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ColoradoHB26-12422026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Interlock Device for Impaired Drivers

Sponsored By: Amy Paschal (Democratic), Dylan Roberts (Democratic), Jamie Jackson (Democratic), John Carson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Courts & JudicialCrimes, Corrections, & EnforcementTransportation & Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Earlier restricted driving after test refusal

Beginning June 1, 2027, eligible drivers with revocations of at least one year for test refusal can seek early reinstatement. They can apply for an interlock-restricted license without the prior two-month wait. Drivers who were under 21 when the offense occurred still must complete one year of revocation before applying. Applying does not guarantee approval.

More drivers qualify for interlock assistance

Beginning June 1, 2027, Colorado must offer device assistance through the law's early-reinstatement and other specified interlock-license pathways. The program serves eligible first-time offenders and drivers classified as persistent drunk drivers who cannot pay the full device cost. Applicants qualify through public-assistance enrollment, income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or the state's discretionary-income affordability test. The Department of Revenue must prominently post eligibility details and application instructions on its website. Manufacturers must provide program notices when installation is scheduled and when the lease or service agreement is signed.

First impaired-driving offenses require restricted driving

Beginning June 1, 2027, qualifying first DUI or excess-blood-alcohol revocations require nine consecutive months with an interlock-restricted license after reinstatement. Drivers cannot get another type of license during that period unless they qualify for and receive early device removal. The law does not state device costs. These changes apply to revocations on or after the effective date. A timely referendum petition requires voter approval in November 2026 before the law takes effect on June 1, 2027.

Interlock discounts depend on driver compliance

Beginning June 1, 2027, eligible participants get free standard installation; high-end or electric vehicles instead receive 50% installation-cost coverage. Certified manufacturers provide free removal after successful completion and state-set monthly lease discounts up to 50% for non-indigent applicants. Discounts exclude fees for violations, noncompliance, missed appointments, lockouts, and other administrative or service costs. Participants who stop complying lose assistance and owe the full device cost until eligibility is restored under state rules. While the interlock requirement continues, manufacturers can request updated financial information no more than once every six months.

State funds interlock program setup

The law provides $15,225 to the Department of Revenue for state budget year 2026-27 to carry out these changes. The money comes from the Colorado DRIVES vehicle services account in the highway users tax fund. It includes $11,700 for vehicle-system maintenance and support, $943 for motor-vehicle staff, and $1,394 for executive director's office staff. Another $1,188 pays the state technology office. This funding is not a direct household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Amy Paschal

    Democratic • House

  • Dylan Roberts

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • John Carson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Bob Marshall

    Democratic • House

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Emily Sirota

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Froelich

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Sen. A. Benavidez

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matt Ball

    Democratic • Senate

  • William Lindstedt

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 153 • No: 12

Senate vote • 4/30/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 33 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1242 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/6/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1242 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 8 • No: 1

House vote • 3/25/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 56 • No: 8

House vote • 3/20/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1242, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 1

House vote • 3/11/2026

Reconsider motion to refer to the COW

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1242, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1242, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/28/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/20/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/20/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/20/2026House

  5. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/30/2026Senate

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

    4/29/2026Senate

  7. Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    4/28/2026Senate

  8. Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    4/6/2026Senate

  9. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy

    3/30/2026Senate

  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 Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

    3/24/2026House

  13. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    3/20/2026House

  14. House Committee on Transportation, Housing & Local Government Refer Amended to Appropriations

    3/11/2026House

  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government

    2/18/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Appropriations Preamend

    PDF

  • House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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