SENATE BILL 24-032
BY SENATOR(S) Priola and Winter F., Cutter, Exum, Jaquez Lewis,
Buckner, Hansen, Hinrichsen, Michaelson Jenet, Sullivan;
also REPRESENTATIVE(S) Vigil and Marvin, Froelich, Lindsay,
Lindstedt, Mabrey, Mauro, Parenti, Amabile, Bird, Boesenecker, Brown,
Duran, English, Garcia, Hamrick, Hernandez, Herod, Jodeh, Joseph, Kipp,
Lieder, Ortiz, Ricks, Rutinel, Sirota, Valdez, Velasco, Willford, Woodrow,
McCluskie.
C
ONCERNING METHODS TO INCREASE THE USE OF TRANSIT .
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 43-1-136 as
follows:
43-1-136. Statewide transit pass exploratory committee -
legislative declaration. (1) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS AND
DECLARES THAT
:
(a) (I) O
VER-RELIANCE ON PERSONAL PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR
TRANSPORTATION CONTRIBUTES TO POOR AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE
CHANGE AND HAS A NEGATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FAMILIES IN THE
NOTE: This bill has been prepared for the signatures of the appropriate legislative
officers and the Governor. To determine whether the Governor has signed the bill
or taken other action on it, please consult the legislative status sheet, the legislative
history, or the Session Laws.
________
Capital letters or bold & italic numbers indicate new material added to existing law; dashes
through words or numbers indicate deletions from existing law and such material is not part of
the act. STATE;
(II) (A) N
ATIONWIDE, THE NUMBER OF JOBS WITHIN THE TYPICAL
COMMUTE DISTANCE FOR RESIDENTS IN MAJOR METROPOLITAN AREAS HAS
DECLINED OVER TIME ACCORDING TO A REPORT BY THE
BROOKINGS
INSTITUTION TITLED "THE GROWING DISTANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE AND JOBS
IN
METROPOLITAN AMERICA";
(B) C
OLORADANS DRIVE MORE MILES PER PERSON THAN THEY USED
TO
, IN PART DUE TO STRESS ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND
INCREASING HOUSEHOLD COSTS
; AND
(C) SINCE 1981, PER CAPITA VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN COLORADO
HAVE RISEN BY OVER TWENTY PERCENT ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION;
(III) H
IGH TRANSPORTATION COSTS IMPACT LOW -INCOME
HOUSEHOLDS IN PARTICULAR
, WITH HOUSEHOLDS MAKING LESS THAN FORTY
THOUSAND DOLLARS PER YEAR IN THE WESTERN
UNITED STATES SPENDING
OVER TWENTY
-FOUR PERCENT OF THEIR INCOME ON TRANSPORTATION , WHEN
SPENDING MORE THAN FIFTEEN PERCENT OF INCOME ON TRANSPORTATION IS
CONSIDERED COST BURDENED
, ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE BUREAU OF
LABOR STATISTICS CONSUMER EXPENDITURE SURVEYS;
(IV) (A) I
N ADDITION TO ECONOMIC IMPACTS , THE INCREASE IN
VEHICLE TRAFFIC HAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
;
(B) T
HE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HAS
CLASSIFIED THE
DENVER METRO/NORTH FRONT RANGE AREA AS BEING IN
SEVERE NONATTAINMENT FOR OZONE AND GROUND LEVEL OZONE
, WHICH
HAS SERIOUS IMPACTS ON HUMAN HEALTH
, PARTICULARLY FOR VULNERABLE
POPULATIONS
;
(C) A
CCORDING TO THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION
ROADMAP
, PUBLISHED BY THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE AND DATED
JANUARY 14, 2021, THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR IS THE SINGLE LARGEST
SOURCE OF GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION IN
COLORADO;
(D) N
EARLY SIXTY PERCENT OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
FROM THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR COME FROM LIGHT
-DUTY VEHICLES,
PAGE 2-SENATE BILL 24-032 WHICH CONSTITUTE THE MAJORITY OF CARS AND TRUCKS THAT
COLORADANS DRIVE EVERY DAY ;
(E) A
S PART OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION REDUCTION
ROADMAP
, A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN TO ACHIEVE LEGISLATIVELY ADOPTED
TARGETS OF REDUCING GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION ECONOMY
-WIDE BY
FIFTY PERCENT BELOW
