The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations. SB26-137 passed by a vote of 12-0. < Back April 22, 2026 Committee Passes Bill to Increase Transparency, Modernize Regulatory Review Processes DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations. SB26-137 passed by a vote of 12-0. “This bipartisan bill would establish a regular overview of government regulations to better understand what’s working and what isn’t so we can improve how we deliver core services for Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our government should be responsive to the needs of our communities. Our bill would require the state to revisit rules and regulations every five years to identify where departments may not be delivering on our goals and how they can improve.” SB26-137 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, would require state departments to review their rules and regulations every five years and would add additional considerations to guide these reviews. Under current law, departments are required to periodically review their rules to determine whether they are still necessary, efficient, and effective. There is no criterion for how regularly this review must happen. SB26-137 would add additional considerations during these reviews, including whether: Redundant rules can be eliminated, A rule is outdated or obsolete, Funding levels are appropriate, and The rule can be made more effective. Previous Next

< Back May 28, 2019 GOV. SIGNS HOUSE DEM-LED BILLS TO HELP WORKERS GET AHEAD AND INTO GOOD PAYING JOBS House Democrats stand up for workers (May 28) – Gov. Polis signed a number of bills sponsored by House Democrats to help Colorado workers get ahead and into good paying jobs. First up was a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, that will establish a directory with apprenticeship programs within the Department of Labor with include salary ranges, critical labor force data, licensure requirements, and other information potential enrollees should know before embarking onto a career pathway. Recent reports show that that majority of Coloradans support vocational education. “Every hardworking individual should get a good-paying job no matter their education. There are currently nearly 200 sponsored apprenticeship programs, and that number is constantly evolving and growing,” said Rep. Sullivan. “This directory will serve as a tool to help students and young adults grow in their technical training and enter into career fields that offer salaries without the debt of traditional college.” The Gov. then signed an important new law to create the Just Transition Office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to support the livelihood of coal transition workers, their families and their communities, and to help provide these workers access to training and job opportunities. “We must address climate change, but we cannot work towards a clean energy economy without also working on solutions to support workers who are affected by this transition,” said House Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “Workers and communities whose livelihoods are threatened by shifting economic tides and advancements in technology need support. We can support these communities in this transition and that’s the intention of this new law.” Due to market forces, Colorado’s power sector is transitioning toward renewable energy resources and natural gas. This bill would help ensure communities and workers who are going to be impacted by this market driven transition away from coal won’t be left behind. The bill creates the Just Transition Office which is tasked with drafting and submitting a plan by December 31, 2020 to the Governor on how best to support coal-transition workers and communities based on input from impacted workers and communities. Gov Polis then signed SB19-196, the Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act sponsored by Majority Leader Alec Garnett, D-Denver and Rep. Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge. This new law will help promote the use of high-quality apprenticeship programs on state public works projects. In 2018, it was estimated that building trades had a shortage of 60,000 workers in Colorado. The state’s construction industry alone will need at least 30,000 new workers to meet demand in the years ahead. The Gov. also signed HB19-1210, to allow local governments to adjust their minimum wage up to more effectively address the local cost of living, rather than have to adhere to a statewide standard in a state where local real estate markets and health care costs vary dramatically. The law would allow counties and cities to increase the minimum wage in their localities beyond the state minimum wage, currently set at $11.10 an hour. The new law sponsored by Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, and former Rep. Rochelle Galindo, D-Greeley. Research shows that wage growth spurs consumer spending and a healthier economy. ### Previous Next

