From Brianna For Colorado <[email protected]>
Subject April Absurdity 🤪
Date April 18, 2026 2:00 AM
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]

We officially have less than a month left of the session! In this edition, I will talk about drought declarations (#drought) , updates on immigration legislation (#immigration) , how to protect right to repair (#right-to-repair) , the status of my bills (#bill-tracker) , local (#Community) & constituent (#Constituent) events, and the news (#ICYMI) . But first, let’s discuss the budget.

The majority of March was spent focused on the state budget. Because of the Colorado Constitution, the budget HAS to be balanced every year before the legislature can adjourn.

And unfortunately, because of H.R. 1 and TABOR, the Colorado legislature had to solve a $1.2 billion budget deficit this year.

This is what was focused on this year:
* Investing in Our Students
+ K-12 Education: Despite declining enrollment, this budget increases education funding at pace with inflation and does not reinstate the Budget Stabilization Factor. The General Fund contribution to K-12 education will increase significantly this year thanks to the Kids Matter Account created by Colorado Democrats last year, which is forecasted to invest more than $216 million in our schools next year. This is in addition to the $4.6 billion base General Fund spending for Colorado’s K-12 schools that will continue in FY26-27, which will be outlined in more detail in the 2026 School Finance Act.
+ Universal Preschool: Increased funding by $14 million to continue free preschool access for all Colorado kids, save families money, and prevent children and families from losing access to early childhood education.
+ Healthy School Meals for All: Increased funding by $38M to implement the voter-approved Prop MM and preserve access to free school meals for students.
+ Higher education: Lawmakers avoided major cuts to Colorado’s higher education institutions by holding funding flat this year.
* Protecting Core Health Care Coverage
+ This budget protects core health care benefits and does not reduce Medicaid enrollment, preventing Coloradans from losing health insurance entirely.
+ To boost support for parents and children and protect access to maternal health care, the budget exempts Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and maternal health providers from provider rate reductions.
* Supporting Older Coloradans and Veterans
+ Senior Homestead Property Tax Exemption: This budget protects $200 million to ensure older Coloradans and veterans save money on their property taxes.
* Safeguarding our Water
+ Colorado River: This budget boosted funding by $3.8 million to strengthen the state’s Colorado River negotiations and protect Colorado’s water future.


** DROUGHT DECLARED ()
------------------------------------------------------------

Both Golden and Arvada have announced drought restrictions.

Drought Stage 1 Declared by GOLDEN
* Restrictions Go Into Effect May 1
* Fines will be implemented for not following regulations associated with drought.
* DO:
+ Monitor water usage via Aquahawk ([link removed]) , the free tool provided by the City of Golden. It will assist in catching any leaks.
+ Continue to hand water trees during allowed times, as drought-stressed trees are more likely to contract disease or pests.
+ Use the cycle and soak method for outdoor irrigation. View this helpful explainer to learn more about it ([link removed]) .
+ Hand water perennials once per week, during allowed times.
* DO NOT:
+ Do not use automatic sprinkler irrigation more than twice per week. During those two days, watering is only permitted from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
+ Do not hand wash your vehicle. Utilize local car wash businesses (who recycle water).
+ Do not allow water to pool or runoff into gutters, storm sewers, ditches, channels, etc. Any irrigation system leak must be prepared within 10 days of the City providing notice of a leak.
* Thank you for respecting drought restrictions. Please refer to the City's Water Conservation Page for a full list of rules and regulations ([link removed]) .

Stage 1 Water Restrictions Declared by ARVADA
* Stage 1 water restrictions went into effect on April 15 for the City of Arvada. Across both City services, residential, and business uses, the goal is to reduce water use by 20%. Conserving water is a community effort, and every step makes a difference. Together, we can protect the water supply we all share. Waiting to turn on sprinkler systems until May will help conserve water by leaving your lawn dormant for longer.
* Key details include:
+ Lawn watering is limited to two assigned days per week (see schedule on our website).
+ No watering 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
+ Trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetable gardens, and flowers can be watered any day using a handheld hose or drip irrigation, outside of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
+ New grass seed or sod installation is subject to the 2-day watering schedule from June to August.
+ Do not waste water by letting it spray on concrete and asphalt or pool in gutters, streets, and alleys.
+ Do not irrigate during rain or high winds.
* Visit the water restrictions webpage ([link removed]) for more information.


