Second Regular Session
Seventy-fourth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 24-0242.01 Nicole Myers x4326
SENATE BILL 24-032
Senate Committees House Committees
Transportation & Energy
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING METHODS TO I NCREASE THE USE OF TRANSIT .101
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does
not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill
passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that
applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at
http://leg.colorado.gov/
.)
Transportation Legislation Review Committee. Statewide
transit pass exploratory committee. Section 1 of the bill creates the
statewide transit pass exploratory committee (committee) within the
department of transportation (department) to produce a viable proposal
for the creation, implementation, and administration of a statewide transit
pass. The committee is required to meet as necessary to produce a viable
proposal by July 1, 2026, with the goal of implementing a statewide
transit pass by January 1, 2028.
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Priola and Jaquez Lewis, Cutter, Exum, Winter F.
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Vigil, Froelich, Lindsay, Lindstedt, Mabrey, Mauro, Parenti
Shading denotes HOUSE amendment. Double underlining denotes SENATE amendment.
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material to be added to existing law.
Dashes through the words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law. The committee consists of 15 members appointed by the executive
director of the department and is required to include representatives of a
diverse group of transit agencies throughout the state, a representative of
an entity or interest group involved in passenger rail systems, a
representative of an organization with a statewide perspective regarding
transportation, and 2 representatives of the department, one who is
knowledgeable about the department's inter-city regional bus service and
one who is knowledgeable about innovative mobility.
In conducting its work and in producing a viable proposal for the
creation, implementation, and administration of a statewide transit pass
the committee is required to consider:
! Various specified logistics of creating a statewide transit
pass;
! A method for determining the price of a statewide transit
pass;
! A structure for the sale of the statewide transit pass to
individuals and to employers for their employees;
! The services that will be offered to statewide transit pass
holders;
! The types of statewide transit passes that would be offered,
including different options for the duration of the pass to
accommodate Colorado residents and visitors to Colorado;
! Additional opportunities for collaboration across transit
agencies in the state to make it easier and more appealing
for people to use transit;
! The technology that would be necessary to monitor the use
of the statewide transit pass and track ridership across
transit agencies;
! Local, tribal, state, and federal laws, rules, or regulations
that need to be considered in connection with the creation
of a statewide transit pass;
! The best method for advertising and marketing a statewide
transit pass;
! The potential impacts that a statewide transit pass will have
on transit pass programs that are currently offered by transit
agencies;
! The potential impacts of section 20 of article X of the state
constitution to local governments in connection with
revenue generated by the sale of a statewide transit pass;
! A proposal for the structure and composition of a
permanent advisory board to oversee the creation,
implementation, and administration of a statewide transit
pass; and
! Any other issues that need to be discussed or addressed, as
deemed necessary and appropriate by a majority vote of the
SB24-032
-2- members of the committee.
In producing a viable proposal for the creation, implementation,
and administration of a statewide transit pass, the committee is required
to solicit input from specified subject matter experts and interested parties
across the state.
The committee is required to submit its proposal for the creation,
implementation, and administration of a statewide transit pass, including
recommendations for any necessary legislation in connection with the
proposal, to the executive director and the members of the transportation
legislation review committee of the general assembly on or before July 1,
2026.
Ozone season transit grant program. The ozone season transit
grant program was created in the Colorado energy office in 2022. Section
2 makes the following changes to the ozone season transit grant program:
! Relocates the ozone season transit grant program to the
department;
! Requires the transit association that receives money from
the state and uses the money to make grants to transit
agencies to consider grants that have been or will be
awarded to the transit agency through the youth fare free
transit grant program, created in the bill, when making
grants to ensure that transit agencies do not receive grants
through the ozone season transit grant program for services
that are paid for with grants from the youth fare free transit
grant program;
! Requires the state treasurer to transfer $7 million to the
ozone season transit grant program fund on July 1, 2024,
and on July 1 of each year thereafter; and
! Makes the ozone season transit grant program permanent
by repealing the statute that would repeal the ozone season
transit grant program on July 1, 2024.
Youth fare free transit grant program. Section 3 creates the
youth fare free transit grant program in the department to provide grants
to the regional transportation district (RTD) and a transit association to
provide fare free year-round transit services for individuals who are 19
years of age or younger (youth).
To receive a grant, a transit association or the RTD must submit
an application to the department in accordance with the policies
established by the department. A transit association that receives a grant
may use the money to make grants to eligible transit agencies. The
eligible transit agencies and the RTD may use the grant money to provide
operating support for its transit operations and general transit programs,
so long as the eligible transit agency or the RTD provides uninterrupted
fare free year-round transit services for youth riders.
The RTD is required to report to the department and an eligible
SB24-032
-3- transit agency that receives a grant from a transit association is required
to report to the transit association regarding the estimated change in youth
ridership during the year in which fare free services were offered
compared to previous years, any changes that the RTD or the eligible
transit agency would make in how it provides fare free transit services to
youth or in its use of the grant money based on its experiences, and how
the RTD or the eligible transit agency marketed the fare free transit
services for youth. The transit association is required to submit to the
department a summary of the reported information for all eligible transit
agencies that received a grant through the transit association.
The bill creates the youth fare free transit grant program fund
(fund) and transfers $7 million from the general fund to the fund on July
1, 2024, and on July 1 of each year thereafter. The money in the fund is
continuously appropriated to the department for the youth fare free transit
grant program.
The department is required to establish policies governing the
youth fare free transit grant program and to report to the house of
representatives transportation, housing, and local government committee
and the senate transportation committee, or their successor committees,
by December 31 of each year of the program.
Income tax credit for the purchase of a transit pass. For income
tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, but before January 1,
2029, section 4 creates an income tax credit allowed to any taxpayer in
an amount equal to 30% of the amount spent by the taxpayer to purchase
one or more transit passes for use by the taxpayer during the income tax
year for which the credit is claimed.
To claim the credit a taxpayer is required to include a credit
certificate issued by the department with the income tax return filed with
the department of revenue. The credit certificate that the department
issues must identify the taxpayer and certify that the taxpayer purchased
one or more transit passes for the taxpayer's use during the income tax
year for which the credit is claimed.