< Back May 1, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION Democrats working to expand voter access (May 1) – The House gave preliminary approval to an automatic voter registration bill sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Kyle Mullica. This will make Colorado voter rolls more accurate as information is updated. “Colorado already has a leading elections system in the country, however, there are ways we can improve it even more. This bill ensures our voter roles are secure, accurate, up to date and that everyone who is eligible to vote can not only receive their ballot but send and access their ballot,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo. “We need to make sure that anyone who is eligible to vote has no barriers to access the ballot and this bill ensures an accurate and secure way to accomplish this. Democracy works when we all get to participate and that’s what this bill does.” SB19-235 will streamline the voter registration process at the DMV and reduce the opportunity for human error. Data from the DMV will be sent to the Secretary of State’s office to register only eligible voters. Those voters would be sent a postcard informing them that they will be registered if they take no action and gives them the options to decline the registration or affiliate with a political party at that time. Additionally, SB19-235 expands the automated voter registration from the current DMV system to add Medicaid services applicants, while ensuring security and medical privacy issues. This process would add only eligible voters who do not opt out of the registration. Through this process, more voters will get their ballots at the correct address therefore saving counties money from postage wasted on incorrect addresses. “Automatic voter registration will be a good thing for Colorado. Our democracy at its very best when we have the most eligible voters participate in our elections,” said Rep. Mullica, D-Northglenn. “We are doing away with barriers to ensure a more accessible and inclusive election. Through this, we can continue to allow Colorado to take a lead in elections in our nation.” Secretary of State Jena Griswold testified in committee is support of SB19-235. SB19-235 was approved on a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

< Back May 27, 2021 HOUSE MOVES TO KEEP VOTERS INFORMED Reps. Kennedy and Weissman’s bill to ensure voters understand the impact of the ballot measures they’re voting on advances DENVER, CO– The House today advanced a bill to give voters more detailed information about the ballot initiatives they are voting on. The bill passed the House on Second Reading. “In Colorado, we trust the voters to make the final decision on countless critical matters of state, and it only makes sense to trust them with more robust and detailed information as they do so,” said Rep. Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This simple bill will mean better ballots and more informed decision making for the state of Colorado. What’s not to love?” “Colorado’s complex laws mean that voters are often entrusted to make hugely consequential fiscal decisions, and it’s crucial that we provide them with all the necessary information before their votes are cast,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “ Better ballots will soon be on their way.” Under current law dating back to the 1992 TABOR law, ballot measures that would increase taxes are required to outline, in capital letters, how much revenue will be raised from said initiative. This bill would provide voters with even more information about the impact of ballot questions on taxpayers and taxpayer-funded programs. For example, the bill would require that for measures that either increase or decrease the individual income tax rate or the state sales tax rate, ballots show a table indicating the average tax burden change for taxpayers in each income bracket. The bill also requires that for ballot measures that reduce state tax revenue, the blue book sent to every voter shows the top three programs the revenue reduction impacts, as determined by nonpartisan legislative research staff. Previous Next

The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Javier Mabrey, that would prohibit corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less. < Back March 12, 2026 Bacon, Mabrey Bill to Lower Costs, Boost Wages Passes Committee DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed a bill, sponsored by Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Representative Javier Mabrey, that would prohibit corporations from using consumers’ personal data to charge them more or pay them less. “Corporations are keeping tabs on your online habits to determine the absolute highest amount you’re willing to pay for everyday items, like groceries,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver. “As Trump’s tariffs and budget bill continue to drive up costs for Coloradans, we’re sponsoring legislation to prevent corporations from overcharging consumers and pricing out small businesses. Big corporations are spying on consumers to figure out how to keep wages low and prices high, which makes life more expensive for Coloradans who can least afford it. This legislation helps tackle the affordability crisis by prohibiting this practice to protect consumers from price gouging and boost workers’ wages.” “Our bill is clear - corporations cannot use algorithmic technology with the purpose of wringing every dollar possible from hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey, D-Denver. “Big corporations are rigging the system to pad their pockets. They are collecting our personal data to run an automatic analysis to determine how much they can charge consumers or how little they can pay their workers. Our bill would prohibit this practice, increase incomes, and make life more affordable for hardworking Coloradans.” HB26-1210 would prohibit the use of a price or wage-setting algorithm that uses AI and other data processing techniques to strategically set prices or wages based on an individual’s surveillance data, including browsing and purchase history, financial status, habits