Bills Opposed by CUT
HB1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 2]. CUT members unanimously oppose this bill because it adjusts the distribution of money in the state lottery fund, beginning in FY 2024-25[cite: 2]. When the lottery was first voted on, it was marketed as funds for parks and schools. Now, the parks’ portion is being reduced to give money to an equity program that CUT believes discriminates in the allocation of state funds by race and sexual orientation, which is not what voters intended[cite: 2]. Sponsors include Junie Joseph (D), Rick Taggart (R), Jeff Bridges (D), and Barbara Kirkmeyer (R)[cite: 2]. The bill’s current status is on the House Third Reading Calendar as of 04/21/2025[cite: 2]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 2].
HB1320 – School Finance Act
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 2]. CUT comments that the bill makes a complex formula even more complicated by stretching out the transition of the school funding change[cite: 2]. There are concerns that the complications may lead to errors or delays in school funding, especially with requirements for mid-year adjustments[cite: 2]. CUT believes if the new funding formula truly has merit, it should be implemented immediately[cite: 2]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 2]. Sponsors include Meghan Lukens (D), Julie McCluskie (D), Jeff Bridges (D), Paul Lundeen (R), and many others[cite: 2]. The bill passed the House Third Reading with amendments on 04/17/2025[cite: 2]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 2].
HB1321 – Support Against Adverse Federal Action
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 5]. CUT members unanimously oppose this bill, which appropriates $4 million from the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” cash fund to the office of the governor for state fiscal year 2025-26[cite: 5]. CUT argues the governor’s office should not have control of expenditures, as this is the role of the legislature, and raises concerns about partisan use of state money and potential influence buying through authorized gifts, grants, or donations[cite: 5]. CUT also notes the bill admits to using federal funds for litigation against the federal government, deviating from the original funding purpose[cite: 5]. This bill includes a safety clause, which CUT deems inappropriate as it does not address an immediate threat to peace, safety, and health[cite: 5]. Sponsors include Shannon Bird (D), Julie McCluskie (D), Judith Amabile (D), Jeff Bridges (D), and many others[cite: 5]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing on 04/22/2025[cite: 5]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 5].
HB1327 – Modify Statewide Ballot Measure Processes
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 5]. CUT believes this bill is designed to make it more difficult for citizen groups to put issues on the ballot by shortening time frames and adding administrative work, such as requiring updates on signature collection numbers at various phases[cite: 5]. CUT views these requirements as pointless obstacles and a usurpation of citizen rights, discouraging citizen involvement in government[cite: 5]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 5]. Sponsors include Meg Froelich (D), Emily Sirota (D), and Cathy Kipp (D)[cite: 5]. The bill’s current status is on the House Second Reading Calendar as of 04/21/2025[cite: 5]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 5].
SB206 – 2025-26 Long Appropriations Bill
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 8]. CUT members unanimously oppose the state’s budget bill, noting it represents over $680M more spending than last year without addressing underlying issues like using one-time federal funds for ongoing programs, new tax credits for non-taxpayers, and transferring money from enterprise cash funds[cite: 8]. CUT highlights a large budget shortfall, numerous weaknesses in financial reporting, and the lack of zero-based budgeting[cite: 8]. CUT expresses concern about the legislature’s spending habits and apparent disregard for TABOR[cite: 8]. Sponsors include Jeff Bridges (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Judith Amabile (D), Shannon Bird (D), and many others[cite: 8]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 8]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 8].
SB214 – Healthy School Meals for All Program
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 8]. While the bill modifies reimbursements and reporting for the Healthy School Meals for All (HSMA) program, CUT fundamentally disagrees with the program’s expansion to all students, viewing it as not a proper role for government and a “money sinkhole”[cite: 8]. Although CUT appreciates the potential scaling back if a related ballot initiative fails, they remain concerned about potential cost overages being drawn from the general fund and feel the program should be limited or eliminated[cite: 8]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 8]. Sponsors include Judith Amabile (D), Jeff Bridges (D), Emily Sirota (D), Rick Taggart (R), and many others[cite: 8]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 8]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 8].
