Colorado Bill Expands Voter Transparency for Ballot Measures

Detected February 27th, 2026

Summary

Colorado bill HB26-1084, introduced for the 2026 regular session, aims to enhance voter transparency regarding the funding of initiated statewide ballot measures. The bill mandates specific language in ballot titles and information booklets to disclose the projected impact on state expenditure program areas.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

Colorado bill HB26-1084 introduces new requirements for initiated statewide ballot measures that are projected to increase state expenditures without identifying sufficient offsetting revenue or spending reductions. The bill mandates that the ballot title and abstract must identify the three largest program areas of state expenditure that would be reduced, along with an estimated dollar figure for the reduction in the first full fiscal year. The ballot information booklet entry will also be modified to describe the projected effect on these top three expenditure areas.

This legislation, if passed, will directly impact the language used in ballot initiatives and voter information materials in Colorado. It requires a more detailed disclosure of potential fiscal impacts, specifically focusing on reductions in state spending. Regulated entities or groups sponsoring ballot measures will need to ensure compliance with these new disclosure requirements for any initiated statewide measures introduced in the 2026 session and beyond.

What to do next

Review the requirements of Colorado bill HB26-1084 regarding ballot measure disclosures.
Ensure any future initiated statewide ballot measures comply with the new language and information requirements for ballot titles and information booklets.
Consult with legal counsel on the specific wording and impact disclosure for ballot measures.

Source document (simplified)

HB26-1084

Voter Transparency in Ballot Measures

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Elections & Redistricting |
Concerning voter transparency requirements to expand information about the funding of initiated statewide ballot measures, and, in connection therewith, requiring the ballot title and abstract of the fiscal impact statement for certain initiated statewide ballot measures to identify the main areas of state expenditure that would be affected by the measure.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

The bill requires that certain language appear in the ballot title for an initiated statewide measure that would increase state expenditures but does not identify and provide for a sufficient source of revenue or sufficient reductions in state spending for specific public services or program areas to account for the increased expenditures (measure that increases state expenditures). The ballot title for a measure that increases state expenditures must include language identifying the 3 largest program areas of state expenditures for which state expenditures will be reduced if the measure passes, which must be in a format substantially similar to the following language: "... will reduce state expenditures for program areas that include (the 3 largest areas of program expenditure) by an estimated (projected dollar figure of reduction to those areas in the first full fiscal year that the measure will cause the reduction) ...". If the ballot measure specifies the public services or programs that are to be reduced, those public services or programs must be stated in the ballot title.

The bill also requires the ballot information booklet entry for a measure that increases state expenditures to include a description of the measure's projected effect on the 3 largest areas of program expenditure of the state and modifies existing statutory language to mirror this change.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)