and affiliations. HB26-1210 passed by a vote of 7-6. In recent years, corporations have increasingly weaponized price and wage setting to set prices at the highest amount someone is willing to pay and wages at the lowest amount that someone is willing to accept, based on data that is not publicly accessible and often collected without an individual’s knowledge or consent. For example, if someone searches for funeral homes online and then goes to book a plane ticket, an algorithm may judge that they are traveling for a funeral and would be willing to pay more for the flight. Engaging in these price or wage-setting practices would be considered a deceptive trade practice and could result in a civil penalty. A 2025 Federal Trade Commission report found that individualized pricing tools are being used to target specific consumers with artificially-inflated prices for goods and services based on their surveillance data, such as a person’s location or the motion of a computer mouse. Previous Next

< Back July 6, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! RURAL ECONOMIES IN COLORADO GET A JUMP-START Denver, CO – Today, Governor Jared Polis signed into law a bipartisan bill to expand on the successful Rural Jump-Start program that helps boost economic development in rural Colorado. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Dylan Roberts and Janice Rich as well as Senators Kerry Donovan and Ray Scott. “I am thrilled to see this bill signed into law today because our economy needs help so that Coloradans can get back to work,” said Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Avon. “From Routt County to Mesa County, the Rural Jump-Start Program has been the reason why dozens of businesses were able to open their doors and hire employees in rural Colorado. This law expands this program to more parts of the state and will allow even more small businesses to open and hire employees. As we move to safely reopen, we are glad to have this tool in place to help with the long term economic health of rural Colorado.” “I am incredibly proud to have sponsored this bill and to watch it become law today,” said Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail. “For the last 5 years the Rural Jump-Start Program has been helping new businesses open in rural Colorado and boost their local economies in the process. Now with the serious economic pains we are experiencing from COVID-19, it is crucial that we expand this program’s success to other small rural communities across the state. Recovery won’t happen overnight, but with the ingenuity of small business start-ups, I am hopeful that Colorado will have the tools in place to begin an economic recovery.” The Rural Jump-Start program encourages businesses to create and maintain jobs in economically distressed rural areas by providing tax incentives both to the businesses themselves and to their employees. HB20-1003 includes key modifications to the Rural Jump-Start program to ensure more rural communities, businesses and their employees can benefit in economically distressed areas of rural Colorado. Importantly, it also extends the program for five years and allows economic development organizations to form Rural Jump-Start Zone programs to authorize new businesses to participate. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. < Back May 19, 2025 SIGNED! Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses and Jobs to Colorado PUEBLO, CO — Governor Jared Polis today signed bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro, to attract businesses, create good-paying jobs and support local economies. “This law will drive more business to Colorado and create good-paying jobs by lowering electrical utility rates for businesses,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “Our bipartisan law allows more businesses to save money with lower rates by increasing the eligible project size and the number of projects that can benefit from the Economic Development Rate. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses and boost local economies.” The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, which allows electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, will make adjustments to the Economic Development Rate ( EDR) Tariff to expand competitive electric rates to businesses by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses will have to undergo a societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community. Additionally, businesses would be required to have an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. Previous Next

< Back September 18, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: AS COLORADO’S ECONOMY SHOWS PROMISING SIGNS OF RECOVERY, JBC REMAINS VIGILANT DENVER, CO – Democratic members of the Joint Budget Committee today released the following statements after the Legislative Council staff and the Office of State Planning and Budgeting delivered the September quarterly economic forecasts, both of which project higher General Fund revenue compared to earlier estimates in June but substantial uncertainty and budgeting challenges ahead. “Today’s forecast has some good news for us, presenting a promising picture of an economy starting to recover from a huge economic hit,” said JBC Chair Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo. “However, these promising indicators of recovery should be taken with a great deal of caution. The recovery continues to be sensitive to the pandemic, and the substantial increased need for critical services for Coloradans along with the