2005 LEVELS BY 2030 AND NINETY PERCENT BY 2050,
THE STATE COMMITTED TO REDUCING EMISSIONS FROM THE
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR BY FORTY
-ONE PERCENT BY 2030 FROM A 2005
BASELINE; AND
(F) THE GREENHOUSE GAS TRANSPORTATION PLANNING STANDARD
ADOPTED BY THE
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION IN 2021 SET A TARGET TO
REDUCE TRANSPORTATION GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS THROUGH THE
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS BY ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND TONS BY
2030;
(b) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FURTHER FINDS AND DECLARES THAT :
(I) T
HE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES THAT RESULT FROM
INCREASED RELIANCE ON PASSENGER VEHICLES AND AN INCREASE IN THE
NUMBER OF MILES TRAVELED PER PERSON IS A MATTER OF STATEWIDE
CONCERN
;
(II) O
NE OF THE KEY FINDINGS OF THE GREENHOUSE GAS POLLUTION
REDUCTION ROADMAP IS THAT REDUCING GROWTH IN DRIVING IS AN
IMPORTANT TOOL TO ACHIEVE THE STATE
'S CLIMATE GOALS AND THAT
EXPANDING PUBLIC TRANSIT IS AN IMPORTANT NEAR
-TERM ACTION THAT
CAN HELP ACHIEVE THOSE GOALS
; AND
(III) IT IS THE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS THAT
REDUCE THE GROWTH IN DRIVING AND EXPAND PUBLIC TRANSIT
.
(2) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE
REQUIRES
:
(a) "C
OMMITTEE" MEANS THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS
EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN SUBSECTION
(3) OF THIS SECTION.
(b) "S
TATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS" OR "PASS" MEANS A SINGLE TRANSIT
PAGE 3-SENATE BILL 24-032 PASS ON A UNIVERSAL PLATFORM THAT CAN BE USED ON TRANSIT PROVIDED
BY TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE
.
(c) "T
RANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.
(3) (a) N
O LATER THAN OCTOBER 1, 2024, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SHALL CREATE A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE TO
PRODUCE A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION
, IMPLEMENTATION, AND
ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS
. THE COMMITTEE SHALL
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.
(b) T
HE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS
APPOINTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
:
(I) T
HREE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIVE LARGEST TRANSIT
AGENCIES IN THE STATE
;
(II) E
IGHT REPRESENTATIVES FROM A DIVERSE GROUP OF TRANSIT
AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES A RURAL PART OF
THE STATE THAT IS NOT A RESORT COMMUNITY AND AT LEAST ONE
REPRESENTATIVE FROM A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT SERVES ONE OR MORE
RESORT COMMUNITIES
;
(III) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE OF AN ENTITY OR INTEREST GROUP
INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION
, PLANNING, OR DEVELOPMENT OF PASSENGER
RAIL SYSTEMS
;
(IV) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE FROM AN ORGANIZATION WITH A
STATEWIDE PERSPECTIVE REGARDING TRANSPORTATION
;
(V) T
WO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT , ONE WHO IS
KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
'S INTER-CITY REGIONAL BUS
SERVICE AND ONE WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
'S
INNOVATIVE MOBILITY PROGRAM
;
(VI) O
NE REPRESENTATIVE FROM A DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED
PAGE 4-SENATE BILL 24-032 COMMUNITY . AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (3)(b)(VI),
"
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED COMMUNITY " HAS THE MEANING SET
FORTH IN SECTION
24-4-109 (2)(b)(II).
(VII) A
NY OTHER MEMBERS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
.
(c) M
EMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SERVE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WITHOUT COMPENSATION
.
