finality.

Lawmakers moved the Colorado River Authority into the Department of Natural Resources and expanded its powers as reservoir forecasts worsen.

Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera will lead Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration after Commissioner Dannette Smith’s retirement amid staff complaints and an outside probe.

Sen. Michael Bennet turned in petition signatures at the Colorado Secretary of State’s office in Denver as his campaign moves to lock in a spot on the Democratic primary ballot. The filings give the campaign a backup ahead of March caucuses and petition deadlines.

A Denver jury convicted former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis on four felonies for faking support letters during an ethics probe; she is scheduled for sentencing Feb. 27, 2026.

A Senate committee postponed SB26-055 on Feb. 24, blocking a CDE registry that would have let districts see disciplined school employees. Supporters cited a high‑profile hiring failure.

Mayor Mike Johnston ordered Denver police to detain ICE officers who use excessive force and promised local investigations and possible prosecutions.

House Bill 1301 would raise excise taxes on alcohol and marijuana to fund a new Colorado Mental Health Institute in Aurora and long‑term civil‑commitment beds.

A Denver family says an ICE detainee disappeared from the agency's online tracker during transfers, blocking commissary access and legal help before a deportation. Advocates blame transfers and a slow public tracker.

A House Judiciary Committee rejected HB1047 after a 6-5 vote, leaving tenant-privacy reforms stalled. Supporters cite rising eviction filings; landlords say the bill would hide screening tools.

A Denver audit flagged hundreds of meal reimbursements and grants that didn't align with city law. Caring For Denver says it will bar alcohol reimbursements while tightening oversight.

A federal judge ordered the immediate release of Denver bassist Marcos Flores from Aurora ICE after finding his detention unlawful. He remains in removal proceedings and supporters continue legal fundraising.