Colorado Agricultural Property Tax Definitions Clarification

Detected March 3rd, 2026

Summary

Colorado Bill SB26-010 seeks to clarify definitions for agricultural property taxation. It broadens the definitions of 'ranch' and 'farm' to emphasize predominant use for monetary profit and pasture-based operations.

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What changed

Colorado Bill SB26-010, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, proposes to amend the definitions of 'ranch' and 'farm' for property taxation purposes. The bill clarifies that a 'ranch' is predominantly used for grazing livestock for monetary profit, operating through a newly defined 'pasture-based operation'. Similarly, a 'farm' definition is broadened to mirror this predominant use language, focusing on agricultural products originating from the land's productivity for profit.

This legislative change will impact how agricultural properties are classified and taxed within Colorado. Agricultural firms and property owners should review the updated definitions to understand potential implications for their tax assessments. As this is a bill as introduced, it is subject to legislative review and potential amendment before becoming law. Compliance officers should monitor its progress through the legislative process.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado Bill SB26-010 through the legislative process.
Review updated definitions of 'ranch' and 'farm' if the bill is enacted.
Assess potential impact on property tax assessments for agricultural properties.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-010

Agricultural Property Tax Definitions

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Agriculture Fiscal Policy & Taxes |
Concerning clarification of definitions used in connection with the taxation of agricultural property.

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

Water Resources and Agriculture Review Committee. The bill broadens the definition of "ranch" for purposes of property taxation to mean a parcel of land that is predominantly used for grazing livestock for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit. A ranch must operate through a pasture-based operation, which is newly defined as a method of livestock management where pasture-grazed livestock have regular access to open pasture and derive a majority of their diet through grazing.

The bill also broadens the definition of "farm" for purposes of property taxation to mirror the predominant use language in the definition of "ranch". With this change, a farm means a parcel of land that is predominantly used to produce agricultural products that originate from the land's productivity for the primary purpose of obtaining a monetary profit.

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

Prime Sponsors

Senator

Dylan Roberts
Senator

Byron Pelton
Representative

Julie McCluskie
Representative

Karen McCormick

Committees

Senate

Agriculture & Natural Resources

House

Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources

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Status

Passed

Introduced

Passed

Related Documents & Information

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/26/2026 | Final Act | PDF |
| 02/23/2026 | Rerevised | PDF |
| 02/20/2026 | Revised | PDF |
| 02/03/2026 | Reengrossed | PDF |
| 02/02/2026 | Engrossed | PDF |
| 01/14/2026 | Introduced | PDF |

| Date | Version | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 01/21/2026 | FN1 | PDF |

| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-010 to the Committee of the Whole. | The motion passed on a vote of 12-0. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Activity | Vote | Documents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Refer Senate Bill 26-010 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar. | The motion passed on a vote of 6-0. | Vote summary |
Hearing Summary | Committee Report: PDF
| Date | Calendar | Motion | Vote | Vote Document |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 02/23/2026 | Third Reading | BILL | 61 AYE 0 NO 4 OTHER | Vote record |

| Date | Calendar | Motion | Vote | Vote Document |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 02/03/2026 | Third Reading | BILL | 33 AYE 0 NO 2 OTHER | Vote record |
| 02/03/2026 | Third Reading | AMEND | 33 AYE 0 NO 2 OTHER | Vote record |

| Date | Location | Action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 02/03/2026 | House | Introduced In House - Assigned to |
| 03/02/2026 | Governor | Sent to the Governor |
| 03/02/2026 | House | Signed by the Speaker of the House |
| 03/02/2026 | Senate | Signed by the President of the Senate |
| 02/23/2026 | House | House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments |
| 02/20/2026 | House | House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments |
| 02/19/2026 | House | House Committee on Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole |
| 02/04/2026 | House | Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources |
| 02/03/2026 | Senate | Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments |
| 02/02/2026 | Senate | Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments |
| 01/28/2026 | Senate | Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole |
| 01/14/2026 | Senate | Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources |
Prime Sponsor

Sen. B. Pelton | Sen. D. Roberts

Rep. J. McCluskie | Rep. K. McCormick

Sponsor

Sen. M. Catlin

Rep. M. Martinez | Rep. M. Soper

Co-Sponsor