CUT Supported Bills
HB1219 – Requirements for Better Understanding Metropolitan Districts
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) supports this bill. This bill requires that Metropolitan Districts provide additional notice of annual meetings, how to run for officer positions and contact information for the district. It also specifies information that should be made available on the district’s website. This bill provides important information access and transparency for current ratepayers and future property purchasers. CUT has some concern that enforcement and compliance is not specified.
Sponsors: Carlos Barron (R), Jacqueline Phillips (D), Kyle Mullica (D), Shannon Bird (D), Monica Duran (D), Eliza Hamrick (D), William Lindstedt (D), Lesley Smith (D), Brianna Titone (D), Jenny Wilford (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1242 – Government Transparency Laws
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) supports this bill. This bill makes several changes to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and to open meetings laws, including making the first five hours of CORA search time free and reducing additional charges to $25 per hour. This bill makes government information more accessible and affordable. It increases government transparency to the citizens. Definitely a move in the right direction!
Sponsors: Lori Garcia Sander (R), Byron Pelton (R)
Bill Status: Dead
CUT Opposed Bills
HB1186 – Work-Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. Conditional on the receipt of $2 million in gifts, grants and donations, the bill creates the Work-based Learning Consortium Pilot Program in the Department of Higher Education (CDHE) to promote work-based learning in higher education, study the impact of industry-sponsored projects on learning outcomes, and measure impacts to students who participate in work-based projects while enrolled in higher education. Yet another pilot program that starts by depending on gifts, grants and donations and ends up costing the State a lot of money. There is nothing to prevent schools and industry setting up work projects WITHOUT more state expenditure.
Sponsors: Meghan Lukens (D), Matt Martinez (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. This bill requires successful completion of a course in financial literacy and submission of a free application for federal student aid or a Colorado application for state financial aid (with an opt out) as a condition of high school graduation. While CUT is highly in favor of financial literacy, the State Legislature should not be micromanaging schools in specifying what is to be covered in a class and it is concerning that the major focus of this bill is teaching students how to apply for federal and state student aid-in other words, teaching kids how to be dependent on the government! Let’s leave this course to the local school boards.
Sponsors: Jennifer Bacon (D), Tony Hartsook (R), Jeff Bridges (D), Lisa Frizell (R)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1198 – Regional Planning Roundtable Commission
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. This bill creates the Regional Planning Roundtable Commission in the Department of Local Affairs to assist local governments with statutory housing, land use, or other planning requirements. This is State intrusion into local government and private enterprise business. CUT doesn’t believe that we need to spend $85K/year and 1 FTE to oversee or coordinate what is local business.
Sponsors: Kyle Brown (D) , Meg Froelich (D), Faith Winter (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1207 – Pet Ownership Residential Housing Structures
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. This bill modifies certain housing laws regarding allowing pet ownership. CUT opposes the bill because it is not the role of government to interfere in private contracts and to mandate allowing pet ownership in private rentals. This action by the legislature could increase rental costs or further limit the availability of rentals.
Sponsors: Monica Duran (D), Javier Mabrey (D), Tony Exum (D), Faith Winter (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1228 – Best Value Design-Build Transportation Contracts
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. This bill changes the definition of “best value” for design-build transportation contracts administered by the Department of Transportation. CUT is concerned that the wording will lead to more emphasis on green agenda criteria than for long- and short-term cost effectiveness for the taxpayer in these contracts. There is no apparent need for changing the contract criteria.
Sponsors: Carlos Barron (R), Mandy Lindsay (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Dylan Roberts (D), Shannon Bird (D), Michael Carter (D), Monica Duran (D), Julie McCluskie (D), Naquetta Ricks (D), Alex Valdez (D)
Bill Status: Crossed Over
HB1235 – Jury Trials for Tenant Proceedings
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. This bill affords plaintiffs and defendants the right to a trial by jury in forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases. This bill seems to be made for and by trial attorneys! This will just add to the burden of landlords trying to reclaim property from non-paying clients. It will extend the time to resolve these issues and increase State costs.
