ColoradoHB26-10532026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Motor Vehicle Regulation Administration

Sponsored By: Byron Pelton (Republican), Katie Wallace (Democratic), Tisha Mauro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Local GovernmentState GovernmentTransportation & Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Drivers can request license plate transfers

Beginning January 1, 2028, vehicle owners can ask Colorado's Department of Revenue to move a plate between vehicles. The department may approve the transfer when at least one person is listed as an owner on both vehicle titles.

Colorado strengthens vehicle licensing backup plans

Colorado's Department of Revenue must put a vehicle licensing backup plan in place by December 31, 2027. It must identify critical services, needed resources, staff roles, alternate processing sites, and backup, recovery, and service restoration steps. The plan requires yearly testing, updates, and review, plus updates when critical services or supporting systems change. Named stakeholders must help develop and unanimously accept it, including a Colorado county clerks association active for at least ten years. The Governor's Office of Information Technology must also participate and provide needed network and equipment support. The department must adopt rules to carry out the plan. Only the subsection setting the implementation deadline is repealed July 1, 2029; the ongoing planning duties remain. For budget year 2026–27, the law provides $18,170 from the Highway Users Tax Fund's Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account. This includes $13,520 for DRIVES system upkeep, $1,148 for motor vehicle staff, and $1,558 for executive office staff. Another $1,944 pays the Governor's Office of Information Technology; none of this funding is a direct household payment.

Registration agents gain state system connections

By January 1, 2027, Colorado's Department of Revenue must provide a software connection to its electronic registration and titling system. Authorized agents can use the state's interface or build and use their own. The department must make its connection work with agent-built interfaces. The department may set rules for interface roles, compatible systems, connections between agencies, and secure data transfers.

Firefighter plates expire after ownership transfers

Beginning January 1, 2028, Colorado Professional Fire Fighters plates expire when the vehicle's title or an ownership interest is transferred. This covers motorcycles, passenger cars, trucks, and noncommercial or recreational vehicles bearing the plate. The Department of Revenue cannot move the expired plate to another vehicle. Plate holders can apply again, but must pay required taxes and fees and meet the plate's other legal requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Jarvis Caldwell
Republican • House
Julie McCluskie
Democratic • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Kenny Nguyen
Democratic • House
Lori Garcia Sander
Republican • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Manny Rutinel
Democratic • House
Naquetta Ricks
Democratic • House
Rebecca Keltie
Republican • House
Ron Weinberg
Republican • House
Ty Winter
Republican • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
John Carson
Republican • Senate
James Coleman
Democratic • Senate
Janice Marchman
Democratic • Senate
Scott Bright
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 264 • No: 0

House vote • 5/4/2026

Senate amendments: Repass

Yes: 65 • No: 0

House vote • 5/4/2026

Senate amendments: Concur

Yes: 65 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/27/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/24/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1053 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1053, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • 3/16/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 62 • No: 0

House vote • 3/13/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1053, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 2/9/2026