AGP Executive Report

Colorado Courts & Rights: The Colorado Supreme Court shut down a “new form of representation” in postconviction cases, ruling that when private lawyers file the initial petition, the usual path to later court-appointed help doesn’t automatically apply. Gun Policy Fight: The Colorado State Shooting Association sued over HB26-1126, arguing the new firearms-dealer rules expand warrantless access to purchase records and violate constitutional protections. Police Accountability: Gov. Jared Polis signed HB26-1250, tightening civil asset forfeiture by pausing cases until related convictions and creating a right to court-appointed counsel for property owners. Local Elections: Teller County and the Ute Pass region are in the early stretch of the 2026 primary, with voters facing a June 30 deadline to return ballots. State Government Tech: Colorado CIO David Edinger wrapped up his tenure as the state shifts its IT operations model, with Sarah Tuneberg set to lead. Land-Use Ruling: Colorado’s justices ruled that planned-unit development rezoning can’t be pushed through ballot initiatives. Public Safety & Community: Colorado Springs gas prices dipped below $4, while a new “Zero Tolerance” push in Teller County targets backcountry lawlessness.

Sentinel Landscape Designation: The federal government has named Colorado’s Pikes Peak region a “Sentinel Landscape,” boosting eligibility for conservation and resource-management funding tied to the area’s five military bases, with local leaders pointing to projects like wildfire mitigation near Fort Carson and flood protection for the Air Force Academy. Gun Policy Fight: The Colorado State Shooting Association says it will sue the state over a new firearm purchase record retention law, arguing it lets government access sensitive data without evidence of wrongdoing. School Civil Rights Clash: Jefferson County Public Schools is pushing back on a U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights claim that it allowed male students on girls’ sports rosters, calling the allegation inaccurate and saying listed males were coaches, trainers, or mascots. Local Emergency Prep: Weld RE-4 will run a full-scale school safety exercise June 17, with increased law enforcement and loud simulation activity expected around Severance Middle and High. Community & Veterans: Mesa County’s Sheriff’s Office fundraiser “Glow N Games” raised more than $20,000 for Special Olympics Colorado, while a Hays baseball team is hosting a Military Appreciation Night with on-field honors and free admission.

UFO Files, Pentagon Release: Declassified Pentagon material includes a February 2022 “potato-shaped” object sighting over Cheyenne Mountain, described by five Army members at Fort Carson—no photos or video, but a Pentagon-linked rendering is part of the latest UFO disclosures. State Budget Talks: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and top Republicans reached agreement on an $18.3 billion spending plan that preserves GOP tax cuts while dropping Hobbs’ proposed tax-and-fee increases. DOJ Voter Data Push: The Justice Department is pressing states to share detailed voter registration lists under a “confidential” agreement; Colorado is named among states in ongoing litigation. Colorado Education & AI: University of Denver enrollment fell about 19% since the pandemic peak, prompting reorganization, while Colorado’s new AI consumer protection law is set to take effect June 30. Housing & Homelessness: Colorado Springs is moving toward a “safe parking” initiative after a city ban on long car camping, partnering with Family Promise to offer legal, supportive options. Environment & Wildlife: Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission appointments and ongoing wolf management decisions keep wildlife policy in the spotlight. EV Policy: Polis signed Colorado’s EV battery recycling law, requiring automakers to collect and recycle packs when other uses aren’t found.

AI Oversight Push: Colorado and other states are joining a coalition investigation into OpenAI, with state attorneys general subpoenaing internal documents on data handling, child safety, and ads—part of a broader backlash over AI’s impact on minors and consumer life. Election Integrity & Voting Access: Colorado secretary of state candidate Jessie Danielson is getting a boost in a Democratic primary argument that frames the job as protecting election systems from Trump-era threats. UFO Files, Colorado Angle: The Pentagon’s latest declassified UFO release includes a “potato”-shaped sighting reported by Fort Carson personnel in Colorado Springs in 2022, adding new details but no proof of alien life. Colorado River Fallout: Arizona is warning of up to 77% cuts if Upper and Lower Basin states stay deadlocked and the federal government imposes a plan. Energy Policy Aftermath: A Colorado analysis says the 2026 legislative session largely sidestepped major net-zero and utility changes, focusing instead on reliability and affordability. Local Governance: Salida City Council will vote to amend noise-permit language after a Colorado Supreme Court ruling that found unfair permit treatment.

