ColoradoHB26-12972026 Regular SessionHouse

Uniform Language for Misdemeanor Traffic Offense

Sponsored By: Janice Rich (Republican), Michael Carter (Democratic), Stephanie Luck (Republican), Tony Exum (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Courts & Judicial

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Stronger penalties for unsafe driving

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado increases penalties for several unsafe driving acts. Circumventing a required ignition interlock is a class 1 traffic offense. Driving while your license is revoked stays a class 2 offense for habitual offenders. Aggravated cases are class 1 with at least 60 days in county jail. Operating a commercial motor vehicle during an out-of-service order is a class 1 offense. Failing to move over and causing injury near emergency or service vehicles is a class 1 offense. A second or later DUI or DWAI is a class 2 offense. Causing serious injury to a vulnerable road user is a class 1 offense. A referendum could delay the start until voter approval.

New right to challenge traffic pleas

Beginning August 12, 2026, you can challenge a guilty plea in a traffic case under state law. This right covers noncitizen defendants too. You must use the legal grounds listed in the law. You can file after the plea. A referendum could delay the start until voter approval.

Restitution and victim rights in traffic cases

Beginning August 12, 2026, pleas and findings in traffic cases count as convictions under state law. People harmed by traffic offenses are treated as victims. Courts must consider restitution in every traffic conviction. Some city or county cases handled by a special deputy district attorney are exempt. A referendum could delay the start until voter approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Cecelia Espenoza
Democratic • House
Jarvis Caldwell
Republican • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Rebecca Keltie
Republican • House
Ron Weinberg
Republican • House
Iman Jodeh
Democratic • Senate
James Coleman
Democratic • Senate
Marc Snyder
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 110 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/7/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1297 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 5 • No: 0

House vote • 3/16/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 62 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1297 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 9 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
5/5/2026House
Signed by the Speaker of the House
4/28/2026House
Signed by the President of the Senate
4/28/2026Senate
Sent to the Governor
4/28/2026House
Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
4/7/2026Senate
Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments
4/6/2026Senate
Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
3/31/2026Senate
Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs
3/19/2026Senate
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
3/16/2026House
House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
3/13/2026House
House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
3/12/2026House
Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs
2/25/2026House

Bill Text

Engrossed
PDF
Final Act
PDF
Introduced
PDF
Reengrossed
PDF
Rerevised
PDF
Revised
PDF
Signed Act
PDF

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