ColoradoSB26-1572026 Regular SessionSenate

Determination of Town Abandonment

Sponsored By: Matthew Martinez (Democratic), Nick Hinrichsen (Democratic), Rod Pelton (Republican), Ty Winter (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Local GovernmentState Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Temporary water maintenance help for towns

For fiscal year 2026–27, the law provides $100,000 to Public Safety to support its Office of Emergency Management. The money comes from the Small Communities Water and Wastewater Grant Fund. The health department may transfer up to $100,000 for temporary water maintenance after an abandonment application under the new water-infrastructure pathway. The town's water system must be failing or likely to fail, as determined by the responsible department. Public Safety may hire contractors for routine operation and maintenance of existing water-treatment equipment, including disinfection and water sampling. The money cannot pay for capital improvements or projects requiring significant spending. Support lasts while the application is pending and can continue up to six months after the final decision. Public Safety must find each month that continued support is needed. The state does not take ownership or responsibility for the system or the town's debts and obligations. The transfer authority ends July 1, 2028.

Voters can request town abandonment reviews

Registered town voters can now ask Colorado's Secretary of State to declare their town abandoned. County attorneys and town landowners can also apply. A new pathway covers towns without a board of trustees or town clerk that cannot hold an election. These towns must also own or operate water infrastructure critical to residents' water treatment or delivery. The existing pathway for five years or more of failed elections and town government remains. The Secretary must publish notice and post it online and in visible places in town. A hearing must occur at least 20 days after publication. The Secretary then decides whether the town is abandoned and files the decision with the county clerk. A town declared abandoned ceases to exist, and its records and corporate seal go to the county clerk for safekeeping.

Water transfers with county debt protection

These rules apply when a town is declared abandoned under the new water-infrastructure pathway. The county must transfer all land, equipment, and other property making up the water system to a water-focused entity. That entity's main purpose must be water treatment or delivery, unless the county decides against the transfer. The county is not responsible for the town's water-system debts, obligations, or other requirements. The law does not guarantee continued water service or lower household water bills.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Andrew Boesenecker
Democratic • House
Ava Flanell
Republican • House
Bob Marshall
Democratic • House
Brianna Titone
Democratic • House
Emily Sirota
Democratic • House
Jennifer Bacon
Democratic • House
Jarvis Caldwell
Republican • House
Julie McCluskie
Democratic • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Kenny Nguyen
Democratic • House
Michael Carter
Democratic • House
Monica Duran
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Matt Soper
Republican • House
Naquetta Ricks
Democratic • House
Rebecca Keltie
Republican • House
Tisha Mauro
Democratic • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
Jeff Bridges
Democratic • Senate
John Carson
Republican • Senate
James Coleman
Democratic • Senate
Julie Gonzales
Democratic • Senate
Janice Marchman
Democratic • Senate
Larry Liston
Republican • Senate
Marc Catlin
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 134 • No: 0

House vote • 5/9/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 63 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-157 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 5/5/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-157 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/28/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-157, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the consent calendar.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/22/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-157, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 7 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
5/26/2026House
Signed by the President of the Senate
5/21/2026Senate
Signed by the Speaker of the House
5/21/2026House
Sent to the Governor
5/21/2026House
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
5/9/2026House
House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
5/8/2026House
House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
5/7/2026House
House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
5/7/2026House
House Committee on Transportation, Housing & Local Government Refer Unamended to Appropriations
5/5/2026House
Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
4/29/2026Senate
Introduced In House - Assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government
4/29/2026House
Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
4/28/2026Senate
Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
4/28/2026Senate
Senate Committee on Local Government & Housing Refer Amended to Appropriations
4/22/2026Senate
Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Local Government & Housing
4/8/2026Senate

Bill Text

Engrossed
PDF
Final Act
PDF
Introduced
PDF
Reengrossed
PDF
Rerevised
PDF
Revised
PDF
Senate Appropriations Preamend
PDF
Senate Local Government & Housing Preamend
PDF
Signed Act
PDF

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