Water Policy: Colorado’s first large-scale rainwater harvesting pilot is moving into water court, as CSU Spur and a Douglas County community seek to prove how much runoff can be captured without harming downstream water rights. Public Safety & Courts: Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested again this week and hit with a stricter no-contact order tied to a protection order violation. Wildlife Management: Colorado Parks and Wildlife says it has finished lethal removal of an uncollared gray wolf in Routt County after repeated confirmed sheep depredations. Democratic Politics: In the final major Democratic governor debate before the June 30 primary, Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser clashed over housing and ambition, with Bennet pushing a cap-and-invest emissions plan and Weiser arguing Bennet’s promises are too vague. Colorado River: Utah and Wyoming are urging basin states to restart negotiations before the Oct. 1 deadline, warning litigation could cost conservation funding. Local Government: Weld County’s justice-center planning got a boost from a new court facilities assessment highlighting security and accessibility gaps. Elections Reminder: A Colorado editorial warns the state’s most consequential election may be the one voters skip—the June primary.

Colorado River & Water Policy: Arizona lawmakers added $6 million to a Colorado River legal fund as states edge toward a court battle over dwindling supplies, with experts warning the system could face a “crash” without near-term action. State Government & Courts: Colorado justices ruled insurers can access policyholders’ medical info in denied-benefits litigation, while a Cherry Creek School District probe is drawing scrutiny after the district withheld invoices tied to an investigation. Elections & Civic Participation: A new push highlights that Colorado’s primary races can decide November outcomes—especially for unaffiliated voters who may not realize how much influence they have. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Denver Sheriff’s officials warned of a scam targeting families of people newly arrested, and Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper faces renewed legal trouble tied to a protection order. Health & Youth: Colorado’s Healthy Kids survey points to real gains in youth mental health and suicide risk, even as persistent sadness and other problems remain. Local Life: Aurora Fest returns this weekend with international food, performances, and a drone show marking the U.S. and Colorado anniversaries. National/Policy Watch: A federal AI preemption fight is heating up as states move to enforce their own AI rules, including investigations into OpenAI.

Education Showdown: Chalkbeat Colorado takes a close look at where Colorado’s governor candidates stand on education, spotlighting the candidates’ records and positions ahead of the June 30 primaries. Public Safety & Courts: In Alamosa, an officer accused of harassment is now facing allegations of tampering with a victim or witness, with court documents describing pressure tactics tied to a letter. Sports & Legal Trouble: Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested again this week, facing new charges tied to a protection order after a domestic dispute earlier in June. Homeschool Funding Rules: Colorado tightens state-funded homeschool enrichment rules, limiting what families can access and aiming to close loopholes tied to distant authorizers. Local Infrastructure: Northern Colorado partners are hosting a Saturday celebration marking the final connection of the 45-mile Poudre River Trail. Outdoor Life: Colorado launches a new “stargazing trail” linking its International Dark Sky Parks and communities. Wildlife Health: Colorado requires screwworm inspections for livestock entering from Texas and New Mexico.

Immigration Enforcement: Trump signed the Secure America Act, boosting ICE funding to $38.9 billion and expanding 287(g) agreements—raising alarms from mayors about transparency and due process. Colorado Courts: A 10th Circuit ruling blocks qualified immunity for officers in a fatal shooting lawsuit, while another Colorado appeals decision narrows when incarcerated people can face serious-injury assault charges. Marijuana Oversight: Colorado regulators and industry leaders face renewed scrutiny after recordings surfaced raising concerns about tax collection, oversight, and compliance in the state’s legal pot market. Local Housing Policy: Aurora is weighing a landlord rental registration and licensing program aimed at renter protections, while a separate Colorado Springs story highlights ongoing pressure on city budgets and public safety. State Politics & Elections: Colorado’s primary ballot process continues, with research showing unaffiliated voters’ growing influence. Public Safety & Sports: Broncos coach Sean Payton says the league will stay involved as Jonathon Cooper faces additional assault charges.

