WHO DECIDES WHAT.
AI policy isn't being decided by AI. It's being decided by people. Here's who they are.
Knowing who has power over what helps you know where your voice goes. This page is the cheat sheet.
The branches.
Governor.
Currently Jared Polis (term-limited, out January 2027). Vetoes or signs bills. Sets executive policy. Successor will be elected November 2026. Open seat.
Attorney General.
Currently Phil Weiser (running for governor). Enforces state law. Writes rules under SB 189. Successor will be elected November 2026.
Legislature.
100 members across the House and Senate. Writes the laws. Adjourned May 13, 2026. Reconvenes January 11, 2027.
THE RACE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
The 2026 Colorado Governor Race.
Two Democratic candidates: U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Bennet is currently leading by a wide margin in primary polling.
The Democratic primary is June 30, 2026. The general election is November 2026.
The winner takes office January 2027, the same month SB 189 takes effect.
The next Attorney General (a separate race, with Secretary of State Jena Griswold running) will be the one actually enforcing SB 189.
"The office that folded on CAIA enforcement may not be the office that enforces what replaced it."
The outside forces.
xAI v. Weiser
Federal lawsuit filed April 2026. xAI argued CAIA was unconstitutional and unenforceable. The case accelerated Colorado's decision to repeal and replace CAIA before any ruling.
U.S. Department of Justice
Intervened in xAI's case on the side of preemption. The federal government is pressuring states with their own AI laws to back off or harmonize with whatever Washington produces.
The White House Framework
Issued March 2026. Non-binding, but explicitly designed to push state legislatures toward consistency with federal direction and signal preemption is coming.
Industry coalitions and advocacy groups
Tech industry trade associations argue patchwork state laws hurt innovation. Civil liberties and consumer-advocacy groups argue federal preemption hands accountability to whoever owns Washington at any given moment.
HOW A BILL BECOMES A REPEALED BILL
SB 24-205 → SB 26-189.
This page is updated as offices change. Last reviewed: June 2026.