Thought Leaders: A Summary Explaining the Colorado Legislative Session – [Part 2]

This follow-up to our March article will cover what happens after a bill has moved through the initial idea phase, introduction, Chamber review, etc. We will quickly review the final phase covered in March – the bill has arrived at the Governor’s desk.

The bill has passed through both chambers – the Senate and the House- and is now on the Governor’s desk. At this stage, the Governor has three options: (1) sign the bill into law; (2) veto the bill; or (3) neither. Once the bill has moved through both houses, the Governor has ten days upon receiving the bill to act on the bill if the General Assembly is in session. If the session is adjourned, the Governor has thirty days to act on the bill.

1. The Governor signs the bill into law.

Simply put, if the Governor signs the bill, the bill becomes Colorado law.

2. The Governor vetoes the bill.

If the bill lands on the Governor’s desk and is vetoed while the General Assembly is still in session, it goes back to the Chambers, where it must receive a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House.

If the General Assembly has adjourned, the bill is vetoed, not eligible for review at the Chamber, and without an opportunity for an override. It can be introduced again at the next General Assembly; however, it will move through the process entirely.

3. The Governor neither signs the bill into law nor vetoes the bill.

If the General Assembly is still in session and a bill has made it through the House and the Senate, the Governor has ten days to act on the bill. If the General Assembly has adjourned, the Governor has thirty days to act on the bill. Should no action be taken on a bill while in this stage, the bill becomes Colorado law.

It’s important to note that once the bill has passed all phases of the legislative process, it is a law; however, the law might not take effect for months or even within the same calendar year as the current Session. As bills move and pass through the legislative process, it’s very important to remain vigilant on new laws that might impact you, your business, and your clients. We look forward to providing relevant updates on new laws via BizWest Thought Leaders, our website, and other client alerts.

This article is informational only. The presentation or use of this information does not in any manner constitute an attorney-client relationship between BHGR and the website user. While the information on this site concerns legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or a substitute for particularized advice from your own legal counsel.