The amount of the credit not used as an offset against income taxes
in the current income tax year is refunded to the taxpayer.
No later than January 1, 2025, and no later than January 1 of each
year thereafter through January 1, 2029, the department is required to
provide the department of revenue with an electronic report of the
taxpayers receiving a credit certificate.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 43-1-132 as2
follows:3
SB24-032-4- 43-1-132. Statewide transit pass exploratory committee -1
legislative declaration. (1) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS AND2
DECLARES THAT:3
(a) (I) O
VER-RELIANCE ON PERSONAL PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR4
TRANSPORTATION CONTRIBUTES TO POOR AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE5
CHANGE AND HAS A NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FAMILIES IN THE6
STATE;7
(II) (A) N
ATIONWIDE, THE NUMBER OF JOBS WITHIN THE TYPICAL8
COMMUTE DISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS IN MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS HAS9
DECLINED OVER TIME ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY THE BROOKINGS10
I
NSTITUTION TITLED "THE GROWING DISTANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE AND11
J
OBS IN METROPOLITAN AMERICA";12
(B) C
OLORADANS DRIVE MORE MILES PER PERSON T HAN THEY13
USED TO, IN PART DUE TO STRESS ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE14
AND INCREASING HOUSEHOLD COSTS ; AND15
(C) S
INCE 1981, PER CAPITA VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN16
C
OLORADO HAVE RISEN BY OVER TWENTY PERCENT ACCORDING TO DATA17
FROM THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION;18
(III) H
IGH TRANSPORTATION COSTS IMPACT LOW -INCOME19
HOUSEHOLDS IN PARTICULAR , WITH HOUSEHOLDS MAKING LESS THAN20
FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR IN THE WESTERN UNITED STATES21
SPENDING OVER TWENTY -FOUR PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME ON22
TRANSPORTATION, WHEN SPENDING MORE THAN FIFTEEN PERCENT OF23
INCOME ON TRANSPORTATION IS CONSIDERED COST BURDENED ,24
ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS25
C
ONSUMER EXPENDITURE SURVEYS;26
(IV) (A) I
N ADDITION TO ECONOMIC IMPACTS , THE INCREASE IN27
SB24-032
-5- VEHICLE TRAFFIC HAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ;1
(B) T
HE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY2
HAS CLASSIFIED THE DENVER METRO/NORTH FRONT RANGE AREA AS3
BEING IN SEVERE NONATTAINMENT FOR OZONE AND GROUND LEVEL4
OZONE, WHICH HAS SERIOUS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH , PARTICULARLY5
FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS ;6
(C) A
CCORDING TO THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION7
ROADMAP, PUBLISHED BY THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE AND DATED8
J
ANUARY 14, 2021, THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR IS THE SINGLE LARGEST9
SOURCE OF GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION IN COLORADO;10
(D) N
EARLY SIXTY PERCENT OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS11
FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR COME FROM LIGHT -DUTY VEHICLES,12
WHICH CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY OF CARS AND TRUCKS THAT13
C
OLORADANS DRIVE EVERY DAY ;14
(E) A
S PART OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION15
ROADMAP, A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ACHIEVE LEGISLATIVELY16
ADOPTED TARGETS OF REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION17
ECONOMY-WIDE BY FIFTY PERCENT BELOW 2005 LEVELS BY 2030 AND18
NINETY PERCENT BY 2050, THE STATE COMMITTED TO REDUCING19
EMISSIONS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR BY FORTY -ONE PERCENT20
BY 2030 FROM A 2005 BASELINE; AND21
(F) T
HE GREENHOUSE GAS TRANSPORTATION PLANNING22
S
TANDARD ADOPTED BY THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION IN 2021 SET23
A TARGET TO REDUCE TRANSPORTATION GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS24
THROUGH THE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS BY ONE MILLION FIVE25
HUNDRED THOUSAND TONS BY 2030;26
(b) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS AND DECLARES THAT :27
SB24-032
-6- (I) THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES THAT RESULT1
FROM INCREASED RELIANCE ON PASSENGER VEHICLES AND AN INCREASE2
IN THE NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELED PER PERSON IS A MATTER OF3
STATEWIDE CONCERN;4
(II) O
NE OF THE KEY FINDINGS OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS5
POLLUTION REDUCTION ROADMAP IS THAT REDUCING GROWTH IN DRIVING6
IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL TO ACHIEVE THE STATE 'S CLIMATE GOALS AND7
THAT EXPANDING PUBLIC TRANSIT IS AN IMPORTANT NEAR -TERM ACTION8
THAT CAN HELP ACHIEVE THOSE GOALS ; AND9
(III) I
T IS THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS10
THAT REDUCE THE GROWTH IN DRIVING AND EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSIT .11
(2) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE12
REQUIRES:13
(a) "C
OMMITTEE" MEANS THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS14
EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION.15
(b) "S
TATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS" OR "PASS" MEANS A SINGLE16
TRANSIT PASS THAT CAN BE USED ON TRANSIT PROVIDED BY TRANSIT17
AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE.18
(c) "T
RANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC19
TRANSPORTATION, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.20
(3) (a) N
O LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 2024, THE EXECUTIVE21
DIRECTOR SHALL CREATE A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS EXPLORATORY22
COMMITTEE TO PRODUCE A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION ,23
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS .24
T
HE COMMITTEE SHALL MEET AS NECESSARY TO PRODUCE A VIABLE25
PROPOSAL BY JULY 1, 2026, WITH THE GOAL OF IMPLEMENTING A26
STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS BY JANUARY 1, 2028.27
SB24-032
-7- (b) THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING FIFTEEN1
MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :2
(I) T
HREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIVE LARGEST TRANSIT3
AGENCIES IN THE STATE;4
(II) E
IGHT REPRESENTATIVES FROM A DIVERSE GROUP OF TRANSIT5
AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE6
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES A RURAL PART7
OF THE STATE THAT IS NOT A RESORT COMMUNITY AND AT LEAST ONE8
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES ONE OR MORE9
RESORT COMMUNITIES;10
(III) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ENTITY OR INTEREST GROUP11
INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION , PLANNING, OR DEVELOPMENT OF12
PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEMS;13
(IV) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE FROM AN ORGANIZATION WITH A14
STATEWIDE PERSPECTIVE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION ; AND15
(V) T
WO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT , ONE WHO IS16
KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 'S INTER-CITY REGIONAL BUS17
SERVICE AND ONE WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 'S18
INNOVATIVE MOBILITY PROGRAM .19
(c) M
EMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE20
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WITHOUT COMPENSATION .21
(4) I
N CONDUCTING ITS WORK AND IN PRODUCING A VIABLE22
PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION23
OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS, THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER THE24
FOLLOWING:25
(a) T
HE LOGISTICS OF CREATING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,26
INCLUDING:27
SB24-032
-8- (I) A VIABLE STRUCTURE FOR THE PASS TO ALLOW PASS HOLDERS1
TO USE SERVICES PROVIDED BY TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE2
WITH A SINGLE PASS;3
(II) A
PLAN FOR COORDINATION AMONG TRANSIT AGENCIES4
ACROSS THE STATE TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE PASS ;5
(III) A
METHOD FOR COST-SHARING THE EXPENSES IN CONNECTION6
WITH THE CREATION , IMPLEMENTATION , ADMINISTRATION, AND7
ADVERTISEMENT OF THE PASS;8
(IV) A
STRUCTURE FOR SHARING , APPORTIONING, AND9
DISTRIBUTING REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT10
AGENCIES THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS; AND11
(V) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A FORMULA TO DISTRIBUTE12
REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT AGENCIES13
THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS , THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE14
CREATION OF SUCH A FORMULA, AND A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE15
FREQUENCY WITH WHICH THE FORMULA WOULD BE RECALCULATED ;16
(b) A
METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PRICE OF A STATEWIDE17
TRANSIT PASS, INCLUDING WHETHER THERE WILL BE OPTIONS FOR18
DISCOUNTED PASSES FOR LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS AND CONSIDERATION19
OF HOW TRANSIT OPERATORS WOULD CONTINUE TO COLLECT A FARE FROM20
THE PASS THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR EXISTING FARE STRUCTURE ;21
(c) A
STRUCTURE FOR THE SALE OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS22
TO INDIVIDUALS AND TO EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES , INCLUDING:23
(I) A
N OPT-IN OR OPT-OUT PROGRAM WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE24
REGISTRATION OR WITH THE RENEWAL OF A DRIVER LICENSE OR STATE25
IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ;26
(II) O
NLINE SALES; AND27
SB24-032
-9- (III) SALES KIOSKS AT AIRPORTS, TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS ,1
TOURISM OFFICES, AND OTHER PHYSICAL LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE ;2
(d) T
HE SERVICES THAT WILL BE OFFERED TO STATEWIDE TRANSIT3
PASS HOLDERS, INCLUDING:4
(I) C
ONSIDERATION OF WHETHER THE PASS WOULD COVER ONLY5
SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES OR PROVIDE ACCESS-ON-DEMAND SERVICES IN6
ADDITION TO SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES;7
(II) I
F ACCESS-ON-DEMAND SERVICES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE8
PASS, HOW THE COST OF THOSE RIDES FACTORS INTO THE COST OF THE9
PASS;10
(III) C
ONSIDERATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL11
"A
MERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990", 42, U.S.C., SEC. 12101, ET12
SEQ., AS AMENDED, REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCESS TO TRANSIT ;13
AND14
(IV) C
ONSIDERATION OF FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO15
ANTIDISCRIMINATION, INCLUDING TITLE VI OF THE FEDERAL "CIVIL16
R
IGHTS ACT OF 1964", PUB.L. 88-352, AS AMENDED;17
(e) T
HE TYPES OF STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASSES THAT WOULD BE18
OFFERED, INCLUDING DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE DURATION OF THE PASS19
TO ACCOMMODATE COLORADO RESIDENTS WHO MAY USE A PASS20
YEAR-ROUND, FOR A PORTION OF THE YEAR, OR OTHER LONGER DURATION,21
AND VISITORS TO COLORADO WHO MAY USE A PASS FOR A DAY , WEEK, OR22
OTHER LIMITED DURATION;23
(f) A
DDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION ACROSS24
TRANSIT AGENCIES IN THE STATE , IN ADDITION TO THE CREATION ,25
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,26
TO MAKE IT EASIER AND MORE APPEALING FOR PEOPLE TO USE TRANSIT ,27
SB24-032
-10- INCLUDING:1
(I) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES ALLOWING CUSTOMERS2
TO PURCHASE A TICKET IN ONE TRANSACTION FOR AN ENTIRE TRIP THAT3
REQUIRES TRANSIT SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE TRANSIT AGENCIES ;4
AND5
(II) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES SUBMITTING THEIR6
TRIP PLANNING DATA TO A CENTRAL SOURCE TO ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO7
CREATE AN ITINERARY THAT REQUIRES SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE8
TRANSIT AGENCIES;9
(g) T
HE TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO MONITOR THE10
USE OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AND TRACK RIDERSHIP ACROSS11
TRANSIT AGENCIES TO ASSIST TRANSIT AGENCIES IN DETERMINING AND12
UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PASS IN THE FUTURE ;13
(h) A
NY ADDITIONAL LOCAL, TRIBAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS,14
RULES, OR REGULATIONS THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION15
WITH THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;16
(i) T
HE BEST METHOD FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING A17
STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS;18
(j) T
HE POTENTIAL IMPACTS THAT A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS19
WILL HAVE ON TRANSIT PASS PROGRAMS THAT ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED20
BY TRANSIT AGENCIES;21
(k) T
HE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF SECTION 20 OF ARTICLE X OF THE22
STATE CONSTITUTION TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH23
REVENUE GENERATED BY THE SALE OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;24
(l) A
PROPOSAL FOR THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF A25
PERMANENT ADVISORY BOARD TO OVERSEE THE CREATION ,26
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;27
SB24-032
-11- AND1
(m) A
NY OTHER ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED OR2
ADDRESSED, AS DEEMED NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE BY A MAJORITY3
VOTE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE .4
(5) I
N PRODUCING A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION ,5
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,6
THE COMMITTEE SHALL SOLICIT INPUT FROM SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS7
AND INTERESTED PARTIES ACROSS THE STATE , INCLUDING:8
(a) T
HE TRANSIT AND RAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN9
SECTION 43-1-1104 (1)(b);10
(b) T
RANSIT AGENCIES FROM ACROSS THE STATE , INCLUDING A11
PRESENTATION BY AND DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE12
REGARDING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AT AN ANNUAL MEETING13
ORGANIZED BY A NONPROFIT ENTITY TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON A VARIETY14
