ColoradoSB25-3212025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspection Facilities

Sponsored By: Barbara Kirkmeyer (Republican), Junie Joseph (Democratic), Robert Rodriguez (Democratic), Ryan Gonzalez (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources & EnvironmentTransportation & Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Inspection and repair help for low-income drivers

Beginning in state fiscal year 2025-26, a new fund can pay required emissions inspection fees for public-assistance participants' registered vehicles. It can also cover adjustments or emissions repairs needed to pass, using qualifying registered repair providers. The fund receives the first $1 million collected annually from specified emissions-law fines and penalties; remaining receipts support the Community Impact Cash Fund. The assistance fund can accept gifts, grants, and donations, and its money is continuously available for these purposes. Unspent, uncommitted money above $250,000 at each fiscal year-end goes to the Community Impact Cash Fund.

More flexible contracts for inspection providers

The law removes statutory limits on emissions inspection contract lengths and renewals, letting the state set those terms. Contracts still follow required rebidding procedures. Contracting authority covers enhanced inspections, inspection centers, and the clean-screen program. Bid requirements include federally required testing standards, electronic data transfer, maintenance, and replacement or loan equipment. The flexibility supports uninterrupted service and alternative inspection technologies.

Small transfer supports state vehicle account

On July 1, 2026, the state treasurer must transfer $5,674 from the AIR account's available-for-appropriation subaccount. The money goes to the Colorado DRIVES Vehicle Services Account under a one-year pilot. The pilot authority expires July 1, 2027. This transfer does not provide household payments or specify changes to vehicle fees or services.

Extra emissions checks for high-polluting vehicles

The Commission must require inspections for Colorado vehicles registered outside the program area when clean-screen testing finds excess emissions. This covers vehicles within their two-year inspection cycle or exempt from regular inspections. Beginning April 1, 2027, vehicles that operated in the program area, failed an enhanced inspection, and then registered outside must comply with emissions and maintenance rules. The Commission can also regulate high-emitting vehicles during model-year exemptions and vehicles regularly operating in the program area. Certain new high-emitter inspection and enforcement provisions expire July 1, 2027. The Commission must use federally approved models to identify vehicle groups needing stricter or more frequent inspections. Knowingly disabling factory emissions controls on model year 1968 and newer vehicles is prohibited, except for repair or replacement. Owners cannot drive those vehicles on public roads knowing the controls are disabled, and qualifying inspection failures can trigger notice to the state revenue director.

State sets caps on inspection fees

The Air Quality Control Commission can set or adjust vehicle emissions inspection fees. Caps are $30 for model year 1981 and older vehicles and $50 total for model year 1982 and newer vehicles. Basic clean-screen inspections have a $15 limit, subject to the Commission's fee-adjustment authority and applicable overall caps. Proposed fee changes require contractor financial records. After adopting fee increases, the state must report the changes and supporting analysis to its transportation legislative review committee with at least 60 days' lead time.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Andrew Boesenecker
Democratic • House
Brianna Titone
Democratic • House
Chad Clifford
Democratic • House
Emily Sirota
Democratic • House
Julie McCluskie
Democratic • House
Lesley Smith
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
Sen. F. Winter
Affiliation unavailable
Judy Amabile
Democratic • Senate
Katie Wallace
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 27

House vote • 5/7/2025

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 44 • No: 20

House vote • 5/6/2025

Refer Senate Bill 25-321 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 8 • No: 3

Senate vote • 5/5/2025

Third reading: Amend (l.008)

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/5/2025

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 31 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/2/2025

Refer Senate Bill 25-321 to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/1/2025

Refer Senate Bill 25-321, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

Refer Senate Bill 25-321 to the Committee on Finance.