Priorities
Phil brings an innovative mindset to his role as Colorado’s Attorney General, working collaboratively to solve problems that impact Coloradans across our state.
Phil represents all Coloradans—in every county, regardless of political affiliation. Phil puts the people of Colorado first, not powerful special interests.
Phil is committed to listening empathetically to Coloradans who share what matters most to them. Whether it’s bringing broadband access to students not connected to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic, forging creative settlements in ongoing disputes with companies that harmed Colorado consumers, or creating unique partnerships, like one that is driving housing renewal efforts in rural southeast Colorado, Phil is serving the people of Colorado effectively. As Attorney General, Phil is committed to serving as the "People's Lawyer."
Phil’s Priorities
Defending Coloradans’ Rights
The rule of law is a foundation of our republic and Phil is committed to ensuring all Coloradans are treated fairly under the law.
Improving Public Safety & Our Criminal Justice System
Phil understands that we must protect victims, increase public safety, and ensure that those in the criminal justice system are treated fairly.
Protecting Our Land, Air, & Water
Our Colorado way of life depends on protecting our natural resources. Phil is working hard to preserve and protect our land, air, and water; address climate change; and protect Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry by creating a clean energy future.
When it comes to defending Coloradans against those who would violate our rights—whether as citizens or consumers—Phil is on our side. Phil supported the Reproductive Health Equity Act, protected access to affordable healthcare, defended our voting rights, fought for fair treatment for consumers, and stood up against powerful and irresponsible companies that took advantage of people, including students with debt, older Coloradans, veterans, and those harmed by the opioid epidemic.
Accomplishments
Protected election integrity in the unanimous victory of Colorado Department of State vs Baca. In that case, Phil argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Colorado’s laws that presidential electors must follow state law when they cast their Electoral College ballots in presidential elections and not act as free agents.
Defended the Affordable Care Act and the rights of 700,000 Coloradans who have pre-existing health conditions, the 400,000 covered through the Medicaid expansion, and young adults on their parents’ plans. When these rights were challenged by the federal government, Phil defended the Act and Coloradans’ rights to healthcare.
Stood up for Colorado’s DREAMers—who make valuable contributions to our economy and society— and their right to live in the only country they have ever known as home. He joined a successful multi-state lawsuit challenging the federal government’s decision to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Accomplishments (continued)
Protected consumers harmed by deceptive companies, including securing an $8.4 million settlement for Coloradans harmed by CenturyLink’s deceptive conduct, consisting of unfair and hidden fees, false advertising, and failure to provide discounts and refunds it promised to consumers.
Protected reproductive rights as the only candidate who supports the fundamental right of women to have autonomy over their bodies, including the decision to access abortion care and other reproductive health care. Phil fought for and will defend the Reproductive Health Equity Act—protecting women, Colorado’s medical professionals who provide abortion services, and those who seek reproductive care in our state. He also opposed the Dobbs decision in court and called it out as a momentous mistake. Phil’s support for reproductive rights is why the Denver Post endorsed him, concluding that “we need Phil Weiser to protect pregnant women and Colorado doctors.”
More to Do
Pursue cases against Google and Facebook. Phil led a bipartisan coalition of 38 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Google for maintaining its monopoly power over general search engines and related general search advertising markets through a series of anticompetitive contracts and conduct. Phil also challenged Facebook for abusing its status in the marketplace, challenging its dominance in the marketplace and its harmful impact on consumers and innovation on account of its abuse of its monopoly power in the social networking market.
Help lead the effort in cracking down on unemployment insurance fraud. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts, criminals have increasingly used identity theft to file fraudulent unemployment claims. With the creation of the Colorado Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force, those who have committed identity theft will be investigated and prosecuted for stealing others’ identities, and Phil will fight to ensure legitimate claimants receive their due benefits.
As we work to improve our criminal justice system, we must protect victims, increase public safety, and ensure that people in the criminal justice system are treated fairly. This means moving from a system of cash bail that penalizes persons in poverty to ending the school-to-prison pipeline to improving our re-entry system so those leaving prison don’t commit more crimes. It means holding those accountable who harm people—whether drug cartels, human traffickers, or faith leaders who prey on children. And it means adopting appropriate and common-sense gun safety measures.
Accomplishments
Led efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, including a $573 million settlement with McKinsey Company for its role in helping opioid companies sell their drugs. Phil also expanded the multi-state lawsuit against Purdue Pharma fighting to hold the Sackler family accountable and force them to pay a fair share as part of any settlement. He is ensuring that all funds obtained are directed to drug treatment and recovery or education and prevention programs.
Oversaw the investigation and reporting on a 70-year history of Catholic clergy child sexual abuse in Colorado, which resulted in restitution to victims and reform within the Colorado dioceses to prevent and respond to any sexual misconduct and abuse of children.
Accomplishments (continued)
Supported youth by tackling the school-to-prison pipeline and supporting Safe2Tell. Phil rolled out School Justice Partnership Innovation Grants, supporting innovative programs to help students avoid the criminal justice system, which disproportionately impacts youth of color. Safe2Tell is a successful violence intervention and prevention program for students to anonymously report threats to their own, and others’ safety, and keep our schools safe.
Implemented and defended the constitutionality of Colorado’s extreme risk protection order law, also known as the “red flag” law, which comports with due process and respects Second Amendment rights as well as gives law enforcement, victims, and concerned family members a valuable tool to use in a targeted way to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people or the mentally ill who may be a risk to themselves.
Pushed for a new law to decertify police officers who testify untruthfully and implemented it as part of an overall effort to raise the level of confidence in law enforcement.
More to Do
Continue to advocate for overhauling our flawed cash bail system and replacing it with a fairer system for communities, defendants, and their families.
As the overseer of the State’s Peace Officer Standards and Training program, Phil is working to elevate the effectiveness of police training and accountability, including offering improved guidance to approach the range of challenging situations police officers encounter, as well as supporting officers and providing resources, including for mental health services, to enable them to serve effectively.
Colorado’s land, air, and water are essential to our way of life, to Colorado’s rural communities, and to our outdoor economy. Yet climate change and criminal polluters pose real challenges to our natural resources. As Attorney General, Phil will continue to preserve and protect these valuable resources, partnering with other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions and defend our state.
Accomplishments
Took action against automobile companies for undermining auto emissions regulations with illegal devices and software that misled Colorado consumers, harmed the environment, and created unfair advantages over those automakers who followed the law.
Proactively collaborated with other states to address water supply issues in the Colorado River Basin regarding Utah’s proposed Lake Powell Pipeline Project. This work is ongoing and Phil remains focused on reaching a seven-state solution.
Accomplishments (continued)
Defended the national clean car standards along with our state’s fuel emission standards--which are stronger than the federal level--when the EPA sought to roll back these standards.
Pushed for legislation to increase penalties and enforcement against irresponsible companies that deliberately pollute Colorado’s water and air resources.
Challenged the illegal rollback of the methane rule that violated the federal Clean Air Act. When the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rescinded standards that limit emissions of methane, volatile organic compounds, and other hazardous pollutants from new, reconstructed, and modified facilities in the oil and gas industry, Phil joined other attorneys generals in a multi-state lawsuit to push back against the EPA.
Established a new environmental crimes unit within the Attorney General’s Office, charged with prioritizing the protection of Colorado’s natural resources and investigating those who illegally pollute our resources.
More to Do
Develop strategies for protecting Colorado’s water during a time of climate change. With the required development of guidelines to govern compliance with the Colorado River Compact, Phil’s leadership on water is only just beginning, including critical work to ensure that Colorado communities can maintain access to this critical resource.