OF TOPICS, INCLUDING TRANSIT MANAGEMENT , LEADERSHIP15
DEVELOPMENT, DRIVER SAFETY, SYSTEM SAFETY, HUMAN SERVICES16
ISSUES, MOBILITY, AND POLICY ISSUES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEDERAL17
TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION AND THE DEPARTMENT ; AND18
(c) M
EMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR19
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE AND20
TO PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FOR THE21
CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE22
TRANSIT PASS OR DISCUSSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL .23
(6) T
HE COMMITTEE SHALL SUBMIT ITS PROPOSAL FOR THE24
CREATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE25
TRANSIT PASS, INCLUDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANY NECESSARY26
LEGISLATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL , TO THE EXECUTIVE27
SB24-032
-12- DIRECTOR AND THE MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION1
REVIEW COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JULY 1,2
2026.3
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add with amended4
and relocated provisions 43-1-133 as follows:5
43-1-133. [Formerly 24-38.5-114]. Ozone season transit grant6
program - fund - creation - policies - report - definitions. (1) As used7
in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:8
(a) "Eligible transit agency" means a transit agency that is:9
(I) A regional service authority providing surface transportation10
pursuant to part 1 of article 7 of title 32, a regional transportation11
authority created pursuant to part 6 of article 4 of title 43, or any other12
political subdivision of the state, public entity, or nonprofit corporation13
providing mass transportation services to the general public other than the14
regional transportation district; and15
(II) Eligible to receive money under a grant authorized by 4916
U.S.C. sec. 5307 or 49 U.S.C. sec. 5311.17
(b) "Fund" means the ozone season transit grant program fund18
established in subsection (8) of this section.19
(c) "Office" means the Colorado energy office created in section20
24-38.5-101.21
(d) (c) "Ozone season" means the period from June 1 to August22
31 of a calendar year; except that, if an eligible transit agency operates in23
an area in which ozone-causing traffic levels are typically highest during24
a different period than June 1 to August 31 of a calendar year and the25
eligible transit agency identifies the different period in an application for26
a grant to offer fare-free service during the identified period that is27
SB24-032
-13- submitted to a transit association in accordance with the requirements of1
this section, "ozone season" means, for that eligible transit agency, the2
different period identified in the grant application.3
(e) (d) "Program" means the ozone season transit grant program4
created in subsection (2) of this section.5
(f) (e) "Regional transportation district" means the regional6
transportation district established in article 9 of title 32.7
(f.5) (f) "Transit agency" means a provider of public8
transportation, as defined in 49 U.S.C. sec. 5302 (15), as amended.9
(g) "Transit association" means a Colorado nonprofit corporation10
formed to represent transit interests in Colorado whose membership11
includes transit agencies, transit-related businesses, and governmental12
entities.13
(2) The ozone season transit grant program is created in the office14
DEPARTMENT. The purposes of the program are:15
(a) To provide grants to transit associations for the purpose of16
providing grants to eligible transit agencies in order to offer free transit17
services for a minimum of thirty days during ozone season; and18
(b) To provide grants to the regional transportation district for the19
purpose of providing free transportation services for a minimum of thirty20
days during ozone season.21
(3) The office DEPARTMENT shall administer the program and22
award grants in accordance with this section and the policies developed23
by the office DEPARTMENT pursuant to subsection (6) of this section.24
Subject to available appropriations, grants shall be paid out of the fund.25
(4) (a) To receive a grant, a transit association or the regional26
transportation district must submit an application to the office27
SB24-032
-14- DEPARTMENT in accordance with the requirements of this section and the1
policies established by the office DEPARTMENT in accordance with2
subsection (6) of this section. The office DEPARTMENT may award grants3
of up to three million dollars each year to a transit association and up to4
eleven million dollars each year to the regional transportation district;5
except that:6
(I) If the office DEPARTMENT awards a grant for a year to a transit7
association in an amount less than three million dollars, then the8
maximum amount of the grant that the office DEPARTMENT may award to9
the transit association for the next year is three million dollars plus an10
amount equal to the difference between three million dollars and the11
amount of the grant awarded to the transit association for the prior year;12
and13
(II) If the office DEPARTMENT awards a grant for a year to the14
regional transportation district in an amount less than eleven million15
dollars, then the maximum amount of the grant that the office16
DEPARTMENT may award to the regional transportation district for the next17
year is eleven million dollars plus an amount equal to the difference18
between eleven million dollars and the amount of the grant awarded to the19
regional transportation district for the prior year.20
(b) A transit association, the regional transportation district, or an21
eligible transit agency that receives a grant from a transit association22
THROUGH THE PROGRAM is not required to expend a grant in the year in23
which it is received and retains the grant amount until it is expended. The24
retention of all or a portion of a grant received during one year by a transit25
association or the regional transportation district for use in a subsequent26
year does not reduce the maximum amount that the transit association or27
SB24-032
-15- regional transportation district is eligible to receive as a new grant during1
the subsequent year as set forth in this subsection (4).2
(5) A grant recipient may use the grant money as follows:3
(a) (I) A transit association that receives a grant may use the4
money to establish a grant program for eligible transit agencies in5
accordance with this section. A transit association may use a portion of6
the grant money to pay its direct and indirect costs in administering the7
grant program including reasonable costs to market the program to8
eligible transit agencies.9
(II) To receive a grant from the transit association, an eligible10
transit agency must submit an application to the transit association. At a11
minimum, the application must describe the free transit services that will12
be newly provided, expanded to include additional free types of service,13
expanded to include additional free routes, or provided more frequently14
with the grant money, indicate to what extent the eligible transit agency15