** UPDATES ON IMMIGRATION BILLS ()
------------------------------------------------------------

In extreme disappointment, HB26-1275 ([link removed]) that would have required that ICE could not obscure their face or identity, was killed by the House Judiciary Committee on March 17th. It was killed on a vote of 6-5, with two Democrats helping to kill the bill. This was incredibly disappointing and frustrating, as people have continued to ask (as they should) their local, state, and federal leaders to hold ICE accountable. This bill would have been a step in that direction.

However, not all hope is lost. HB26-1276 ([link removed]) and SB26-005 ([link removed]) are still alive. Continue to contact your Representatives and Senators, and tell them to support these bills!


** HELP PROTECT RIGHT TO REPAIR! ()
------------------------------------------------------------

Mine and others’ efforts to advance right to repair in Colorado, are under attack.

SB26-090 ([link removed]) just passed 3rd reading in the Senate ([link removed]) and will now be coming to the House. This bill would be DISASTROUS for all the work we have done on right to repair, and would completely gut all that hard work.

Don’t get me wrong, I will fight like hell to stop this bill. But I also always appreciate help

A way you can help is by contacting your Representatives and telling them to vote NO on the bill. Additionally, once it gets scheduled to be heard in a House Committee, you can sign up to testify AGAINST the bill.

If you have questions about how you can help, please contact me (#Contact-Info) .


** BILL TRACKER ()
------------------------------------------------------------

I currently have 8 bills introduced. They are:

HB26-1036 Local Taxes on Vacant Residential Property ([link removed])
* Unfortunately, this bill was killed in the House Finance committee on Monday, February 9th. You can read about it here ([link removed]) .

HB26-1099 Protect Financial Condition of Homeowners Association ([link removed])
* The bill was signed into law on the 13th!

HB26-1137 Requirements for Campaign Consultants ([link removed])
* Unfortunately, this bill was killed during its final reading on March 10th. You can read an article about the bill here ([link removed]) .

HB26-1188 Sunset Process Securities Regulation ([link removed])
* This bill will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 21st. You can listen in here. ([link removed])

HB26-1258 Changes to Practices Relating to Death ([link removed])
* It passed the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee and will now be scheduled for the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB26-1270 Ownership of Agricultural Data ([link removed])
* Unfortunately, this bill was killed in the House Agriculture, Water, & Natural Resources Committee on March 16th.

SB26-114 Spirituous Liquor Manufacturer Sales Rooms & Other Alcohol ([link removed])
* It passed the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee and will now be scheduled for the Senate Appropriations Committee.

HB26-1346 Transfer of Unsold Insurance Premium Tax Credits ([link removed])
* Scheduled to be heard for 2nd reading on the House Floor on April 20th.



** UPCOMING CONSTITUENT EVENTS ()
------------------------------------------------------------


** Beers with Brianna 🍺
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------

APRIL 29TH @ 7 pm

Join me to share your views and chat about the legislative session, all while enjoying a local craft brew!

📍Freedom Street Social

15177 Candelas Pkwy, Arvada, CO, USA

ADD TO MY CALENDAR ([link removed])

Virtual Office Hours () đź’»

We have a simple sign-up process to schedule some one-on-one time with Rep. Titone at YOUR convenience, either via Zoom or phone.

Sign up here ([link removed]) on Calendly!

Can't make it to any of my scheduled events? Don't hesitate to reach out if you have something on your mind or need help finding local resources. I'm just an email or phone call away!

