Starting Saturday (Mar. 13), the Colorado Legislature will temporarily adjourn all legislative activities until March 30th.

Statement from the Office of Senator Kerry Donovan
On Tuesday, Governor Polis announced Colorado is in a State of Emergency regarding COVID-19. Since that announcement, the General Assembly has introduced HB20-1359, with bipartisan support after consultation with legal counsel. HB20-1359 moved through the House and Senate to rapidly respond to COVID-19 to address concerns around our democratic process.

Starting Saturday, the Colorado Legislature will temporarily adjourn all legislative activities in the Capitol building until March 30, at which point we will reassess the situation. This action still needs final confirmation by a full vote of the General Assembly which will likely occur in the next 24 hours. The response of the General Assembly is based on calculated recommendations from legal counsel, bipartisan leadership, and health experts. Furthermore, we are seeking guidance from the Judicial branch regarding the impacts of this temporary adjournment on the constitutional requirements of the legislative session.

The decision to enter into a temporary adjournment was based on prioritizing the health and safety of the public and staff.  The Capitol is visited by thousands of guests every year and as it is our duty to serve the people of Colorado, we are taking this preventative measure to stop the spread of the virus. Other legislatures across the country have also decided to suspend their sessions. Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, and, Georgia are just a few who have taken similar steps to recess their legislative sessions.

Right now we are halfway through the legislative session and we will continue to work on the business of the state. No decisions have been made regarding any pending legislation and decisions regarding bills and budget will be made at a later date.

I will continue to work closely with the Polis Administration, as well as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to actively respond to the emerging situations in Colorado and Senate District 5. As situations develop, I will stay in close communication with the administration to support and assist in assuring the safety of our neighbors and communities.  

Although the legislature will be adjourned, we will still be accessible and available to constituents as we navigate these challenges. Emails and phone calls will still receive a response from our office so please feel free to reach out with concerns, comments, or questions at kerry.donovan@state.co.us and marleyweavergabel.sd5@gmail.com. The office line will be forwarded so you can still access us by phone by calling (303) 866-4871. 

Additional Information
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 you should consult with your health care providers as recommendations change frequently.  
Center for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends washing your hands with hot water and soap frequently, disinfecting surfaces in your home and workspaces, and staying home if you are feeling sick. Remember, even if you are confident in your own immune system to defend you, you may be a carrier and can put other elderly or immunocompromised individuals at risk.

  • CDPHE has also created both a phone line and an email for information about COVID-19. People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English. For Pitkin County, you can call 970-456-2199. 

I am here to help. Do not hesitate to reach out. We are in this together and while this can feel scary and unknowable, know that the state will do all that it can today and in the future to rise to the challenge.

Warm Regards,
Kerry Donovan

P.S. Take care of you and yours.