will match the grant money with other money, and commit to providing16
the new or expanded free services for at least thirty days during the ozone17
season.18
(III) An eligible transit agency that receives a grant through the19
transit association may use the money to cover the costs associated with20
providing new or expanded free transit services within its service area21
during ozone season, including offering additional free services or free22
routes or increasing the frequency of service on routes for which the23
eligible transit agency currently offers free service. Grant money may be24
used to replace fare box revenue and to pay for other expenses necessary25
to implement and measure the effectiveness of the program, including26
reasonable marketing expenses incurred to raise awareness of free service27
SB24-032
-16- and increase ridership, expenses incurred in conducting rider surveys to1
better measure the impact of the program on ridership and vehicle miles2
traveled in private motor vehicles, and expenses associated with an3
increase in ridership as a result of the program.4
(IV) An eligible transit agency shall not use grant money to offset5
or replace funding for free transit services that the eligible transit agency6
offers as of January 1 of the funding year; except that an eligible transit7
agency may use grant money that was not expended in the year in which8
it was received or grant money from a grant awarded for a subsequent9
year to continue funding for any such free transit services that were10
previously funded with grant money.11
(V) In awarding grants under this subsection (5)(a), the transit12
association shall:13
(A) Allocate money among applicants with the goals of reducing14
ozone formation, increasing ridership on transit, and reducing vehicle15
miles traveled in the state; and16
(B) Consider the extent to which the applicant will match grant17
money with other money;
AND18
(C) C
ONSIDER THE GRANTS THAT APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN19
AWARDED THROUGH THE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM ,20
CREATED IN SECTION 43-1-134, TO ENSURE THAT THE APPLICANT DOES21
NOT RECEIVE GRANT MONEY PURSUANT TO THE PROGRAM FOR22
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES COVERED BY GRANTS AWARDED THROUGH23
THE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM .24
(VI) Each eligible transit agency that receives a grant shall report25
on the use of the money to the transit association in accordance with26
policies established by the transit association and the office
DEPARTMENT.27
SB24-032
-17- The report must include, at a minimum, information on how the grant1
money was spent; the free services that were offered using the grant2
money; and estimates of the change in ridership during the period that3
free services were offered compared to previous months, the same month4
in previous years, and the months after the program concluded. The report5
may include additional information, including a narrative analysis, to6
provide context on the ridership data included in the report. On or before7
December 1 of each year of the grant program, the transit association8
shall submit a report to the office DEPARTMENT compiling and9
summarizing the reported information for all eligible transit agencies that10
received a grant through the transit association.11
(VII) A transit association receiving a grant shall develop and12
publicize policies for the grant, including the process and deadlines for13
an eligible transit agency to apply for and receive a grant, the information,14
including notice that the eligible transit agency must identify any period15
other than June 1 to August 31 of a calendar year for its ozone season in16
the application, and documentation required for the application, reporting17
requirements and deadlines, and any additional requirements necessary18
to administer the grant.19
(b) (I) The regional transportation district may use grant money20
to cover the costs of providing at least thirty days of free transit on all21
services offered by the regional transportation district. Grant money may22
be used to replace fare box revenue and to pay for other expenses23
necessary to implement the program, including reasonable marketing24
expenses incurred to raise awareness of free service and increase25
ridership and expenses associated with an increase in ridership as a result26
of the program.27
SB24-032
-18- (II) On or before December 1 of each year for which the regional1
transportation district receives a grant, the regional transportation district2
shall submit a report to the office DEPARTMENT on the implementation of3
the program in accordance with the policies established by the office4
DEPARTMENT. At a minimum, the report must include information on how5
the grant money was spent; the free services that were offered using the6
grant money; and estimates of the change in ridership during the period7
that free services were offered compared to previous months, the same8
month in previous years, and the months after the program concluded.9
The report may include additional information, including a narrative10
analysis, to provide context on the ridership data included in the report.11
(III) The state auditor shall audit the regional transportation12
district's use of the grant money as part of its next performance audit of13
the regional transportation district conducted pursuant to section 32-9-11514
(3).15
(6) The office DEPARTMENT shall establish and publicize policies16
for the program. At a minimum, the policies must address the process and17
any deadlines for applying for and receiving a grant under the program,18
the information and documentation required for the application, reporting19
requirements and deadlines, and any additional policies necessary to20
administer the program.21
(7) The office DEPARTMENT may seek, accept, and expend gifts,22
grants, or donations from private or public sources for the purposes of this23
section. The office DEPARTMENT shall transmit all money received24
through gifts, grants, or donations to the state treasurer, who shall credit25
the money to the fund.26
(8) (a) The ozone season transit grant program fund is hereby27
SB24-032
-19- created in the state treasury. The fund consists of money transferred to the1
fund in accordance with subsection (8)(d) SUBSECTIONS (8)(d) AND (8)(e)2
of this section, any other money that the general assembly appropriates or3
transfers to the fund, and any gifts, grants, or donations credited to the4
fund pursuant to subsection (7) of this section.5
(b) The state treasurer shall credit all interest and income derived6
from the deposit and investment of money in the fund to the fund.7
(c) Money in the fund is continuously appropriated to the office8
DEPARTMENT for the purposes specified in this section.9
(d) Three days after May 26, 2022, the state treasurer shall10
transfer twenty-eight million dollars from the general fund to the fund.11
(e) O
N JULY 1, 2024, AND ON JULY 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER,12
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL TRANSFER SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS TO13