need to restore one-time budget cuts made this year mean we’re not out of the woods yet. The Joint Budget Committee will continue to monitor this volatile economy and respond to the impacts of the pandemic over the coming months. It’s up to all of us to help continue Colorado’s economic recovery — being responsible with mask use, social distancing and other public health precautions can help our state bounce back.” “The road to recovery was never going to be easy, but what’s more and more apparent is that not all Coloradans are recuperating equally. Low-wage workers have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and economic downturn. Without federal leadership, our economy is diverging into separate trajectories, with circumstances rapidly improving for select industries and the wealthiest among us, ” said JBC Vice-Chair Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “We need to combat this trend by creating more equity in our tax code and advocating for additional federal relief. Despite the crowing we’ve heard over an inflated stock market, the crisis is as serious today as it was in March for laid-off workers and struggling businesses.” “I’m proud of the work the Joint Budget Committee has done so far to stave off the worst effects of a historic budget crisis, but we’re not done yet,” said JBC Member Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Today’s forecast shows us that while we’ve seen our economy start to recover more quickly than expected, we’ll have to continue our work to protect critical services that support Coloradans who are struggling during these difficult times. Restoring the $1 Billion in cuts made to public schools, colleges and universities must be a top priority. I remain committed to protecting high quality public education in our state. This year we used federal stimulus funds to boost support for small businesses, housing and utilities assistance, and mental health services; we hope that Congress will prioritize additional funds for states so we can continue working to meet the unique needs of Coloradans.” “I am incredibly proud and hopeful for Colorado’s future. Unlike countless other states, we acted swiftly and decisively in response to the pandemic – protecting us from some of the most destructive consequences to our public health and economy. At the same time, it’s clear from this forecast that our fiscal future is still highly unpredictable in the wake of COVID-19. Some industries and sectors are rebounding strongly while others are still really struggling. So as we navigate the path forward, it’s important that we keep our lens wide and make sure no one is being left behind. But together, I’m confident we can prevent that from happening and build back an economy that works for everyone,” said JBC Member Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Arvada. The Legislative Council staff (LCS) September forecast estimates that revenues will increase by 10.3 percent in FY 2021-22 after falling 11.6% in FY 2020-21. Due in large part to the General Assembly’s efforts to close loopholes and curb tax breaks for corporations, General Fund revenues are now expected to be $893.8 million more in FY 2019-2020 and $542.1 million more in FY 2020-2021 than anticipated in the June revenue forecast, reflecting modest improvement in the state’s economic outlook. This upward revision is based on higher than expected collections in FY 2019-20 and increased economic expectations for 2020 and 2021. The LCS estimate indicates there is downside risk to the forecast from a prolonged economic recovery or a double-dip recession due to the resurgence of COVID-19, uncertain business and consumer behaviors, and the potential for increases in unemployment; the LCS economists highlighted that the forecast contains significant uncertainty and that the pandemic will guide the economic recovery. There is upside risk to the estimate driven by a faster economic recovery, a potential COVID vaccine, and additional federal stimulus support. The September forecast from the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting anticipates General Fund revenues will increase by 4.7 percent in FY 2021-22 after decreasing by an equal amount in FY 2020-21. OSPB’s September General Fund revenue forecast is up by $895.6 million for FY 2019-2020 relative to its June estimate due to higher than anticipated tax collections in July 2020 after the deferral of income tax filings from April to July. The OSPB General Fund forecast for FY 2020-21 is $1,532.8 million, or 14.6 percent higher than estimated in June. It is important to highlight that the revenue forecasts do not account for the $2.8 billion in one-time spending reductions the JBC made to balance the FY 2020-21 budget, program caseload growth, and inflationary pressures being placed on essential state services as we continue to respond to COVID, nor the potential fiscal impacts of ballot questions being referred to voters in November. Additionally, there is uncertainty around the availability and flexibility of federal funds in the coming fiscal year. Previous Next