Sponsors: Jennifer Bacon (D), Steven Woodrow (D), Julie Gonzales (D) , Michael Weissman (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1249 – Tenant Security Deposit Protections
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. Our Board was nearly universal in opposing this bill, but we did have one “Strongly Oppose”. At a time when housing is in short supply, and rental rates are relatively high, why would we seek to impose onerous regulations on housing providers? Limiting security deposits, and requiring landlords to accept deposits on the installment plan? More importantly, private business affairs are just that: private business affairs. Government needs to learn to swim in its proper lane.
Sponsors: Naquetta Ricks (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1259 – In Vitro Fertilization Protection & Gamete Donation Requirements
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. We have no issue with the technology of In-vitro fertilization. But removing the ability of receiving parents to know the medical history of the donor is unacceptable. Ditto removing the requirement for updating medical history of donors. And the inclusion of the Safety Clause is absolutely insufferable.
Sponsors: Kyle Brown (D), Meg Froelich (D), Lisa Cutter (D), Lindsey Daugherty (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1262 – Regulate Private Security Officers & Agencies
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. There is seemingly no life or object on this planet which our legislature does not desire to regulate and tax In this case, the intrusion of government is without any merit. Unarmed private security officers simply observe, and sponsors wish to regulate observing? As for the portion of the bill related to armed security, the price tag is high, and the return on our expense is dubious. 10-15 FTES + $2 million in expenses taken out of private circulation.
Sponsors: Javier Mabrey (D), Michael Weissman (D), Nick Hinrichsen (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1266 – Colorado American Indian Recognition Day
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. CUT Board was closely divided on this bill between DNR and Oppose. “No” votes prevailed. One Board member asked the right question: Why is this not a resolution, rather than a bill? The concern is that the Day of Recognition will move from “Observed” to “Legal Holiday.” And it does not go unnoticed that bill sponsors pick the same day as Columbus Day for the recognition. Another manufactured division? And what about the potential cost to the taxpayer of another paid holiday for government workers?
Sponsors: Lorena Garcia (D), Katie Stewart (D), Jessie Danielson (D), Jennifer Bacon (D), Shannon Bird (D), Andrew Boesenecker (D), Kyle Brown (D), Sean Camacho (D), Michael Carter (D), Chad Clifford (D), Monica Duran (D), Regina English (D), Cecelia Espenoza (D), Lisa Feret (D), Meg Froelich (D), Lindsay Gilchrist (D), Eliza Hamrick (D), Jamie Jackson (D), Junie Joseph (D), Mandy Lindsay (D), William Lindstedt (D), Meghan Lukens (D), Javier Mabrey (D), Matt Martinez (D), Julie McCluskie (D), Karen McCormick (D), Amy Paschal (D), Jacqueline Phillips (D), Naquetta Ricks (D), Manny Rutinel (D), Gretchen Rydin (D), Emily Sirota (D), Lesley Smith (D), Rebekah Stewart (D), Tammy Story (D), Rick Taggart (R), Brianna Titone (D), Elizabeth Velasco (D), Jenny Willford (D), Yara Zokaie (D)
Bill Status: Crossed Over
HB1268 – Utility On-Bill Repayment Program Financing
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. Bill sponsors seek to provide up to $1 BILLION in interest free loans, raided from the Unclaimed Property Division cash fund. Consumers may access this pilfered money by purchasing energy related products for their homes and repaying it on their utility bills. NOT the proper role of government….and requiring a utility to participate is just unbelievable. Bill sponsors abhor the idea of citizens ever having any say-so and included the Safety Clause to protect their extreme agendas.
Sponsors: Meg Froelich (D), Junie Joseph (D), Kyle Mullica (D), Faith Winter (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1284 – Regulating Apprentices in Licensed Trades
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. How is it a government function to take on a task which the trade itself is already managing? Just government busy-body meddling with no public benefit. Which interested parties went to bill sponsors seeking this anti-free market bill?
