The 2026 Legislative Session ran from January 14th to May 13th, completing its allotted 120 days. GAPP (Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee) met semi-monthly throughout Session. Amid changes in the make-up of the legislature due to resignations, business was conducted and many health care related bills were introduced. Our Executive Director and several expert CNA Members were instrumental in offering testimony when necessary to facilitate the amendment of several bills and make them inclusive of nurses. As has always been noted, the establishment of a relationship with a nurse’s legislative representatives is the pathway to ensuring that the people who serve us in this way are educated in matters of nursing and health care. As always, the official voice of CNA is solely the Executive Director or the President, unless someone is authorized by them to speak. But educating about nursing is a part of what we do and will be appreciated by lawmakers who need that knowledge.
A different approach has been taken by GAPP Voting Members since January revolving around the presentation of bills for discussion at meetings. In the GAPP Planning Sessions held by GAPP leadership on the Friday prior to a GAPP meeting, a list of bills is selected for discussion by the group, with an eye to taking an official position following discussion. The bills are posted in MyCNA GAPP discussion and voting members (and sometimes non-voting expert RNs) volunteer to research a particular bill along suggested guidelines. These members then present the bill they have studied at the GAPP meeting and recommend a position based on their research. A discussion follows with ultimately a vote on whether to support, oppose, or monitor the bill. This method has proven not only very educational to other members but has allowed the Executive and Deputy Directors to enlarge their focus and keep us informed in more detail. This format has been widely popular among GAPP members and will most likely be continued in the 2027 Legislative Session.
SB25-045, the Colorado Healthcare Payment System Analysis (HPSA) that was passed by the 2025 Session, met its fundraising goals and has commenced the research, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026. Information sessions and forums have been highlighted in MyCNA and interested members are encouraged to follow those links.
CNA Members will continue to collaborate throughout this year to contribute to the Nurse Practice Act, which will be introduced in the 2027 Legislative Session. The current Act will “Sunset” and must be replaced. Once more, please look for updates in MyCNA or contact Mark Longshore for more information (mark@coloradonurses.org).
2026 Bills can be found on the “Bill Tracker” link under the Advocacy tab on the CNA homepage (www.coloradonurses.org ). This list of priority bills cites the position taken by CNA (“Support, Oppose, or Monitor”) and how the bills finished in the 2026 Legislative Session.
The 2026 Nurses Day at the Capitol on Thursday February 26th was well attended by nurses who were interested in – and noticeably enthusiastic about – experiencing the legislative process firsthand. Opening remarks by Senator Cathy Kipp and a briefing on the legislative process by CNA Executive Director Mark Longshore started the day as the nurses were then invited to view business in both the House and the Senate. Senator Kyle Mullica, RN, invited ten nurses to join him on the floor of the Senate to observe proceedings more closely. Afternoon committee hearings were updated and listed on the event’s companion link to allow nurses to choose those of particular interest to them. Some were present for an event on the West Steps of the Capitol in support of HB26-1143, a bill supported by CNA clarifying non-employment educational opportunities background check information.
GAPP, an official committee of CNA, will meet exclusively online the fourth Wednesday of each month through December, from 6:15 to 8 PM. All 15 voting member places are currently filled, but all CNA members and students are welcome at GAPP meetings and can access the registration details and more information about GAPP by going to: https://www.coloradonurses.org/gapp/ . (Click the “Advocacy” tab on the CNA Homepage and then click “GAPP.”) Meetings are regularly attended by CNA’s Executive Director Mark Longshore and Deputy Director Margaret Bishop, co-chairs Mary Satre and Mavis Mesi-Goresko, recording officer Amy Diamond, and Capitol Success, our contract lobbyist team, represented by Gil Romero, Ryan Romero, and Alec Romero.
Just as GAPP is kept informed by our team of contract lobbyists, the committee in turn informs the CNA Board, to whom they are responsible. GAPP’s work is guided and supported by the action statements and position papers passed by CNA membership.