Animal Cruelty Case: A Colorado man in Moffat County was charged with 89 counts of neglect/mistreatment after authorities seized about 90 bison and two mules from his Lay Valley Bison Ranch; deputies say two bison died during the seizure and others were euthanized to prevent suffering. Public Safety & Courts: Colorado’s Supreme Court ruled a Safe2Tell tip, paired with an administrator’s corroboration of details, gave enough reasonable suspicion to search a Chaparral High School student’s backpack, leading to discovery of a marijuana vape pen. Religion & Psychedelics: A Colorado Springs “Colorado Psychedelic Church” is moving from a home setting into its first public-facing storefront near North Academy Boulevard and Union Boulevard, with the founder saying it’s not selling psilocybin and that neighboring businesses have raised no concerns. Tech Policy: States are moving to curb “surveillance pricing,” where AI uses personal data to guess what you’ll pay, with Colorado readers likely watching as New York, Connecticut, and Maryland set early models. Water & Health: As summer heats up, Colorado health officials warn of harmful algae blooms in lakes and reservoirs, noting toxins can’t be confirmed just by sight. Elections & Accountability: A campaign-finance complaint against Sen. Michael Bennet over alleged improper travel spending was delayed again, with the Elections Division amending its complaint ahead of the June 30 primary. Public Safety Tech: Longmont police faced scrutiny after a “predator poachers” sting video went viral, with the group claiming no arrest was made.

Primary Ballots on the Way: Colorado’s 2026 primary mailers are hitting mailboxes this week, with guidance for voters on choosing the right party ballot and using drop boxes. Election Politics: A new GOP challenger is aiming to the right of Rep. Jeff Hurd in CD3, while Democrats and Republicans gear up for statewide primaries. Campaign Finance Scrutiny: Colorado AG Phil Weiser faces questions after campaign donations from attorneys tied to litigation or settlements with his office. Election Denial Fallout: Former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, recently released from prison, is back on a far-right podcast repeating claims that elections are being stolen. Local Government Watch: Aguilar is still untangling its finances as an audit remains unfinished and the town seeks an accountant. Housing & Public Safety: A fast-moving fire in Rifle destroyed an apartment building and prompted evacuations. Education Accountability: The La Veta school board defended a superintendent’s paid role in S-CAP after community questions about documentation. E-Bike Rules: Douglas County is considering tighter e-bike limits and safety requirements after officials cite rising serious injuries.

Colorado River Talks: Wyoming and Utah governors and senators met in Washington to push long-term Colorado River management as drought pressures mount and negotiations stall. Federal Courts & Immigration: Wisconsin DOJ and a coalition won summary judgment blocking a Trump administration $100,000 H-1B fee as unlawful, a move that could affect Colorado employers and universities. Marijuana Policy: The DOJ’s medical marijuana reclassification to Schedule III is opening the door to some federal tax benefits, but the federal-state divide still leaves states navigating uncertainty. Consumer Protection: Colorado’s AG Brenna Bird announced a $4.87M multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution for affected residents. State Politics & Elections: Record fundraising and billionaire-backed super PAC spending are shaping Colorado’s Democratic governor primary as ballots near. Local Government & Public Safety: Denver officials said outdoor tornado sirens sounded by mistake, raising questions about emergency protocols. Education Governance: A controversial southern Colorado “public Christian school” co-op is losing member districts, threatening its future. Wildfire & Weather: High winds fueled western Colorado fires, including the Beehive Fire’s rapid growth near Paradox.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Gov. Polis is appointing three new commissioners after earlier picks were denied, including a CSU researcher focused on human-wildlife coexistence. State law & energy: A new Colorado law expands access to plug-in solar panels, aiming to bring solar within reach for renters and people who can’t afford rooftop systems. Courts & labor: The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that transportation workers can qualify for the FAA exemption even without crossing state lines, a decision that could reshape arbitration fights. Public safety & schools: Denver Public Schools adopted a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban for students starting next school year. Immigration detention oversight: A federal contractor running a Denver-area detention center sued to block Colorado’s new health and safety inspection law. Water politics: As Colorado River talks stall, Arizona faces potential cuts up to 77% under a federal “no deal” plan. Public lands: A new analysis says the 119th Congress’ “antiparks” caucus is driving dozens of bills that weaken protections for public lands and waters.