(4) I
N CONDUCTING ITS WORK AND IN PRODUCING A VIABLE
PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION
, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF
A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS
, THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIDER THE
FOLLOWING
:
(a) T
HE LOGISTICS OF CREATING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,
INCLUDING:
(I) A
VIABLE STRUCTURE FOR THE PASS TO ALLOW PASS HOLDERS TO
USE SERVICES PROVIDED BY TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE WITH A
SINGLE PASS
;
(II) A
PLAN FOR COORDINATION AMONG TRANSIT AGENCIES ACROSS
THE STATE TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE PASS
;
(III) A
METHOD FOR COST-SHARING THE EXPENSES IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CREATION
, IMPLEMENTATION , ADMINISTRATION , AND
ADVERTISEMENT OF THE PASS
;
(IV) A
STRUCTURE FOR SHARING, APPORTIONING, AND DISTRIBUTING
REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT AGENCIES THAT
PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS
; AND
(V) THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A FORMULA TO DISTRIBUTE
REVENUE FROM THE SALE OF THE PASS AMONG THE TRANSIT AGENCIES THAT
PARTICIPATE IN THE PASS
, THE FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE CREATION OF
SUCH A FORMULA
, AND A DETERMINATION REGARDING THE FREQUENCY WITH
WHICH THE FORMULA WOULD BE RECALCULATED
;
(b) A
METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE PRICE OF A STATEWIDE
PAGE 5-SENATE BILL 24-032 TRANSIT PASS, INCLUDING WHETHER THERE WILL BE OPTIONS FOR
DISCOUNTED PASSES FOR LOW
-INCOME POPULATIONS AND CONSIDERATION
OF HOW TRANSIT OPERATORS WOULD CONTINUE TO COLLECT A FARE FROM
THE PASS THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR EXISTING FARE STRUCTURE
;
(c) A
STRUCTURE FOR THE SALE OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS TO
INDIVIDUALS AND TO EMPLOYERS FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES
, INCLUDING:
(I) A
N OPT-IN OR OPT-OUT PROGRAM WITH A MOTOR VEHICLE
REGISTRATION OR WITH THE RENEWAL OF A DRIVER LICENSE OR STATE
IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
;
(II) O
NLINE SALES; AND
(III) SALES KIOSKS AT AIRPORTS, TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS, TOURISM
OFFICES
, AND OTHER PHYSICAL LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE ;
(d) T
HE SERVICES THAT WILL BE OFFERED TO STATEWIDE TRANSIT
PASS HOLDERS
, INCLUDING:
(I) C
ONSIDERATION OF WHETHER THE PASS WOULD COVER ONLY
SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES OR PROVIDE ACCESS
-ON-DEMAND SERVICES IN
ADDITION TO SERVICES ON FIXED ROUTES
;
(II) I
F ACCESS-ON-DEMAND SERVICES WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE
PASS
, HOW THE COST OF THOSE RIDES FACTORS INTO THE COST OF THE PASS ;
(III) C
ONSIDERATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE FEDERAL
"AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990", 42, U.S.C., SEC. 12101, ET
SEQ
., AS AMENDED, REGARDING ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCESS TO TRANSIT ;
AND
(IV) CONSIDERATION OF FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO
ANTIDISCRIMINATION
, INCLUDING TITLE VI OF THE FEDERAL "CIVIL RIGHTS
ACT OF 1964", PUB.L. 88-352, AS AMENDED;
(e) T
HE TYPES OF STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASSES THAT WOULD BE
OFFERED
, INCLUDING DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR THE DURATION OF THE PASS
TO ACCOMMODATE
COLORADO RESIDENTS WHO MAY USE A PASS
YEAR
-ROUND, FOR A PORTION OF THE YEAR, OR OTHER LONGER DURATION,
PAGE 6-SENATE BILL 24-032 AND VISITORS TO COLORADO WHO MAY USE A PASS FOR A DAY , WEEK, OR
OTHER LIMITED DURATION
;
(f) A
DDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION ACROSS
TRANSIT AGENCIES IN THE STATE
, IN ADDITION TO THE CREATION ,
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS , TO
MAKE IT EASIER AND MORE APPEALING FOR PEOPLE TO USE TRANSIT
,
INCLUDING:
(I) T
HE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES ALLOWING CUSTOMERS
TO PURCHASE A TICKET IN ONE TRANSACTION FOR AN ENTIRE TRIP THAT
REQUIRES TRANSIT SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE TRANSIT AGENCIES
;
AND
(II) THE POSSIBILITY OF TRANSIT AGENCIES SUBMITTING THEIR TRIP
PLANNING DATA TO A CENTRAL SOURCE TO ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO CREATE
AN ITINERARY THAT REQUIRES SERVICES PROVIDED BY MULTIPLE TRANSIT
AGENCIES
;
(g) T
HE TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD BE NEEDED TO MONITOR THE USE
