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Read. Follow. Verify.Colorado regulates drone operations and restricts local government oversight
Last action · February 25, 2026: Senate Committee on Local Government & Housing Postpone IndefinitelySponsors: Larry Liston and 2 others
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What This Bill Would Do
The bill creates the s Rights and Authorities Act to permit recreational and lawful commercial drone operations across the state while banning local governments and state agencies from requiring separate drone registrations. It establishes uniform rules by limiting local regulatory authority over drone design, pilot training, and operation, while allowing state and local entities to regulate drones they own or operate from their own property.
Operators gain explicit protections from local registration mandates and standalone legal liability when complying with federal rules, while local governments lose the authority to enforce local pilot licensing or equipment rules.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
drone operators
Operators receive statewide authorization for recreational and commercial use without being subject to local registration or pilot certification requirements.
local governments
Local authorities lose the power to regulate drone design, pilot training, and local registration, but retain authority over drones on their own property and general nuisance laws.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can local governments require me to register my drone?
Can local governments pass their own rules about pilot training or drone design?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 25, 2026SenateSenate Committee on Local Government & Housing Postpone Indefinitely
- Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroducedIntroduced In Senate - Assigned to Local Government & Housing
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Voting Record
Refer Senate Bill 26-024, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Total
7
- Yes
- 2
- No
- 5
- Present
- 0
- Not voting
- 0
- Abstain
- 0
Show 1 earlier roll call
Postpone Senate Bill 26-024 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely.
Total
7
- Yes
- 5
- No
- 2
- Present
- 0
- Not voting
- 0
- Abstain
- 0
Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
leg.colorado.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy50Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz35Current news / social attention level
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