Colorado Firefighter Safety Act Petition Elections

Detected March 6th, 2026

Summary

Colorado Bill SB26-047 proposes changes to the definition of a general election for submitting ballot questions related to firefighter collective bargaining and the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act. The bill aims to modify when such questions can be added to the ballot.

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What changed

Colorado Bill SB26-047, currently under consideration, seeks to amend the definition of a 'general election' for the purpose of allowing voters to petition for a ballot question. This question would require local governments to engage in collective bargaining with their fire departments and extend the coverage of the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act. The proposed change specifically alters the criteria for including such questions on the ballot during statewide general elections in odd-numbered years, requiring them to qualify as a coordinated election under the Uniform Election Code of 1992.

This bill, if passed, will impact the process by which firefighters in Colorado can initiate collective bargaining and safety act coverage through public vote. Regulated entities, specifically local governments and their fire departments, should monitor the progress of this bill. While no immediate compliance deadline is set, understanding the potential changes to election qualification criteria is crucial for future petition efforts. The bill is currently in the 'Under Consideration' stage, with a committee meeting scheduled for March 5th.

What to do next

Monitor the progress of Colorado Bill SB26-047 through the legislative process.
Review the updated definition of 'general election' for ballot question qualification if the bill is enacted.

Source document (simplified)

SB26-047

Colorado Firefighter Safety Act Petition Elections

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Elections & Redistricting Labor & Employment Local Government |
Concerning changes to the definition of a general election for the purpose of submitting a question to the voters to allow firefighters to collectively bargain with their public employers.

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

Current law allows voters to circulate a petition for a ballot question requiring a local government to engage in collective bargaining with the fire department for the local government and extend coverage of the "Colorado Firefighter Safety Act" to firefighters employed by the local government (question). The question may be added to the ballot for any general election, defined as a general municipal election, regular special district board election, statewide primary election, or statewide general election. The bill changes the definition of a general election for the purpose of determining when a question may be added to the ballot to include a statewide general election in an odd-numbered year only if it qualifies as a coordinated election, as defined in the "Uniform Election Code of 1992".
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)