OF THE STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AND TRACK RIDERSHIP ACROSS TRANSIT
AGENCIES TO ASSIST TRANSIT AGENCIES IN DETERMINING AND
UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PASS IN THE FUTURE
;
(h) A
NY ADDITIONAL LOCAL, TRIBAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS,
RULES, OR REGULATIONS THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION
WITH THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS
;
(i) T
HE BEST METHOD FOR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING A
STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS
;
(j) T
HE POTENTIAL IMPACTS THAT A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS WILL
HAVE ON TRANSIT PASS PROGRAMS THAT ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED BY
TRANSIT AGENCIES
;
(k) T
HE 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
;
(l) A
PROPOSAL FOR THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF A
PAGE 7-SENATE BILL 24-032 PERMANENT ADVISORY BOARD TO OVERSEE THE CREATION ,
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ;
AND
(m) ANY OTHER ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE DISCUSSED OR ADDRESSED ,
AS DEEMED NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
.
(5) I
N PRODUCING A VIABLE PROPOSAL FOR THE CREATION ,
IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS ,
THE COMMITTEE SHALL SOLICIT INPUT FROM SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS AND
INTERESTED PARTIES ACROSS THE STATE
, INCLUDING:
(a) T
HE TRANSIT AND RAIL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED IN
SECTION
43-1-1104 (1)(b);
(b) T
RANSIT AGENCIES FROM ACROSS THE STATE , INCLUDING A
PRESENTATION BY AND DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE
REGARDING A STATEWIDE TRANSIT PASS AT AN ANNUAL MEETING
ORGANIZED BY A NONPROFIT ENTITY TO PROVIDE TRAINING ON A VARIETY OF
TOPICS
, INCLUDING TRANSIT MANAGEMENT , LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ,
DRIVER SAFETY, SYSTEM SAFETY, HUMAN SERVICES ISSUES, MOBILITY, AND
POLICY ISSUES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
AND THE DEPARTMENT
; AND
(c) MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE AND TO
PROVIDE WRITTEN COMMENTS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL FOR THE
CREATION
, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ADMINISTRATION OF A STATEWIDE
TRANSIT PASS OR DISCUSSIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL
.
(6) T
HE COMMITTEE SHALL 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.
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-38.5-114, add (8)(e)
PAGE 8-SENATE BILL 24-032 as follows:
24-38.5-114. Ozone season transit grant program - fund -
creation - policies - report - definitions - repeal. (8) (e) T
HE STATE
TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER ANY MONEY REMAINING IN THE FUND ON
JUNE
30, 2024, INCLUDING MONEY THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED , TO THE
ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN SECTION
24-38.5-114.5. ANY MONEY
THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED WHEN IT IS TRANSFERRED TO THE ZERO
FARE TRANSIT FUND SHALL BE USED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT
WAS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION
.
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 24-38.5-114.5 as
follows:
24-38.5-114.5. Zero fare transit grant programs - ozone season
- youth fare free - zero fare transit fund - creation - policies - report -
definitions - repeal. (1) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT
OTHERWISE REQUIRES
:
(a) "CASTA"
MEANS THE COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF TRANSIT
AGENCIES
.
(b) "E
LIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A TRANSIT AGENCY THAT IS:
(I) A
REGIONAL SERVICE AUTHORITY PROVIDING SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION PURSUANT TO PART
1 OF ARTICLE 7 OF TITLE 32, A
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CREATED PURSUANT TO PART
6 OF
ARTICLE
4 OF TITLE 43, OR ANY OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE
STATE
, PUBLIC ENTITY, OR NONPROFIT CORPORATION PROVIDING MASS
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC OTHER THAN THE
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
; AND
(II) ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE MONEY UNDER A GRANT AUTHORIZED BY
49 U.S.C. SEC. 5307 OR 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5311.
(c) "F
UND" MEANS THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN
SUBSECTION
(8) OF THIS SECTION.