Colorado Politics & Courts: The Colorado Supreme Court says judges can cut parenting time to just above zero without it counting as a “restriction,” a ruling that could reshape custody fights. Immigration Detention Oversight: GEO Group sued Colorado in federal court to block a new state law requiring more frequent health and safety inspections at the Aurora ICE detention center, arguing it violates federal authority. Elections & Voting Process: Colorado primary ballots are arriving in mailboxes, with a focus on election security and how ballots are handled statewide. Public Safety: Interstate 70 shut down near Glenwood Springs after the Paradise Creek wildfire grew to about 15 acres; officials also warned about reckless juvenile e-bike riding and potential parent-facing consequences. Housing Crisis: U.S. Catholic bishops warned that the housing crunch has become a crisis for families, citing severe shortages of affordable rentals. Energy & Economy: Incumbent HD48 Rep. Carlos Barron pitched natural gas as the most cost-effective energy source in his reelection push. Business & Fraud: Four Colorado-linked wealth professionals were convicted in a nationwide tax evasion scheme tied to abusive trust paperwork, costing the U.S. about $40 million.

Election logistics: Colorado county clerks can begin mailing 2026 primary ballots this week, with ballots required to go out by June 12; Denver also unveiled a 24-hour ballot drop box at Athmar Park Library as voters prepare for the June 30 primary. Education & civil rights: The U.S. Department of Education opened a civil-rights investigation into Cherry Creek School District over allegations of racially discriminatory programming, including clubs, academic support, teacher training, and a parent committee. Immigration detention oversight: GEO Group sued Colorado to block a new state law requiring regular health and safety inspections of immigrant detention facilities, arguing federal preemption. Local government: Aurora advanced ordinances requiring periodic inspections and monthly health-hazard reporting from detention facilities. Schools policy: Denver Public Schools adopted a bell-to-bell ban on student cellphones and other personal devices during the school day, with limited exceptions. Courts: Colorado Supreme Court ruled judges can consider broader documents in insurer breach cases, not just what was available at the time of the accident.

Weather Watch: A tornado watch is in effect for a dozen Colorado counties until 9 p.m., with damaging winds and large hail possible, especially east of I-25. Courts & Policy: A federal judge rejected a bid to toss defenses in a Colorado cybersecurity worker’s whistleblower retaliation case, while another judge blocked Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax. Public Safety: Colorado Springs police say a man accused of attempting to kill an officer pleaded not guilty to more than 15 charges. Food & Benefits: USDA lists Colorado among states restricting what SNAP recipients can buy, as measles cases continue to surge nationally. Statehouse & Local Business: Gov. Polis signed Colorado’s “Tamale Act,” expanding Cottage Foods to certain refrigerated homemade foods, and Colorado SBDC received $1.81M in federal funding to help small businesses statewide. Water & Governance: Colorado River compact commissioners discussed mediation as talks stall.

Colorado Politics & Courts: Pitkin County sued an Aspen treehouse dweller, arguing the elevated structure violates land-use and building-code rules. Public Safety: Colorado State Patrol and CDOT are teaming up with local police for a summer seatbelt education push aimed at “seatbelt numbness,” after unrestrained crashes killed people in Mesa County. Elections & Federal Policy: The U.S. Senate voted to fund ICE for the rest of Trump’s term, clearing a major step for a roughly $70 billion immigration enforcement package. Gun Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on gun laws and transgender athletes, with national fallout expected. Health & Social Services: Colorado saw a surge in teachers losing licenses for disciplinary reasons, while another story highlights how medically complex children can wait years for palliative care support. Energy & Climate: A heat-pump “group buy” model is helping some homeowners cut costs, as Colorado continues grappling with water and drought pressures. Business & Antitrust: States including California and New York are reportedly preparing a lawsuit to block the Paramount-WBD merger.