SB228 – Enterprise Disability Buy-in Premiums
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 11]. CUT strongly opposes this effort to bypass TABOR by shifting revenue from Medicaid buy-in programs into the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE), shielding it from TABOR caps[cite: 11]. CUT estimates this will cost taxpayers $6.7M per year in lost TABOR refunds[cite: 11]. CUT also asserts the safety clause should not be invoked as there is no immediate peace, safety, or health matter at stake, viewing both the fund movement and safety clause use as disdain for taxpayers[cite: 11]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 11]. Sponsors include Judith Amabile (D), Jeff Bridges (D), Shannon Bird (D), Emily Sirota (D), and others[cite: 11]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 11]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 11].
SB254 – Transfer Stationary Sources Control Fund
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 11]. This bill mandates a one-time transfer of $5 million from the General Fund to the Stationary Sources Control Fund without clearly specifying how the funds will be used beyond vague “efficiency improvement projects”[cite: 11]. CUT raises significant concerns about the lack of clarity and accountability, fearing potential misuse or inefficient allocation of taxpayer money[cite: 11]. CUT also deems the inclusion of the safety clause inappropriate[cite: 11]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 11]. Sponsors include Judith Amabile (D), Jeff Bridges (D), Shannon Bird (D), Rick Taggart (R), and others[cite: 11]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 11]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 11].
SB257 – Modify General Fund Transfers to State Highway Fund
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 11]. This bill modifies the schedule and amount of annual transfers from the General Fund to the State Highway Fund, substantially reducing highway funding over the next two years[cite: 11]. CUT opposes this reduction, arguing the State Highway Fund is being “robbed,” leading to poor road conditions and impacting the economy, mobility, and safety[cite: 11]. CUT questions the legislature’s prioritization of roads and highways[cite: 11]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 11]. Sponsors include Jeff Bridges (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Shannon Bird (D), Rick Taggart (R), and others[cite: 11]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 11]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 11].
SB258 – Temporarily Reduce Road Safety Surcharge
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 14]. While the bill temporarily reduces the road safety surcharge by $3.70 for two years and increases the share for counties/municipalities, CUT opposes it[cite: 14]. Despite supporting the small fee reduction, CUT is concerned about the overall move (along with SB-257) to reduce funding for roads and highways, viewing it as placing road funding low on the legislative priority list[cite: 14]. Sponsors include Jeff Bridges (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Shannon Bird (D), Emily Sirota (D), and others[cite: 14]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 14]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 14].
SB262 – Changes to Money in the Capital Construction Fund
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 14]. Although CUT notes a potential positive (money returned to the General Fund becomes eligible for TABOR refunds), they ultimately oppose the bill[cite: 14]. The concern is that returning money allocated for construction back to the General Fund distorts transparency and allows funds to be used in ways unrelated to the original intent[cite: 14]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 14]. Sponsors include Judith Amabile (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Shannon Bird (D), Rick Taggart (R), and others[cite: 14]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 14]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 14].
SB268 – Changes to Money in the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 14]. CUT views this bill as a “bait and switch,” as it removes the provision using marijuana tax revenue for school capital construction, which was part of the appeal when legalization was considered[cite: 14]. The bill also cuts the local municipalities’ share of the revenue by half, which CUT deems unacceptable given concerns about state fiscal mismanagement[cite: 14]. CUT finds the use of the safety clause wildly inappropriate[cite: 14]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 14]. Sponsors include Jeff Bridges (D), Barbara Kirkmeyer (R), Shannon Bird (D), Emily Sirota (D), and others[cite: 14]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 14]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 14].
SB270 – Enterprise Nursing Facility Provider Fees
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 17]. CUT argues this bill moves revenue ($66 million) from TABOR calculations into an Enterprise, exempting it from TABOR and taking money from taxpayers to fund a state government perceived as fiscally irresponsible[cite: 17]. CUT strongly criticizes the inclusion of the safety clause as a way to prevent citizen input on the measure[cite: 17]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 17]. Sponsors include Judith Amabile (D), Jeff Bridges (D), Shannon Bird (D), Emily Sirota (D), and others[cite: 17]. The bill has crossed over and is scheduled for Senate Consideration of Resolution(s) Calendar on 04/23/2025[cite: 17]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 17].
