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ColoradoSB26-1722026 Regular SessionSenate

Front Range Passenger Rail District

Sponsored By: Amy Paschal (Democratic), Andrew Boesenecker (Democratic), Cathy Kipp (Democratic), Nick Hinrichsen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Elections & RedistrictingTransportation & Motor Vehicles

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clearer rail ballots and spending safeguards

Required district and subdistrict ballot notices go in the voter information booklet through the Legislative Council director. Ballot titles, content, and order must reach the Secretary of State at least 60 days before coordinated or general elections. This includes English and any county-required minority language; the Secretary of State sends certified content to counties by day 57. Elections largely follow statewide procedures, including required language materials. District public money cannot urge voters to support or oppose ballot issues. County election costs are reimbursed under the referenced state election law; this act sets no payment amount.

Voters control rail taxes and borrowing

District and subdistrict tax increases, new taxes, property assessments, and covered multiyear debt require voter approval. Before placing these questions on the ballot, the board must certify every reasonable effort to secure federal, state, or special-purpose-authority funding. Two-thirds of all voting directors must approve submitting the question, and a majority of voters voting on it must approve. Votes take place at statewide general elections or the first Tuesday in November of odd-numbered years. Station area improvement district votes follow separate timing rules required by law.

Wider rail district with local leadership

The Front Range Passenger Rail District extends from Wyoming to New Mexico, including named municipalities and specified Sterling Ranch metropolitan districts. Other municipalities can join with governing-body approval and voter approval when the state constitution requires it. Metropolitan districts outside municipalities need a district board resolution and approval from their own governing bodies. Inclusion does not itself impose taxes or guarantee rail service. Beginning July 1, 2026, newly appointed directors must live within the district unless already serving on that date. The district can create subdistricts under state procedures, with boards having the same powers as the district board. Only directors living in a subdistrict or appointed by an entity covering territory there can vote on its board.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Amy Paschal

    Democratic • House

  • Andrew Boesenecker

    Democratic • House

  • Cathy Kipp

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nick Hinrichsen

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Brianna Titone

    Democratic • House

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Eliza Hamrick

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

  • Jamie Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Junie Joseph

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Kyle Brown

    Democratic • House

  • Karen McCormick

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Carter

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Meg Froelich

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Naquetta Ricks

    Democratic • House

  • Regina English

    Democratic • House

  • Rebekah Stewart

    Democratic • House

  • Sean Camacho

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Lieder

    Democratic • House

  • Tisha Mauro

    Democratic • House

  • Tammy Story

    Democratic • House

  • Yara Zokaie

    Democratic • House

  • Chris Kolker

    Democratic • Senate

  • Iman Jodeh

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jeff Bridges

    Democratic • Senate

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Julie Gonzales

    Democratic • Senate

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lisa Cutter

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matt Ball

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony Exum

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tom Sullivan

    Democratic • Senate

  • William Lindstedt

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 53

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

House amendments: Repass

Yes: 25 • No: 10

Senate vote • 5/13/2026

House amendments: Concur

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 5/9/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 47 • No: 16

House vote • 5/7/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-172 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 9 • No: 2

House vote • 5/5/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-172, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 9 • No: 4

Senate vote • 5/1/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 24 • No: 11

Senate vote • 4/30/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-172 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 4 • No: 3

Senate vote • 4/27/2026

Adopt amendment L.003

Yes: 5 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/27/2026

Adopt amendment L.002

Yes: 7 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/27/2026

Refer Senate Bill 26-172, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 8 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    5/26/2026House

  2. Signed by the President of the Senate

    5/18/2026Senate

  3. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    5/18/2026House

  4. Sent to the Governor

    5/18/2026House

  5. Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

    5/13/2026Senate

  6. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/9/2026House

  7. House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

    5/8/2026House

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

    5/7/2026House

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

    5/7/2026House

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

    5/5/2026House

  11. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/1/2026Senate

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

    5/1/2026House

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

    4/30/2026Senate

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

    4/30/2026Senate

  15. Senate Committee on Transportation & Energy Refer Amended to Appropriations

    4/27/2026Senate

  16. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Transportation & Energy

    4/20/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed

    PDF

  • Final Act

    PDF

  • House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Preamend

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • Reengrossed

    PDF

  • Rerevised

    PDF

  • Revised

    PDF

  • Senate Transportation & Energy Preamend

    PDF

  • Signed Act

    PDF

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