summary
Introduced
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
In Committee
03/31/2026
03/31/2026
Crossed Over
03/31/2026
03/31/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, the title board must set a ballot title for an initiative petition that is brief, does not conflict with another title for an initiative petition filed for the same election, and is in the form of a question that may be answered "yes/for" or "no/against" and that unambiguously states the principle of the provision sought to be added, amended, or repealed by the initiative. The bill adds a requirement that the title board write a ballot title using accessible language, which means plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. In addition, current law requires that specific language appear in the ballot title for certain initiatives that increase or reduce tax revenue. For initiatives that reduce state tax revenue or local district property tax revenue through a tax change, this required language must appear at the beginning of the ballot title. For initiatives that increase tax revenue for any district through a tax change, this required language must appear directly after language required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The bill modifies these statutory provisions so that the required ballot title language must only be substantially similar to the specific statutory language and may appear anywhere in the ballot title.
AI Summary
This bill requires that ballot titles for initiative petitions, which are the brief questions voters see on the ballot, be written in "accessible language," meaning plain language understandable by the widest possible audience. It also modifies the rules for specific language that must appear in ballot titles for initiatives that change tax revenue. Previously, this required language had to appear at the beginning of the title for measures reducing state or local tax revenue, and directly after language required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights for measures increasing tax revenue. Now, this specific language only needs to be "substantially similar" to the statutory wording and can appear anywhere within the ballot title, providing more flexibility for the title board. The bill also outlines criteria for determining if a title uses accessible language, such as avoiding jargon, clearly stating the proposed change, and organizing information logically.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (16)
Adrienne Benavidez (D)*,
Lorena García (D)*,
Kenny Nguyen (D)*,
Jennifer Bacon (D),
Andrew Boesenecker (D),
Kyle Brown (D),
Chad Clifford (D),
Monica Duran (D),
Mandy Lindsay (D),
Manny Rutinel (D),
Emily Sirota (D),
Rebekah Stewart (D),
Tammy Story (D),
Brianna Titone (D),
Elizabeth Velasco (D),
Yara Zokaie (D),
Last Action
Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee Hearing (14:00:00 4/21/2026 Old Supreme Court) (on 04/21/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1320 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113792/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113706/download |
| Second Reading Amendment L.003 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18785/download |
| Second Reading Amendment L.007 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18784/download |
| Second Reading Amendment L.006 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18783/download |
| Second Reading Amendment L.005 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18777/download |
| Second Reading Amendment L.004 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18776/download |
| House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Amendment L.002 | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_amendments/18728/download |
| Fiscal Note Initial Fiscal Note | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/113474/download |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112890/download |
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