THE FUND.14
(9) On or before December 31 of each year of the program, the15
office
DEPARTMENT shall submit a report on the implementation of the16
program to the house of representatives transportation and local17
government committee and the senate transportation and energy18
committee, or their successor committees. The report must summarize19
and compile the information submitted to the office DEPARTMENT20
pursuant to subsections (5)(a)(VI) and (5)(b)(II) of this section.21
(10) This section is repealed, effective July 1, 2024.22
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 43-1-134 as23
follows:24
43-1-134. Youth fare free transit grant program - fund -25
creation - policies - report - definitions - repeal. (1) A
S USED IN THIS26
SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :27
SB24-032
-20- (a) "ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT1
IS:2
(I) A
REGIONAL SERVICE AUTHORITY PROVIDING SURFACE3
TRANSPORTATION PURSUANT TO PART 1 OF ARTICLE 7 OF TITLE 32, A4
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CREATED PURSUANT TO PART 65
OF ARTICLE 4 OF TITLE 43, OR ANY OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE6
STATE, PUBLIC ENTITY, OR NONPROFIT CORPORATION PROVIDING MASS7
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC OTHER THAN THE8
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ; AND9
(II) E
LIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MONEY UNDER A GRANT AUTHORIZED BY10
49
U.S.C. SEC. 5307 OR 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5311.11
(b) "F
UND" MEANS THE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT12
PROGRAM FUND ESTABLISHED IN SUBSECTION (8) OF THIS SECTION.13
(c) "P
ROGRAM" MEANS THE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT14
PROGRAM CREATED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.15
(d) "R
EGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT" MEANS THE REGIONAL16
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 9 OF TITLE 32.17
(e) "T
RANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC18
TRANSPORTATION, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.19
(f) "T
RANSIT ASSOCIATION" MEANS A COLORADO NONPROFIT20
CORPORATION FORMED TO REPRESENT TRANSIT INTERESTS IN COLORADO21
WHOSE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES TRANSIT AGENCIES , TRANSIT-RELATED22
BUSINESSES, AND GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES .23
(g) "Y
OUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NINETEEN YEARS OF24
AGE OR YOUNGER.25
(2) T
HE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM IS CREATED26
IN THE DEPARTMENT. THE PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAM ARE :27
SB24-032
-21- (a) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO TRANSIT ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE1
PURPOSE OF PROVIDING GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES IN ORDER2
TO OFFER YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS ;3
AND4
(b) T
O PROVIDE GRANTS TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION5
DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING YEAR -ROUND FARE FREE6
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS.7
(3) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM AND8
AWARD GRANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION AND THE POLICIES9
DEVELOPED BY THE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS10
SECTION. SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS, GRANTS ARE PAID OUT11
OF THE FUND.12
(4) (a) T
O RECEIVE A GRANT, A TRANSIT ASSOCIATION OR THE13
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO14
THE DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS15
SECTION AND THE POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN16
ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION (6) OF THIS SECTION. THE DEPARTMENT17
MAY AWARD GRANTS OF UP TO FIVE MILLION DOLLARS EACH YEAR TO A18
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION AND UP TO FOUR MILLION FIVE HUNDRED19
THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH YEAR TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION20
DISTRICT; EXCEPT THAT:21
(I) I
F THE DEPARTMENT AWARDS A GRANT FOR A YEAR TO A22
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION IN AN AMOUNT LESS THAN FIVE MILLION DOLLARS ,23
THEN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THE GRANT THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY24
AWARD TO THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION FOR THE NEXT YEAR IS FIVE MILLION25
DOLLARS PLUS AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIVE26
MILLION DOLLARS AND THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT AWARDED TO THE27
SB24-032
-22- TRANSIT ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRIOR YEAR ; AND1
(II) I
F THE DEPARTMENT AWARDS A GRANT FOR A YEAR TO THE2
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT IN AN AMOUNT LESS THAN FOUR3
MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS , THEN THE MAXIMUM4
AMOUNT OF THE GRANT THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAY AWARD TO THE5
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT FOR THE NEXT YEAR IS FOUR6
MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS PLUS AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO7
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOUR MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND8
DOLLARS AND THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT AWARDED TO THE REGIONAL9
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT FOR THE PRIOR YEAR .10
(b) A
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION11
DISTRICT, OR AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT IS12
NOT REQUIRED TO EXPEND A GRANT IN THE YEAR IN WHICH IT IS RECEIVED13
AND RETAINS THE GRANT AMOUNT UNTIL IT IS EXPENDED . THE RETENTION14
OF ALL OR A PORTION OF A GRANT RECEIVED DURING ONE YEAR BY A15
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION OR THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT FOR16
USE IN A SUBSEQUENT YEAR DOES NOT REDUCE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT17
THAT THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION OR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT18
IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (4) AS A NEW19
GRANT DURING THE SUBSEQUENT YEAR .20
(5) (a) (I) A
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION THAT RECEIVES A GRANT MAY21
USE THE MONEY TO ESTABLISH A GRANT PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE TRANSIT22
AGENCIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION . A TRANSIT ASSOCIATION23
MAY USE A PORTION OF THE GRANT MONEY TO PAY ITS DIRECT AND24
INDIRECT COSTS IN ADMINISTERING THE GRANT PROGRAM INCLUDING25
REASONABLE COSTS TO CREATE A STATEWIDE MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR26
USE BY ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES.27
SB24-032
-23- (II) TO RECEIVE A GRANT FROM A TRANSIT ASSOCIATION , AN1
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE TRANSIT2
ASSOCIATION. AT A MINIMUM, THE APPLICATION MUST DESCRIBE THE3