Sponsors: Monica Duran (D) , Tom Sullivan (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
HB1288 – Support for Federally Qualified Health Centers
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. What a hot mess of a bill! Perhaps meritorious, perhaps not. But why so unnecessarily convoluted? We are always leery of Gifts, Grants, and Donations, which are subject to future misuse. And if the bill is truly needed, why not straightforward funding? And we implore sponsors to explain how public safety is at issue? Why the Safety Clause?
Sponsors: Matt Martinez (D), Ty Winter (R), Dylan Roberts (D), Cleave Simpson (R)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB030 – Increase Transportation Mode Choice Reduce Emissions
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. Bill requires that CDOT conduct a study and project out for every 5-year period between now and 2050 which modes of transportation citizens are using. No Fiscal Note is provided, but it does not take a rocket scientist to realize that this will be very expensive. And the end product is very predictable: more tax subsidized mass transit. And the studies will undoubtedly support ‘strategies’ to force people out of their cars and ride their bikes to work.
Sponsors: Nick Hinrichsen (D), Faith Winter (D), Meg Froelich (D), Mandy Lindsay (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB165 – Licensure of Electricians
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. Once again, our legislature seeks to regulate and they have found a new victim: Solar installers, aka Photo-voltaic installers. Bill would allow some PV installation experience to count toward satisfying requirements toward a license for Wireman license, which is good. But it will cost the installers $500,000, which is money taken out of the economy.
Sponsors: Lindsey Daugherty (D), Byron Pelton (R)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB167 – Invest State Funds to Benefit Communities
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. The CUT board unanimously objects to this bill. This bill requires the Public-School Fund Investment Board to direct portions of investments into community-driven securities. Investing state funds should have goals of maximizing return, preserving capital, and minimizing risk. Shifting to riskier assets (e.g., equities, below-market community investments) and mandating 20% allocation by 2032 (Sections 22-41-104.7(2), 38-13-801.7(2)) could jeopardize principal preservation (Section 22-41-102.5(3)(c)(I)). The recommended categories of investment in this bill show a political agenda. For example, the bill includes a provision prioritizing housing for public school employees. Investment decisions should be made by the state’s investment advisors, not partisan politicians. Why is there no fiscal note? The Safety Clause is out of line, where is the risk to safety?
Sponsors: Judith Amabile (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB175 – Sunset Bill Towing Task Force
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill. CUT members are divided but with the majority opposing this bill. The bill continues the Towing Task Force in the Department of Regulatory Agencies indefinitely. It is currently set to repeal on September 1, 2025. This bill would remove the task force from Sunset Review, even though the formal review of this task force said it had already accomplished its purpose. No substantial reasons were given for why it should continue. Board attendance has been so bad, they often don’t have a quorum. The PUC doesn’t need this task force to do its job, and taxpayers don’t need to pay for it ($79 K and one FTE/year).
Sponsors: Julie Gonzales (D)”, Andrew Boesenecker (D)”, Tisha Mauro (D)”, Tony Exum (D)”, Tom Sullivan (D)”, Faith Winter (D)”
Bill Status: In Committee
SB178 – Colorado K-5 Social & Emotional Health Pilot Program
The bill modifies criteria for the State Board of Education to consider when distributing money for the K-5 Social and Emotional Health Pilot Program. [cite: 148] CUT members are divided with most members opposing and some members not rating this bill. [cite: 148, 149] “Where shall we waste the money?” is the question being asked and answered in this bill, which seeks to prioritize the waste according to DEI metrics. [cite: 149, 150] This just changes which schools qualify.