(d) "O
FFICE" MEANS THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE CREATED IN
SECTION
24-38.5-101.
PAGE 9-SENATE BILL 24-032 (e) "OZONE SEASON" MEANS THE PERIOD FROM JUNE 1 TO AUGUST
31 OF A CALENDAR YEAR; EXCEPT THAT, IF AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY
OPERATES IN AN AREA IN WHICH OZONE
-CAUSING TRAFFIC LEVELS ARE
TYPICALLY HIGHEST DURING A DIFFERENT PERIOD THAN
JUNE 1 TO AUGUST
31 OF A CALENDAR YEAR AND THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY IDENTIFIES
THE DIFFERENT PERIOD IN AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT TO OFFER
FARE
-FREE SERVICE DURING THE IDENTIFIED PERIOD THAT IS SUBMITTED TO
CASTA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION ,
"
OZONE SEASON" MEANS, FOR THAT ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY , THE
DIFFERENT PERIOD IDENTIFIED IN THE GRANT APPLICATION
.
(f) "P
ROGRAM" MEANS THE ZERO FARE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM
CREATED IN SUBSECTION
(2) OF THIS SECTION.
(g) "R
EGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT " MEANS THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE
9 OF TITLE 32.
(h) "T
RANSIT AGENCY" MEANS A PROVIDER OF PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
, AS DEFINED IN 49 U.S.C. SEC. 5302 (15), AS AMENDED.
(i) "Y
OUTH" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS NINETEEN YEARS OF AGE
OR YOUNGER
.
(2) T
HE ZERO FARE TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM IS CREATED IN THE
OFFICE
. THE PURPOSES OF THE PROGRAM ARE :
(a) T
O PROVIDE GRANTS TO CASTA FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING
GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES TO OFFER EITHER
:
(I) F
REE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS DURING
OZONE SEASON
; OR
(II) YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS ;
AND
(b) TO PROVIDE GRANTS TO THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING YEAR
-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT
SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS
.
(3) T
HE OFFICE SHALL ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM AND AWARD
PAGE 10-SENATE BILL 24-032 GRANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION AND THE POLICIES DEVELOPED
BY THE OFFICE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION
(7) OF THIS SECTION. SUBJECT TO
AVAILABLE APPROPRIATIONS
, GRANTS ARE PAID OUT OF THE FUND.
(4) (a) T
O RECEIVE A GRANT , CASTA OR THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION AND THE POLICIES
ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBSECTION
(7) OF THIS
SECTION
.
(b) T
HE OFFICE SHALL AWARD A GRANT OF FOUR MILLION FIVE
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS TO
CASTA AND FIVE MILLION DOLLARS TO
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
.
(c) CASTA,
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT , OR AN
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT FROM
CASTA IS NOT
REQUIRED TO EXPEND A GRANT IN THE YEAR IN WHICH IT IS RECEIVED AND
RETAINS THE GRANT AMOUNT UNTIL IT IS EXPENDED
; EXCEPT THAT ANY
GRANT AGREEMENT PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION EXPIRES ON
JUNE 30, 2026.
(5) (a) CASTA
MAY USE THE MONEY TO ESTABLISH A GRANT
PROGRAM FOR ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS
SECTION
. CASTA MAY USE A PORTION OF THE GRANT MONEY TO PAY ITS
DIRECT AND INDIRECT COSTS IN ADMINISTERING THE GRANT PROGRAM
INCLUDING REASONABLE COSTS TO CREATE A STATEWIDE MARKETING
CAMPAIGN FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCIES
.