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY 'S CURRENT YOUTH RIDERSHIP AND THE4
METHOD THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY USES TO TRACK YOUTH5
RIDERS.6
(III) A
N ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT7
THROUGH THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION MAY USE THE GRANT MONEY TO8
PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT OPERATIONS AND GENERAL9
TRANSIT PROGRAMS, SO LONG AS THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY PROVIDES10
UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE YEAR -ROUND TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH11
RIDERS.12
(IV) I
N AWARDING GRANTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION (5)(a), A13
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION SHALL:14
(A) A
LLOCATE MONEY AMONG APPLICANTS WITH THE GOALS OF15
INCREASING YOUTH RIDERSHIP ON TRANSIT, REDUCING OZONE FORMATION,16
AND REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE STATE ; AND17
(B) C
ONSIDER DISTRIBUTING GRANT MONEY USING A FORMULA18
DEVELOPED BY THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT19
YOUTH RIDERSHIP IN THE SERVICE AREA OF THE APPLICANT AND THE20
EXTENT TO WHICH THE APPLICANT WILL MATCH GRANT MONEY WITH21
OTHER MONEY; EXCEPT THAT APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MATCH22
GRANT MONEY TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GRANT .23
(V) (A) E
ACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT24
SHALL REPORT ON THE USE OF THE MONEY TO THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION25
IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE TRANSIT26
ASSOCIATION AND THE DEPARTMENT . THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE, AT A27
SB24-032
-24- MINIMUM, ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN YOUTH RIDERSHIP DURING THE1
YEAR IN WHICH FARE FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO YOUTH RIDERS2
COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS , ANY CHANGES THAT THE ELIGIBLE3
TRANSIT AGENCY WOULD MAKE IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE TRANSIT4
SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS OR IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY BASED ON5
ITS EXPERIENCES, AND HOW THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MARKETED6
THE FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS . THE REPORT MAY7
INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION , INCLUDING A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS,8
TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE REPORT .9
E
ACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT THROUGH THE10
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION SHALL SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE TRANSIT11
ASSOCIATION BY JANUARY 31, 2025, AND BY JANUARY 31 OF EACH YEAR12
THEREAFTER.13
(B) B
Y FEBRUARY 28, 2025, AND BY FEBRUARY 28 OF EACH YEAR14
THEREAFTER, THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE15
DEPARTMENT COMPILING AND SUMMARIZING THE REPORTED INFORMATION16
FOR ALL ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES THAT RECEIVED A GRANT THROUGH17
THE TRANSIT ASSOCIATION.18
(VI) A
TRANSIT ASSOCIATION THAT RECEIVES A GRANT FROM THE19
DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP AND PUBLICIZE POLICIES FOR THE GRANT ,20
INCLUDING THE PROCESS AND DEADLINES FOR AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT21
AGENCY TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE A GRANT , THE INFORMATION AND22
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION , REPORTING23
REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES , AND ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS24
NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE GRANT .25
(b) (I) T
HE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MAY USE GRANT26
MONEY TO PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT OPERATIONS27
SB24-032
-25- AND GENERAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS , SO LONG AS THE REGIONAL1
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT PROVIDES UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE2
YEAR-ROUND TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS .3
(II) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR FOR WHICH THE4
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT RECEIVES A GRANT , THE REGIONAL5
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT6
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE7
POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT . THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE,8
AT A MINIMUM, ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN YOUTH RIDERSHIP DURING9
THE YEAR IN WHICH FARE FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO YOUTH RIDERS10
COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS , ANY CHANGES THAT THE REGIONAL11
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT WOULD MAKE IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE12
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS OR IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY13
BASED ON ITS EXPERIENCES, AND HOW THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION14
DISTRICT MARKETED THE FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH15
RIDERS. THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION , INCLUDING16
A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA17
INCLUDED IN THE REPORT.18
(III) T
HE STATE AUDITOR SHALL AUDIT THE REGIONAL19
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT'S USE OF THE GRANT MONEY AS PART OF ITS20
NEXT PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT21
CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 32-9-115 (3).22
(6) (a) (I) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL ESTABLISH AND PUBLICIZE23
POLICIES FOR THE PROGRAM. AT A MINIMUM, THE POLICIES MUST ADDRESS24
THE PROCESS AND ANY DEADLINES FOR APPLYING FOR AND RECEIVING A25
GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM , THE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION26
REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION , REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND27
SB24-032
-26- DEADLINES, AND ANY ADDITIONAL POLICIES NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER1
THE PROGRAM.2
(II) I
N ADMINISTERING THE GRANT PROGRAM , THE DEPARTMENT3
SHALL AWARD FORMULA -BASED GRANTS TO A TRANSIT ASSOCIATION AND4
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT FOR USE BY THE TRANSIT5
ASSOCIATION OR THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT DURING THE6
TWELVE MONTHS FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF THE GRANT MONEY . THE7
DEPARTMENT SHALL ENSURE THAT GRANTS ARE AWARDED BY JULY 15,8
2024,
AND BY JULY 15 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER.9
(7) T
HE DEPARTMENT MAY SEEK , ACCEPT, AND EXPEND GIFTS,10
GRANTS, OR DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR THE11
PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL TRANSMIT ALL12
MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH GIFTS , GRANTS, OR DONATIONS TO THE STATE13
