House adopts resolution commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Colorado House of Representatives adopted House Joint Resolution 1005 on Monday, encouraging “appropriate observances, ceremonies, and activities” to commemorate both the federal and Colorado state holiday honoring the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.

The resolution, introduced by Representatives Bacon and English and sponsored in the Senate by Senators Coleman and Exum, passed on a recorded vote after several members and visiting senators spoke in support. Assistant Majority Leader Bacon moved for adoption and the voting machine recorded 63 yes votes, with 1 excused and 1 vacancy; the resolution was declared adopted.

The resolution text recited King’s biography, major civil-rights accomplishments and the history of Colorado’s observance, noting that Colorado first recognized a state holiday for King in the 1980s and that the 2025 observance marks the 41st anniversary of the state holiday.

Representative English framed the measure as a call to renew commitment to nonviolent struggle and equality: “His unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance and his profound belief in the power of love and understanding continue to inspire our collective efforts towards equality and civil rights,” English said on the House floor.

Several members spoke in personal and historical terms. Representative Armagost said King’s work remains an inspiration across Colorado’s diverse communities. Representative Bottoms, who identified as a pastor, described King’s role as both religious leader and civil-rights figure and said she could support the resolution this year after prior objections to language in earlier versions.

Assistant Majority Leader Bacon closed the House remarks by calling the resolution a “test” of the chamber’s ability to come together and urged members to co-sponsor; Representative Smith registered as a cosponsor after the vote. The House then recessed to hear short statements from Senate members, including Senator Weissman, Senator Exum and Senator Coleman, who also praised King’s nonviolent leadership and urged continued civic work.

Procedural notes recorded in the transcript show the clerk read the resolution at length before debate, the House opened and closed the electronic voting machine for the recorded vote, and Representative Smith was individually recorded voting yes. The official tally announced on the floor was “63 I, 1 excused and 1 vacancy,” and the speaker declared the joint resolution adopted.

The measure is ceremonial and urges observance across cities, towns, counties, school districts and local governments in Colorado; it does not create new legal duties or appropriations. The House also recognized Vern Howard, chair of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, who was present during the proceedings.

The House laid over the remainder of the calendar until Jan. 21, 2025, and recessed after the resolution’s adoption.