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Colorado 2026A

HB 1320

Accessible Language Statutory Ballot Title Requirements

Source: Open States / PluralUpdated 2026-09-11 17:11:02 UTC.

Official record

Measure details

Jurisdiction
Colorado
Session
2026A
Chamber
lower
Classification
bill
Subjects
Elections & Redistricting, State Government
Introduced / first action
2026-03-04 00:00:00

Source-supplied abstracts

Under current law, the title board must set a ballot title for an initiative petition that is brief, does not conflict with another title for an initiative petition filed for the same election, and is in the form of a question that may be answered 'yes/for' or 'no/against' and that unambiguously states the principle of the provision sought to be added, amended, or repealed by the initiative. The act adds a requirement that the title board write a ballot title using accessible language, which means plain language that is understood by the widest possible audience. In determining whether a ballot title is written using accessible language, the title board may consider whether the title:Avoids using legal, technical, or specialized terminology when possible;Clearly identifies the principal change in law or policy proposed by the proposed statutory or constitutional amendment;Avoids unnecessary qualifiers, double negatives, and overly complex phrasing;Organizes clauses so that the effect of a 'yes/for' or 'no/against' vote is readily understood; andPresents necessary information within the ballot title in a logical and readable order.     In addition, current law requires that specific language appear in the ballot title for certain initiatives that increase or reduce tax revenue. For initiatives that reduce state tax revenue or local district property tax revenue through a tax change, this required language must appear at the beginning of the ballot title. For initiatives that increase tax revenue for any district through a tax change, this required language must appear directly after language required by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. The act modifies these statutory provisions so that the required ballot title language must only be substantially similar to the specific statutory language and may appear anywhere in the ballot title.     The act applies to initiative petitions submitted to the secretary of state for title setting on or after the effective date of the act.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Source-supplied history

Actions

  1. Governor Signed

    executive-signature
  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    passage
  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    passage
  4. Sent to the Governor

    executive-receipt
  5. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

  6. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily

  7. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    passage, reading-3
  8. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

    reading-2
  9. Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    committee-passage, referral-committee
  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs

    introduction
  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    passage, reading-3
  12. House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

  13. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

  14. House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    committee-passage, referral-committee
  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs

    introduction