SB272 – Regional Transportation Authority Sales & Use Tax Exemption
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 17]. CUT finds it unfair and inequitable that a quasi-government entity (RTA) would build homes exclusively for their employees, viewing it as not a proper role of government[cite: 17]. Furthermore, allowing contractors access to the RTA Sales Tax Exemption is seen as unworkable and a potential source of corruption, questioning how the exemption would be managed for various contractor purchases[cite: 17]. CUT deems the inclusion of the safety clause egregious[cite: 17]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 17]. Sponsors include Marc Catlin (R) and Faith Winter (D)[cite: 17]. The bill was referred amended to Appropriations by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy on 04/14/2025[cite: 17]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 17].
SB280 – Data Center Development & Grid Modernization Act
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 17]. While acknowledging the need for grid modernization, CUT opposes the funding mechanism, stating the bill subsidizes the wind and solar industry and overregulates the gas and oil sector[cite: 17]. CUT advocates for a tax and regulation environment that benefits all businesses and consumers affordably[cite: 17]. CUT questions the use of the safety clause[cite: 17]. This bill includes a safety clause[cite: 17]. Sponsors include Nick Hinrichsen (D), Paul Lundeen (R), Kyle Brown (D), Alex Valdez (D), and others[cite: 17]. The bill was referred amended to Appropriations by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy on 04/16/2025[cite: 17]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 17]. *Note: Link provided in the source was potentially incomplete.*
SB285 – Updating Food Establishment Inspection Fees
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 20]. The Board was unanimous in opposition, highlighting that the bill increases annual license fees for food establishments by 80% by 2028, along with other application and review fees[cite: 20]. CUT argues this adds difficulty for already struggling restaurants[cite: 20]. Sponsors include Dylan Roberts (D) and Meghan Lukens (D)[cite: 20]. The bill was referred unamended to Appropriations by the Senate Committee on Finance on 04/15/2025[cite: 20]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 20].
SB286 – Petroleum Products Fees & Penalties
The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) opposes this bill[cite: 20]. CUT argues this bill levies another fee and more penalties on petroleum products, costs which get passed on to the consumer[cite: 20]. CUT believes the legislature should be supporting, not overreaching on, one of Colorado’s largest industries[cite: 20]. Sponsors include Nick Hinrichsen (D) and Marc Snyder (D)[cite: 20]. The bill was referred amended to Appropriations by the Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy on 04/16/2025[cite: 20]. View Full Bill Text[cite: 20]. *Note: Link provided in the source was potentially incomplete.*
—
**Blog Post Title:** HB1215, HB1320, SB206 Among Bills Opposed This Week by CUT
**Meta Description:** The Colorado Union of Taxpayers (CUT) outlines its opposition to several bills including HB1215, HB1320, SB206, citing concerns over spending, TABOR impact, & regulation.
**Bill List:**
HB1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund, HB1320 – School Finance Act, HB1321 – Support Against Adverse Federal Action, HB1327 – Modify Statewide Ballot Measure Processes, SB206 – 2025-26 Long Appropriations Bill, SB214 – Healthy School Meals for All Program, SB228 – Enterprise Disability Buy-in Premiums, SB254 – Transfer Stationary Sources Control Fund, SB257 – Modify General Fund Transfers to State Highway Fund, SB258 – Temporarily Reduce Road Safety Surcharge, SB262 – Changes to Money in the Capital Construction Fund, SB268 – Changes to Money in the Marijuana Tax Cash Fund, SB270 – Enterprise Nursing Facility Provider Fees, SB272 – Regional Transportation Authority Sales & Use Tax Exemption, SB280 – Data Center Development & Grid Modernization Act, SB285 – Updating Food Establishment Inspection Fees, SB286 – Petroleum Products Fees & Penalties
