Colorado Gov. Polis wields power despite lame-duck status

State of play: A deepening rift between Polis and his fellow Democrats emerged as a major theme from this year's session on issues ranging from artificial intelligence to labor issues.

• Polis signed 476 of 487 bills into law by last Friday, the deadline — 88% of the new laws included at least one Republican sponsor.
• He signed business-friendly legislation and rejected measures tightening regulations on technology companies, calling them "what's right for Colorado."

Yes, but: The numbers mask the outward tension from the 2025 term that split Democrats.

• Polis managed to use his veto threat to scuttle numerous other bills to keep them off his desk.
• He vetoed three bipartisan measures and one to limit ambulance costs that passed with unanimous support.

What they're saying: "This isn't the first year where we've had conflict. I think maybe the difference is how visible it might be," House Speaker Julie McCluskie said at a recent event hosted by the Colorado Sun.

What we're watching: Asked if he feels like a lame duck, Polis demurred.

• He touted his successes this session in passing his priorities and added that he plans to issue his other powers to issue executive orders ahead of the next lawmaking term.