House GOP Leaders Warn Democrat Bills Move Colorado in the Wrong Direction

(Denver, CO, March 16, 2026) Today, House Minority Leadership condemned a series of bills being pushed by Democrats in the majority. They warn that these bills expand government control, undermine public safety, and place excessive burdens on Colorado families, businesses, and taxpayers. 

House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell said that legislation being heard this week reflects a consistent trend we are seeing across the state as the majority continues to advance misguided policies instead of addressing affordability and public safety, the issues families across the state are begging for. 

“Across multiple committees this week, we are seeing the same pattern repeated over and over again,” said Caldwell. “The majority continues forcing through bills that expand government power, tie the hands of our law enforcement officers, create new regulations on lawful firearm ownership, and change the tax code in ways that ultimately shift more costs onto Colorado families. These policies move our state in the wrong direction at a time when families are already struggling with the rising cost of living and don’t feel safe in our communities.” 

Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter addressed SB26-043, the Record Keeping & Regulation of Sale of Firearm Barrel bill. 

“In many rural communities, firearms are a part of daily life, for hunting, ranching, and protecting your home and family,” said Winter, “This bill turns a simple piece of metal into another means for regulation while doing absolutely nothing to stop violent criminals. This bill simply means a rancher on the Eastern Plains, or a hunter on the Western Slope, could be forced to drive hours just to replace a worn-out barrel for a rifle they have owned for years.” Winter concluded, stating, “Instead of focusing on criminals who already don’t follow the law, the majority is once again proposing new restrictions on responsible gun owners who are simply trying to maintain their equipment and exercise their constitutional rights.” 

Caucus Whip Carlos Barron criticized House Bills 1275 and 1276, two bills that further restrict and impede on immigration enforcement and cooperation between state and federal authorities. 

“These proposals would make it much harder for our law enforcement officers to do their job. Instead of supporting the men and women who keep our communities safe, these bills tie their hands and create new barriers preventing them from doing the very work the public expects them to do.”

Caucus chair, Anthony Hartsook, who also serves as the ranking member of the Finance Committee, spoke to the sweeping tax legislation that is advancing through the legislature and the impact it will have on taxpayers and small businesses. 

“Coloradans have consistently voted to preserve our Taxpayer Bill of Rights and return surplus revenue to the people who have worked hard for it.” Hartsook continued, “Instead, the majority continues to advance policies that redirect those dollars into government programs and special interest tax credits. At a time when families are tightening their belts, the legislature should be focused on lowering costs, not finding new ways to keep taxpayer dollars under the gold dome.” 

House Republican leadership said our caucus will continue to fight policies that increase costs, threaten our public safety, and undermine taxpayer protections guaranteed under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. 

“These bills are not about solving problems,” said Jarvis Caldwell, House Minority Leader. “They are about expanding government regulations while ignoring the real challenges facing Coloradans.”