A new initiative aimed at enhancing scientific expertise in Colorado's legislative process was unveiled during the House Finance meeting on May 3, 2025. The proposed bill seeks to establish a formal fellowship program that would allow PhD and master's level students with scientific backgrounds to work alongside legislative staff, providing valuable technical insights into policy-making.

The bill's sponsor, a former geneticist with a PhD, emphasized the importance of integrating scientific knowledge into government decisions. Drawing from his own experience in a national fellowship program, he highlighted how such initiatives can bridge the gap between science and policy. "This is about creating a more permanent program," he stated, referencing the Colorado Science and Engineering Policy Fellowship, which has successfully engaged students in policy projects over the summer.

The proposed legislation is designed as a permissive statute, granting the Legislative Council the authority to collaborate with nonpartisan entities, such as the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, to develop this fellowship program. This initiative aims not only to provide students with hands-on experience but also to enrich the legislative process with additional technical expertise.

The bill is positioned as a significant step towards fostering a more informed and scientifically grounded approach to policy-making in Colorado. As discussions continue, the sponsor expressed hope for a positive vote, underscoring the potential benefits of integrating scientific minds into the legislative framework.