SB 25-061: Federally Recognized Tribes & Construction of Laws

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Current Colorado laws do not always expressly provide whether the laws apply to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe or the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (Tribes). The act creates a rule of construction that a law does not apply to the Tribes unless the law clearly and expressly states that the law applies to the Tribes. The act further clarifies that if the general assembly enacts a new law or materially amends an existing law that is silent as to its application to the Tribes or to tribally controlled entities; purports to apply statewide; or grants a governmental agency or entity civil, criminal, or regulatory authority, it is presumed that the law does not apply within the exterior boundaries of the reservations to the Tribes, including the Tribes' officials and employees acting in their official capacities, to a tribally controlled entity, or to Tribal lands. The act reinforces that these rules of construction do not: Preclude or limit the authority of the Tribes' governing bodies from requesting inclusion in legislation pending before the general assembly; Abrogate the sovereign immunity of the state or the Tribes; or Affect the rights of the state, the Tribes, or other persons to pursue legal remedies that may be available to contest the application of laws passed by the general assembly.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 24 · Republican 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 28, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 12, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
3. May 12, 2025Sent to the Governor
4. May 12, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. May 2, 2025Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. May 1, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. April 30, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
8. April 29, 2025House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
9. March 25, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs
10. March 21, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
11. March 20, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee
12. March 17, 2025Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history