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Do you have a good idea for a new state law? Here’s how to get it drafted by Colorado lawmakers

All 100 state lawmakers are allowed to introduce five bills each year, and the deadline for the first three ideas is Dec. 2.

Moe Clark
The Colorado Sun
The Colorado Senate, photographed on Monday, April 22, 2019.
Jesse Paul | The Colorado Sun

The next Colorado legislative session doesn’t start until Jan. 8, but the deadline for legislators to submit ideas for bills is quickly approaching. And this means it’s an opportune time to share ideas and concerns with your state lawmakers.

All 100 state lawmakers are allowed to introduce five bills each year, and the deadline for the first three ideas is Dec. 2. 

A number of bills each session originate with constituents who bring an idea to their lawmaker. Sen. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, says much of her legislation comes directly from community members.



This year, Fields sponsored Senate Bill 195 after a mother reached out about her 10-year-old daughter, who died by suicide after being bullied at school. The bill — which is now law — aimed to curb youth suicide by increasing access to behavioral health care.

“It’s important for people to understand that they should not be intimidated by their elected officials,” she said. “Your representatives are busy. But it’s their job to represent you, and represent the issues that are important to you and that impact your community. And they might not know what’s the most important thing for you, unless you tell them.”

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