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) | cell: 720.213.6660 | office: 303.866.2962


** IN THE DISTRICT ()
------------------------------------------------------------


** ARVADA
------------------------------------------------------------

BULKY ITEM DROP-OFF EVENT

Saturday April 25th

Drop-off events are included in the minimum services that Arvada customers invest in as part of the City's Recycling and Trash Program. All Arvada residents are invited to participate.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Area Athletic Complex (NAAC).

Find details on the Bulky Items webpage ([link removed])

2026 HOPE HOUSE 5K AND FUN RUN

The 13th annual Hope House 5k will take place on Saturday, May 2, at the Promenade Terrace Park. Find registration details on the Hope House website ([link removed]) .

To find events coming up in Arvada, check out Visit Arvada ([link removed]) !


** GOLDEN
------------------------------------------------------------

VISIT GOLDEN TOURISM SURVEY

Respondents Could Win Up to $150!

Visit Golden, the City of Golden's official tourism arm, is conducting a strategic planning survey. Residents, businesses, and visitors' opinions are all requested and welcomed.

The survey is anonymous (unless you provide contact information for prize entry), and should take about five minutes. The survey will be open until April 22.

Learn more and take the survey here ([link removed])

BABY GOAT YOGA

May 24th, 9-10 am

It's that time! Join the Golden Community Center for baby goat yoga. There's one event a month through September, starting next month on May 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., outside the GCC.

Enjoy 45 minutes of yoga, followed by 15 minutes of bottle-feeding the baby goats (yes, they're that young!). Mat rentals are available onsite.

Register ([link removed])

For a list of upcoming Golden events, check out the Visit Golden website ([link removed]) or the City’s Community Calendar ([link removed]) .


** ICYMI! ()
------------------------------------------------------------


** BRIANNA IN THE NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
* State Scoop: Colorado releases new AI Policy framework aimed revising the state's 2024 law ([link removed])
* Colorado Times Recorder: Graduated Income Tax Initiative Begins Signature Gathering Campaign ([link removed])
* Colorado Sun: AI policy group makes recommendations on tweaks to Colorado's first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence law ([link removed])
* Colorado Sun: Elon Musk's xAI sues over Colorado's AI law, claiming it threatens Grok's free speech ([link removed])
* Denver7: Bill seeks transparency in HOA fees sails through Senate committee ([link removed])
* CBS News: State lawmaker says Colorado Cybersecurity Office is withholding information ([link removed])
* CPR: Budget debate in the statehouse delayed for days by lone Republican ([link removed])
* Insurance News Net: Could Colorado's new home insurance bill catch on in other states? ([link removed])


** STATE & LOCAL NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
* Denver Post: Colorado Supreme Court has tough questions for Children's Hospital, families suing to restart gender-affirming care ([link removed])
* Denver Post: Two Colorado lawmakers face open-records lawsuit as rift over Vail retreat expands ([link removed])
* Colorado Newsline: Trump administration denies Colorado request for fire and flood disaster assistance ([link removed])


** NATIONAL STORIES
------------------------------------------------------------
* Stateline: Trump says he's going after Medicaid fraud, but is mostly focusing on blue states ([link removed])
* AP: Jury finds that Ticketmaster and Live Nation had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues ([link removed])


** FIND ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
------------------------------------------------------------

Follow me to stay up to date with news, photos, bill details, events, community resources, and much more! 📲
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]


** Representative Brianna Titone
------------------------------------------------------------

(she/her/hers)

Vice Chair, Joint Technology Committee

Vice Chair, Finance Committee

Appropriations Committee

Pension Review Commission

Chair, LGBTQ Caucus

[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=)

303.866.2962 office

A Message From Representative Brianna Titone, 2025
Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
Screenshot of the email generated on import

Message Analysis

  • Sender: n/a
  • Political Party: n/a
  • Country: n/a
  • State/Locality: n/a
  • Office: n/a
  • Email Providers:
    • MailChimp