TREASURER, WHO SHALL CREDIT THE MONEY TO THE FUND .14
(8) (a) T
HE YOUTH FARE FREE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM FUND IS15
HEREBY CREATED IN THE STATE TREASURY . THE FUND CONSISTS OF16
MONEY TRANSFERRED TO THE FUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION17
(8)(d)
OF THIS SECTION, ANY OTHER MONEY THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY18
APPROPRIATES OR TRANSFERS TO THE FUND , AND ANY GIFTS, GRANTS, OR19
DONATIONS CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (7) OF THIS20
SECTION.21
(b) T
HE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND22
INCOME DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE23
FUND TO THE FUND.24
(c) M
ONEY IN THE FUND IS CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED TO THE25
DEPARTMENT FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION .26
(d) O
N JULY 1, 2024, AND ON JULY 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER,27
SB24-032
-27- THE STATE TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS FROM1
THE GENERAL FUND TO THE FUND .2
(9) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 OF EACH YEAR OF THE PROGRAM,3
THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF4
THE PROGRAM TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION AND5
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMI TTEE AND THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND6
ENERGY COMMITTEE, OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES . THE REPORT7
MUST SUMMARIZE AND COMPILE THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE8
DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS (5)(a)(V) AND (5)(b)(II) OF THIS9
SECTION.10
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 39-22-560 as11
follows:12
39-22-560. Credit against tax - taxpayer expenditures for13
transit passes - legislative declaration - definitions. (1) I
N14
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 39-21-304 (1), WHICH REQUIRES EACH BILL15
THAT CREATES A NEW TAX EXPENDITURE TO INCLUDE A TAX PREFERENCE16
PERFORMANCE STATEMENT AS PART OF A STATUTORY LEGISLATIVE17
DECLARATION, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES18
THAT:19
(a) T
HE GENERAL LEGISLATIVE PURPOSES OF THE TAX CREDIT20
ALLOWED BY THIS SECTION ARE:21
(I) T
O INDUCE CERTAIN DESIGNATED BEHAVIOR BY TAXPAYERS ,22
SPECIFICALLY THE PURCHASE OF TRANSIT PASSES AND THE USE OF TRANSIT23
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRAVELING IN PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLES ; AND24
(II) T
O PROVIDE TAX RELIEF TO TAXPAYERS THAT USE TRANSIT AS25
AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRAVELING IN PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLES .26
(b) T
HE SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE OF THE TAX CREDIT27
SB24-032
-28- ALLOWED BY THIS SECTION IS TO INCREASE THE USE OF TRANSIT BY1
TAXPAYERS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRAVELING IN PERSONAL MOTOR2
VEHICLES BY PROVIDING AN INCENTIVE TO TAXPAYERS WHO USE TRANSIT3
ON A REGULAR BASIS AS EVIDENCED BY THE PURCHASE OF A TRANSIT PASS .4
T
O ALLOW THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND THE STATE AUDITOR TO5
MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CREDIT , THE DEPARTMENT OF6
REVENUE, WHEN ADMINISTERING THE CREDIT , SHALL REQUIRE EACH7
TAXPAYER WHO CLAIMS THE CREDIT TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT8
THE SPECIFIC TRANSIT PASS PURCHASED , THE NUMBER OF MONTHS IN9
WHICH THE TAXPAYER PURCHASED A TRANSIT PASS DURING THE INCOME10
TAX YEAR FOR WHICH THE CREDIT IS CLAIMED , AND IF FEASIBLE, THE11
NUMBER OF TRIPS TAKEN BY THE TAXPAYER USING TRANSIT DURING THE12
INCOME TAX YEAR FOR WHICH THE CREDIT IS CLAIMED .13
(2) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE14
REQUIRES:15
(a) "D
EPARTMENT" MEANS THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION16
CREATED IN SECTION 43-1-103 (1).17
(b) "P
UBLIC TRANSPORTATION ENTITY " MEANS A MASS TRANSIT18
DISTRICT, A MASS TRANSIT AUTHORITY, OR ANY OTHER PUBLIC ENTITY19
AUTHORIZED UNDER THE LAWS OF THIS STATE TO PROVIDE MASS20
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC .21
(c) "T
RANSIT PASS" MEANS ANY PASS , COUPON, CARD,22
IDENTIFICATION, OR OTHER DOCUMENT ISSUED BY A PUBLIC23
TRANSPORTATION ENTITY THAT CAN BE USED TO OBTAIN PUBLIC TRANSIT24
FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST ONE MONTH.25
(3)
FOR INCOME TAX YEARS BEGINNING ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1,26
2024,
BUT BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2029, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF27
SB24-032
-29- SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION, THERE IS ALLOWED A CREDIT TO ANY1
TAXPAYER IN AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THIRTY PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT2
SPENT BY THE TAXPAYER TO PURCHASE ONE OR MORE TRANSIT PASSES FOR3
USE BY THE TAXPAYER DURING THE INCOME TAX YEAR FOR WHICH THE4
CREDIT IS CLAIMED.5
(4) (a) T
O CLAIM THE CREDIT UNDER THIS SECTION, A TAXPAYER6
MUST INCLUDE A CREDIT CERTIFICATE WITH THE INCOME TAX RETURN7
FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE .8
(b) T
HE DEPARTMENT SHALL DEVELOP A PROCESS FOR ISSUING9
CREDIT CERTIFICATES TO TAXPAYERS WHO INTEND TO CLAIM THE CREDIT10
ALLOWED IN THIS SECTION. THE CREDIT CERTIFICATE MUST IDENTIFY THE11
TAXPAYER AND CERTIFY THAT THE TAXPAYER PURCHASED ONE OR MORE12
TRANSIT PASSES FOR THE TAXPAYER'S USE DURING THE INCOME TAX YEAR13
FOR WHICH THE CREDIT IS CLAIMED. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DETERMINE14
THE FORM AND MANNER FOR A TAXPAYER WHO REQUESTS A CREDIT15
CERTIFICATE TO PROVIDE PROOF TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT THE16
TAXPAYER PURCHASED ONE OR MORE TRANSIT PASSES FOR THE17
TAXPAYER'S USE.18
(5) T
HE AMOUNT OF ANY CREDIT ALLOWED UNDER THIS SECTION19
THAT EXCEEDS THE TAXPAYER 'S INCOME TAXES DUE IS REFUNDED TO THE20
TAXPAYER.21
(6) N
O LATER THAN JANUARY 1, 2025, AND NO LATER THAN22
J
ANUARY 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2029, THE23
DEPARTMENT SHALL PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE WITH AN24
ELECTRONIC REPORT OF THE TAXPAYERS RECEIVING A CREDIT CERTIFICATE25
AS ALLOWED IN THIS SECTION FOR THE PREVIOUS CALENDAR YEAR THAT26
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION :27
SB24-032
-30- (a) EACH TAXPAYER'S NAME;1
(b) T
HE AMOUNT THAT EACH TAXPAYER SPENT ON ONE OR MORE2
TRANSIT PASSES DURING AN INCOME TAX YEAR FOR WHICH THE CREDIT IS3
CLAIMED FOR THE TAXPAYER'S USE; AND4
(c) T
HE AMOUNT OF THE CREDIT ALLOWED PURS UANT TO THIS5
SECTION.6
(7) T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 31, 2033.7
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, repeal 24-38.5-114.8
SECTION 6. Effective date. This act takes effect upon passage;9
except that section 2 of this act takes effect July 1, 2024.10
SECTION 7. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,11
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate12
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for13
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state14
institutions.15
SB24-032
-31-