AARP Colorado advocates ready for 2026 Legislative Session

The Colorado General Assembly gaveled into session at the state capitol on January 14 and is poised to address major issues facing Coloradans 50-plus.

The 100 elected members of the state House of Representatives (65 members) and the state Senate (35 members) will meet through May 13.

“AARP Colorado’s Advocacy Team of staff and volunteer advocates will be very active for the next 120 days,” Karen Moldovan, advocacy director, said. “Each legislative session, our nonpartisan policy work focuses on health, finance, consumer protections, caregiving, livability and more.

“The 2026 Colorado General Assembly will prove no different.”

Based on prior legislative sessions, AARP Colorado anticipates that nearly 700 bills will be filed.

Facing a budget shortfall
The state is facing a General Fund shortfall of roughly $800 million for the next fiscal year. Resolving this shortfall will, unfortunately, require budget cuts to many state programs. Colorado’s popular Senior Homestead Exemption, powered by TABOR refunds in recent years, is in jeopardy as state elected officials forecast no such refunds. The exemption typically saves qualifying homeowners about $800 per year. AARP Colorado will work alongside legislators and like-minded advocates to preserve this critical program. “Coloradans trying to age in place are not immune to the housing affordability crisis,” Moldovan said. “Seeing the exemption run out of funding as costs skyrocket is untenable.”

Housing
Many older Coloradans are concerned about housing costs and the limited availability of suitable housing options for those who wish to age in place. Housing is a “hot topic” in Colorado, and legislation addressing the issue will be closely watched and debated. AARP Colorado’s Advocacy Team will actively engage on proposals that create additional affordable and accessible housing options. One such bill? Legislation that would open up land owned by schools, nonprofits, and transit districts to build housing.

Fraud and Scam Prevention
Fraud and scams are a significant and growing problem, and AARP Colorado is taking it to the bank. Expect to see legislation championed by AARP Colorado and like-minded financial institutions to provide banks and credit union personnel with additional tools to temporarily hold suspicious transactions. This liability protection and tactic further empowers banking and credit union employees to prevent financial exploitation before it occurs, ensuring that people’s hard-earned money remains safe from the pockets of criminals.

Reducing Utility Costs and Protecting Consumers
Ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy is essential for the health and safety of older Coloradans. This session, AARP Colorado will focus on legislation related to utility costs, including efforts to ensure that large data center facilities built in the state pay their own way (without increasing costs for residential ratepayers). The Advocacy Team will also collaborate with coalition partners to address how Coloradans receive communications and notices regarding power outages. Lastly, a battle over consumer protections when artificial intelligence makes consequential decisions (think loan approvals or who is selected to receive an in-person job interview) is looming.

Health
AARP Colorado reviews legislation that is vital for health security, working to ensure adequacy and affordability for health care coverage. Costs should not be burdensome to consumers, nor should costs limit access to coverage or necessary services. Legislation impacting long-term care and transparency for related services will be top priorities.

Beyond the General Assembly
The 2026 Colorado General Assembly will close a little bit more than a month before the 2026 primary election on June 30th. Every member of the state House of Representatives and approximately half of the Senate is up for election. Furthermore, Colorado voters will elect a new governor, treasurer, attorney general, and secretary of state. Numerous interest groups are already campaigning for various ballot measures. Pending elections bring a different dynamic to a legislative session. Gubernatorial candidates are already on the record about issues impacting Coloradans 50 and older.

To learn more and stay involved as the 2026 legislative session continues, sign up for activist alerts.