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ColoradoHB26-11972026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Sunset Water Vessel Registration Program

Sponsored By: Cathy Kipp (Democratic), Tisha Mauro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Water

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Colorado boat registration continues through 2036

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado continues its boat registration program. Its scheduled end moves from September 1, 2026, to September 1, 2036. Boat owners and operators remain subject to applicable registration and boating rules. The state must review the program before its repeal or renewal. The law does not change registration fees.

Boat rental businesses must keep records longer

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado businesses advertising and offering boats for paid rental or lease must keep rental records longer. The period rises from 30 days to at least three years after the boat's expected return. Records must include the renter's name and address, hull identification number, and departure and expected return dates and times. The division may inspect these records. The rule covers rentals of craft designed or allowed to operate as vessels and has a September 1, 2036, sunset date.

Colorado changes which watercraft count as vessels

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado updates the vessel definition used in its boating and river-outfitter laws. It covers watercraft used, or able to be used, to carry people or property on water. It excludes seaplanes on water, fishing aids, air mattresses, beach and water toys, and inner tubes. Stand-up paddleboards are no longer expressly included, and single-chamber air-filled devices are no longer excluded as a group. These changes may narrow coverage for some craft and expand it for others.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tisha Mauro

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Katie Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Lori Goldstein

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Kolker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dylan Roberts

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy Amabile

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Gonzales

    Democratic • Senate

  • Katie Wallace

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marc Snyder

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 118 • No: 17

Senate vote • 4/22/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 28 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/21/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1197 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1197 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 3/25/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 55 • No: 10

House vote • 3/20/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1197 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 1

House vote • 3/5/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1197, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/29/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/28/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/28/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/28/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/22/2026Senate

  6. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

    4/21/2026Senate

  7. Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments

    4/21/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    4/2/2026Senate

  9. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources

    3/27/2026Senate

  10. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    3/25/2026House

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

    3/24/2026House

  12. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole

    3/20/2026House

  13. House Committee on Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Refer Amended to Appropriations

    3/5/2026House

  14. Introduced In House - Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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