Delivering Results | Chris Richardson | Colorado House District 56 

CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES. PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. RESULTS FOR COLORADO. 

Serving House District 56 means more than casting votes. It means identifying problems, developing workable solutions, building coalitions, and standing firm when government threatens our rights, our communities, or our way of life. 

During my first two regular legislative sessions, 12 bills I prime-sponsored were signed into law, including 10 during the 2026 session. These bipartisan accomplishments strengthened local control, improved government accountability, supported employers and workers, addressed rural needs, and delivered practical solutions without abandoning conservative principles. 

• - SIX MAJOR WINS fOR COLORADO -

- ADDITIONAL RESULTS DELIVERED -

- STANDING FIRM FOR COLORADO -

While not every bill I have proposed has passed, each forced discussion on issues that are important to the people I represent and I will contiue to use every tool at my disposal to keep fighting for the people of Colorado.

Fought for safer roads by requiring a qualified driver in autonomous commercial trucks (HB25-1122 & HB26-1286).

For two consecutive sessions, I helped pass bipartisan legislation requiring a qualified human operator to be present when a commercial motor vehicle is operating under an automated driving system.

The proposal protected motorists, professional drivers, emergency responders, and communities sharing the road with 80,000-pound commercial vehicles. The General Assembly approved the legislation twice, but Governor Polis vetoed both versions.

The governor’s veto did not change the underlying concern: Colorado should not become a testing ground for fully driverless heavy trucks without proven safety standards, accountability, and a clear plan for responding when technology fails.

Worked to strengthen penalties for street racing and dangerous takeovers (HB26-1329).

This bipartisan proposal would have strengthened penalties for organized street racing, stunt driving, and coordinated street takeovers that block roads, endanger bystanders, and prevent emergency access.

Although the bill was defeated by one vote in committee, it brought greater attention to a growing public-safety problem affecting Colorado communities.

Defended local control and property rights against premature utility condemnation (HB26-1278).

Investor-owned utilities should not be able to begin condemnation proceedings against property owners before completing required local land-use reviews.

This legislation would have required both Public Utilities Commission approval and necessary local permits before a utility could initiate condemnation for major transmission infrastructure. The bill defended private-property rights and ensured local governments had a meaningful voice before—not after—land was taken.

Advocated for bipartisan ballot signature review to increase election confidence (HB25-1089 & HB26-1080).

Colorado voters deserve an election process in which signature verification is accurate, transparent, and trusted by both parties.

I introduced legislation authorizing—and later requiring—bipartisan teams of election judges to review mail-ballot signatures. The 2026 proposal passed its House committee 10-1 and reached the House floor but was never allowed to receive a final vote before adjournment.

Election confidence should not be partisan. Basic bipartisan verification is a reasonable safeguard that deserves a vote.

Worked to protect veterans from predatory claims practices (HB25-1233).

As a retired Army officer and disabled veteran, I understand how important earned veterans’ benefits are to military families.

This bipartisan proposal would have established consumer protections for veterans using private claims-assistance companies, including limits on excessive fees, written disclosure requirements, protections for personal information, and penalties for deceptive business practices. The protections were approved by amendment but the bill was subsequently defeated in committee.

Proposed a Fallen Firefighter license plate to honor those who gave their lives (HB25-1103 & HB26-1032).

I introduced legislation creating a Fallen Firefighter special license plate to honor those who died in the line of duty and support organizations serving their families.

The proposal passed through committee with overwhelming support both years, but was not allowed before the full House for a final vote.  Recognizing the sacrifice of Colorado’s firefighters and their families remains a priority for me.

- USING EVERY LEGISLATIVE TOOL -

Passing legislation is only one part of the job. I have also used committee hearings, floor debate, and amendments to:

• Challenge legislation that infringes upon the Second Amendment.

• Remove or narrow unnecessary regulatory authority.

• Expose hidden costs and unintended consequences.

• Defend TABOR and oppose efforts to increase taxes without voter approval.

• Protect local decision-making from one-size-fits-all state mandates.

• Demand that state programs demonstrate measurable results before receiving additional taxpayer dollars.

During debate over Colorado’s firearms legislation, I offered amendments aimed at removing expanded firearms-dealer enforcement provisions and worked to restore amendments rejected during consideration of SB25-003. Even when the majority refused those changes, the amendments forced public debate and placed constitutional objections formally into the legislative record.

- WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE WITHOUT ABANDONING PRINCIPLES - 

Republicans are a minority in the Colorado House. Delivering results therefore requires the ability to find common ground without compromising the values of House District 56.

The laws highlighted here were developed with legislators from both parties. They demonstrate that conservative principles—local control, limited government, public safety, accountability, property rights, and fiscal responsibility—can produce practical solutions that earn bipartisan support.

I will continue working with anyone who wants to solve problems, but I will not remain silent when legislation threatens our constitutional rights, burdens rural communities, increases the cost of living, or expands government without accountability.

Proven. Conservative. Delivering. 

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