Publication Counties Without Legal Newspapers

More newspaper options for Colorado legal notices

The law sets a priority order for newspapers carrying required legal notices in Colorado. First come newspapers printed or published partly or wholly in the county that meet state publication standards. They must meet continuous publication requirements: generally one year, six months for daily papers, or 52 consecutive weeks for papers published one to three times weekly. Second come newspapers published in the county for at least one year that meet postal periodical requirements except for paid circulation within the county. Third come newspapers that otherwise qualify but lack the required one-year publication history. When no allowed local newspaper is available, notices may appear in an adjoining county using the same priority order. That newspaper must have general circulation there. If no adjoining county has an allowed newspaper, another newspaper meeting state publication standards may be selected, giving geographic proximity top priority. A municipality or special district spanning two counties may use an eligible newspaper in either county. Each county must have a qualifying newspaper within the municipality or district. The law takes effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after the 90-day period following final adjournment of the 2026 session ends. With May 13 adjournment, that date is August 12, 2026. A referendum petition filed within that 90-day period delays the challenged law or portion until voter approval at the November 2026 election. After approval, it takes effect on the date the governor officially declares the vote.