Legislation aims to improve accountability under current law < Back May 3, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: SIGNED! Safe Housing for Residential Tenants Bill Becomes Law Legislation aims to improve accountability under current law DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed into law legislation that updates existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. Colorado’s “warranty of habitability” law requires landlords to maintain a minimum standard of housing – however, in practice most renters suffering from unsafe living conditions haven’t received the repairs they need due to easily-exploited loopholes in the law. SB24-094 , sponsored by Senators Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Representatives Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, updates existing law to ensure tenants have access to safe housing and timely repairs when unsafe conditions arise. “We have a Warranty of Habitability standard in Colorado to make sure our communities are living in safe housing, but unfortunately the law is not working as intended,” said Gonzales. “I hear from constituents suffering from unsafe conditions who are not able to get the issue fixed and don’t have access to any other relief- everything from infestations, no heating or cooling for extended periods of time, and fear and intimidation tactics that prevent tenants from taking action. It is beyond time for us to update and clarify the statute, and I’m thankful to see this bill get signed into law today.” “Every renter deserves for their home to be a safe place to live, yet loopholes in our tenant laws have left Coloradans in dangerous living situations,” said Lindsay. “These unsafe living situations negatively impact the health and safety of renters, and our current laws fail to hold landlords accountable for providing necessary repairs. With our new law, we’re clarifying our Warranty of Habitability laws to protect Colorado renters and ensure their right to safe and healthy housing.” “Loopholes in existing law are keeping Coloradans in unsafe living conditions, such as homes with mold, sewage leaks, or rodent infestations,” Exum said. “It’s time for Colorado to update these standards so tenants can have secure housing that is better suited to live, work, or raise a family.” “From broken elevators to no access to running water, Colorado renters have struggled with ongoing maintenance issues that make it difficult for families, elders, and Coloradans with a disability to live their day-to-day lives,” said Froelich. “No one should be forced to deal with these living situations. Our law will ensure that renters have the right to timely repairs for mold, vermin, sewage leaks, and other serious issues to avoid preventable housing-related health conditions.” SB24-094 modifies existing warranty of habitability laws by: Closing the timeframe loophole by setting deadlines for a landlord to complete necessary repairs: 14 days for many issues and seven days for more serious conditions that deal with life, safety, or health. Ensuring that notice of health or safety issues can be given to the landlord in many forms and clarifying that if a lease allows verbal notice, landlords are legally responsible for taking appropriate action once the verbal notice is given. Clarifying the process for arranging alternative lodging pending the completion of a necessary repair. Updating policies that allow for appropriate cooling in extreme heat, like ensuring landlords fix cooling units when they break, and allowing tenants to install their own cooling devices. Clarifying the current process by which a tenant may pursue a court order demanding compliance with the law or otherwise seek monetary damages. Additional changes include updating the civil process initiated by landlords or tenants regarding breaches, prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants, and provisions focused on children, older adults, and those with disabilities. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. < Back May 16, 2023 New Laws Strengthen Colorado’s Workforce, Create Stronger Pathways for In-Demand Industries CENTENNIAL, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills into law that will strengthen Colorado’s workforce. HB23-1212 improves access to apprenticeships for graduating high schoolers. HB23-1074 identifies strategies to better prepare Colorado workers for industry changes resulting from technology advances and automation. “We’re taking the necessary steps to boost our workforce by connecting graduating high school students to high-demand careers through apprenticeship programs,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1212. “This law makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This law is a win-win for aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.” “Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s future toward a good-paying career,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB23-1212. “Our law saves graduates money on educational training and builds stronger pathways toward high-demand industries. Across Colorado there are many industries searching for skilled workers, and our law helps fill workforce demands and strengthen our economy.” HB23-1212 directs the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 also requires the creation of an online job board for students, and the incorporation of apprenticeship opportunities in available career planning tools, including individual career and academic plans to better support job preparation for students. Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This law helps create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce. “As our economy and workforce demands shift, we’re preparing now to ensure Colorado workers are not left behind,” said Rep. Ruby Dickson, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB23-1074 . “This law will identify opportunities for workers to use the skills they already have while transitioning to a more forward-looking economy. We cannot control how innovation and automation will change the labor market, but we can ease the workforce transition so more Coloradans can continue to work and thrive in their own communities.” “Our law creates and preserves jobs for workers in Colorado’s oil and gas industry and other skilled industries as we anticipate future workforce changes,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of HB23-1074. “This workforce study will identify strategies to help workers enter new, up-and-coming career paths as technology-dependent industries adapt and grow with automation. We’re committed to help Coloradans prepare for the career of the future, and this law sets us on a pathway forward.” HB23-1074 creates a workforce study to help better prepare Coloradans for high-demand careers. Through this workforce study, The Office of Future Work (OFW) will partner with research institutions, employers and other stakeholders to explore industry transitions in oil and gas and in industries experiencing disruption due to automation. This law works to ease workforce transitions, identify appropriate interventions and define strategies to help Coloradans prepare and train for careers of the future. Previous Next

< Back July 10, 2020 COLORADO’S PREMIER VOTE BY MAIL SYSTEM GETS AN UPGRADE Gov signs bill to improve administration of late ballots, ensure destroyed or spoiled ballots do not stand in the way of a Coloradan’s right to vote. Denver, CO — Today, at the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) Denver Metro Local, Governor Jared Polis signed Rep. Tom Sullivan’s bill to improve Colorado’s nation-leading vote by mail system into law. “As the nation discusses whether or not to adopt vote by mail– a proven, safe, and democratic system– Colorado is busy working to make our already effective process even better,” said Rep. Sullivan, D-Centennial. “This new law will make sure that all registered voters can cast a vote even when they have issues with their original ballots. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to make sure that health concerns don’t get in the way of any Coloradan’s constitutional right to vote.” Colorado is one of only a handful of states that allows all voters to cast their ballot by mail. It has been recognized across the country as one of the most secure and successful ballot administration systems in the nation. The state’s universal mail ballot system means Colorado is uniquely positioned to safely administer upcoming elections and ensure that Coloradans can vote without risk to their health. HB20-1313 , the bill signed into law today, would improve the process for updating registration applications and records to ensure that new ballots are sent within an appropriate timeline. It would permit a voter to obtain a replacement ballot if their ballot was destroyed, spoiled or not received for any reason if the voter requests a new ballot at least eight days prior to the election. The bill requires mail replacement ballots to be sent to eligible voters who update their address or register to vote at least eight days prior to an election, even if their original ballot has already been mailed. Furthermore, counties are required to mail ballots by First Class Mail if they are sent within 11 days of an election, ensuring they will be delivered to the voter in a timely manner. Previous Next

< Back August 6, 2024 Rep. Marshall Joins Tax Panel at National Conference of State Lawmakers LOUISVILLE, KY– Representative Bob Marshall spoke to a group of around 50 legislative and other tax experts from across the nation as a panel member at the Tax Task Force with the National Conference of State Legislators this weekend. During the presentation and panel discussion he highlighted efforts to simplify and improve Colorado’s property tax system and reduce property taxes on homeowners. “With rising property values leading to higher tax bills, we’ve taken bipartisan action to reduce property taxes on small businesses and homeowners,” said Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch. “I was proud to sponsor and vote for bipartisan bills that improve our property tax collection system and exemptions for veterans with a disability. Our long-term property tax package brought together school districts, local governments, and fire districts to reduce property taxes in a responsible way that protects our schools and fosters a strong economy for everyone in our state.” The NCSL session explored “the ‘three-legged stool’ concept of a balanced state revenue system, focusing on income, sales, and property taxes” and how to achieve “a balanced approach that provides tax relief, promotes economic development, and maintains fiscal stability.” As a recognized tax expert with a LL.M. in Tax Law and having served with the Internal Revenue Service’s Large Business & International Tax Litigation division, Rep. Marshall’s comments and thoughts were well received by both the audience of tax experts and his fellow panelists who were the Chairs of their respective Finance Committees in the State Legislatures of Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas. A member of Colorado’s House Finance Committee, Rep. Marshall voted for the bipartisan property tax legislation, which provides a permanent property tax solution to reduce rates on homeowners and small businesses while protecting school funding. It also prevents future property tax spikes by capping property tax revenue. Rep. Marshall also sponsored legislation to cap property tax growth and improve the property tax exemption for disabled veterans. Previous Next