DENVER - On December 12, 2024, to make government more efficient, Governor Polis signed an Executive Order to rescind 208 outdated Executive Orders in Colorado dating back to 1920.  

“Today, I took a table saw to outdated and wasteful Executive Orders, cutting away at bureaucracy to make our government more efficient ” said Governor Polis. 

Governor Polis rescinded Executive Orders that were unnecessary, outdated, wasteful, or obsolete, because they were no longer applicable, declarations for past emergencies, already codified by state law, created more government red tape or unnecessary processes, stifled innovation, and more. This includes eliminating dormant or unnecessary committees and councils like the First Impressions Advisory Council, outdated declarations related to the state’s motor vehicle fleet, van-pooling for state employees, and energy efficiency in state government.  

Governor Polis also rescinded Executive Orders that were obsolete and drove inefficient government processes, including Protection of Families Policy and an Executive Order from 1957 regarding tax collection for the Colorado State Hospital, which features outdated language regarding mental health and behavioral health. 

Executive Orders remain in effect even after the issuing governor has left office unless they have a specific expiration date or are rescinded. They are binding and have the force of law until a future governor amends or repeals them. The list of rescinded Executive Orders are linked in this chart, with date of issuance, and the reasoning for repeal. 

Governor Polis was joined by Colorado-based artist Joe Molina who specializes in raku pottery and large-scale paintings. Molina will develop a piece of artwork from the rescinded Executive Orders that will be displayed in the Governor’s Office to symbolize and remind visitors of the importance of the ongoing drive to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.