Sponsors: Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D), Lindsay Gilchrist (D) , Matt Ball (D), James Coleman (D), Lisa Cutter (D), Tony Exum (D), Nick Hinrichsen (D), Iman Jodeh (D), Tom Sullivan (D), Michael Weissman (D), Faith Winter (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB179 – Sunset Identity Theft & Financial Deterrence Act
The CUT board unanimously opposes this bill. The bill continues the Colorado Fraud Investigators Unit, repeals its oversight board, and repeals the surcharges that funds the unit. [cite: 150, 151] The bill extends the unit’s lifespan but offers no justification for the extension. [cite: 151] It does not specify any new oversight mechanisms or performance metrics to evaluate the unit’s effectiveness. [cite: 151, 152] The substitution of gifts, grants, and donations, plus allowing rollover of unspent funds and eliminating the oversight board are questionable practices, especially for a law targeting fraud. [cite: 152] There is no guarantee these funds will materialize. [cite: 152, 153] If external funding is insufficient and state appropriations are limited, the unit may struggle to maintain adequate staffing or resources, undermining its ability to fulfill its investigative and educational mandates. [cite: 153] The funding mechanism looks like a way to reduce TABOR refunds.
Sponsors: Marc Snyder (D), Michael Weissman (D), Michael Carter (D), Lorena Garcia (D), Matt Ball (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB180 – Population Growth Calculation
CUT members unanimously oppose this bill. [cite: 156] This bill modifies how population growth is calculated for determining the state’s fiscal year spending limit under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR). [cite: 156] This is an end-around attack on TABOR. [cite: 156, 157] It would result in a very hefty reduction in funds available for TABOR refunds. [cite: 157] The bill’s introduction has very bad timing with sewer rates, water, Xcel, property taxes all going up. [cite: 157] The bill is needlessly complex and unnecessary. [cite: 157] Even the bill itself acknowledges that the proposed calculations will sometimes be over and sometimes under the actual population change. [cite: 157] This is an improper use of the safety clause. [cite: 157] There is no safety issue.
Sponsors: Judith Amabile (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Emily Sirota (D), Rick Taggart (R), Jeff Bridges (D), Shannon Bird (D), Matt Ball (D), James Coleman (D), Lisa Cutter (D), Julie Gonzales (D), Iman Jodeh (D), Cathy Kipp (D), Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D), Byron Pelton (R), Marc Snyder (D), Faith Winter (D), Jennifer Bacon (D), Andrew Boesenecker (D), Chad Clifford (D), Cecelia Espenoza (D), Lorena García (D), Mandy Lindsay (D), Jacqueline Phillips (D), Naquetta Ricks (D), Brianna Titone (D), Yara Zokaie (D)
Bill Status: Crossed Over
SB182 – Embodied Carbon Reduction
CUT members unanimously oppose this bill. [cite: 158, 159] The bill adds embodied carbon improvements to the Industrial Clean Energy Tax Credit and the list of energy improvements eligible for funding by the Colorado New Energy Improvement District. [cite: 159] This bill will cost the state more money monitoring useless information by adding yet another layer of bureaucracy to our already bloated state government.
Sponsors: Matt Ball (D), Kyle Brown (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB184 – Sunset HOA Information & Resource Center
The bill continues the HOA Information and Resource Center, which is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2025. [cite: 159, 160] The program is continued through September 1, 2038. [cite: 160] This bill extends a moribund program, with a $220K budget and 2 FTEs for 13 years without any review. [cite: 160] The summary does not indicate any benefits from this program. [cite: 160] The board is just an impotent library of local HOA information. [cite: 160] Use of the Safety Clause is irresponsible. [cite: 160] Despite the sponsor’s statement to the contrary, this bill does not address any peace, health, or safety issues.
Sponsors: Lisa Cutter (D), Michael Weissman (D), Naquetta Ricks (D)
Bill Status: In Committee
SB188 – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Legislative Appropriation Bill
CUT members are divided with some withholding and the majority opposing this bill. [cite: 159] The bill is for appropriations for the Legislative Department and Youth Advisory Board for FY 2025-2026. [cite: 159] This appropriation is just for a portion of state government. [cite: 159] It cannot be adequately evaluated in isolation from the overall budget in the Long Bill not yet issued. [cite: 159] We can’t tell, but presume this bill increases salaries for legislative staff. [cite: 159] The priority should be on balancing the budget. [cite: 159] The Safety Clause is inappropriate. [cite: 159] There is no safety emergency here.
Sponsors: James Coleman (D), Robert Rodriguez (D), Monica Duran (D), Julie McCluskie (D)
Bill Status: Crossed Over