(b) T
O RECEIVE A GRANT FROM CASTA, AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT
AGENCY MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO
CASTA THAT SPECIFIES
WHETHER IT IS APPLYING FOR A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES
FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS DURING OZONE SEASON OR YEAR
-ROUND
FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS
. AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT
AGENCY MAY NOT RECEIVE A GRANT FOR BOTH PURPOSES IN ANY CALENDAR
YEAR
. IN ADDITION THE APPLICATION MUST ALSO DESCRIBE , AT A MINIMUM,
EITHER:
(I) F
OR A GRANT APPLICATION TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES
FOR A MINIMUM OF THIRTY DAYS DURING OZONE SEASON
, THE FREE TRANSIT
SERVICES THAT WILL BE NEWLY PROVIDED
, EXPANDED TO INCLUDE
ADDITIONAL FREE TYPES OF SERVICE
, EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL
PAGE 11-SENATE BILL 24-032 FREE ROUTES, OR PROVIDED MORE FREQUENTLY WITH THE GRANT MONEY ,
INDICATE TO WHAT EXTENT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY WILL MATCH THE
GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY
, AND COMMIT TO PROVIDING THE NEW
OR EXPANDED FREE SERVICES FOR AT LEAST THIRTY DAYS DURING THE
OZONE SEASON
; OR
(II) FOR A GRANT APPLICATION TO PROVIDE YEAR-ROUND FARE FREE
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS
, THE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES THAT
WILL BE NEWLY PROVIDED TO YOUTH RIDERS WITH THE GRANT MONEY
, THE
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY
'S CURRENT YOUTH RIDERSHIP, AND THE METHOD
THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY USES TO TRACK YOUTH RIDERS
.
(c) (I) A
N ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT
THROUGH
CASTA MAY USE THE GRANT MONEY AS SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION
(5)(c)(II) OR (5)(c)(III) OF THIS SECTION, AS APPLICABLE.
(II) A
N ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT TO
PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON MAY USE
GRANT MONEY TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING NEW OR
EXPANDED FREE TRANSIT SERVICES WITHIN ITS SERVICE AREA DURING OZONE
SEASON
, INCLUDING OFFERING ADDITIONAL FREE SERVICES OR FREE ROUTES
OR INCREASING THE FREQUENCY OF SERVICE ON ROUTES FOR WHICH THE
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY CURRENTLY OFFERS FREE SERVICE
. GRANT
MONEY MAY BE USED TO REPLACE FARE BOX REVENUE AND TO PAY FOR
OTHER EXPENSES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM
, INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING
EXPENSES INCURRED TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND INCREASE
RIDERSHIP
, EXPENSES INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER SURVEYS TO BETTER
MEASURE THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM ON RIDERSHIP AND VEHICLE MILES
TRAVELED IN PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES
, AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH
AN INCREASE IN RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE PROGRAM
. AN ELIGIBLE
TRANSIT AGENCY SHALL NOT USE GRANT MONEY TO OFFSET OR REPLACE
FUNDING FOR FREE TRANSIT SERVICES THAT THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY
OFFERS AS OF
JANUARY 1 OF THE FUNDING YEAR; EXCEPT THAT AN ELIGIBLE
TRANSIT AGENCY MAY USE GRANT MONEY THAT WAS NOT EXPENDED IN THE
YEAR IN WHICH IT WAS RECEIVED OR GRANT MONEY FROM A GRANT
AWARDED FOR A SUBSEQUENT YEAR TO CONTINUE FUNDING FOR ANY SUCH
FREE TRANSIT SERVICES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY FUNDED WITH GRANT
MONEY
.
PAGE 12-SENATE BILL 24-032 (III) AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT TO
PROVIDE YEAR
-ROUND FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS MAY
USE GRANT MONEY TO PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT
OPERATIONS AND GENERAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND TO PAY FOR OTHER
EXPENSES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
THE PROGRAM
, INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING EXPENSES INCURRED
TO RAISE AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND INCREASE RIDERSHIP
, EXPENSES
INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER SURVEYS TO BETTER MEASURE THE IMPACT
OF THE PROGRAM ON RIDERSHIP AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN PRIVATE
MOTOR VEHICLES
, AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN
RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE PROGRAM SO LONG AS THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT
AGENCY PROVIDES UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE YEAR
-ROUND TRANSIT
SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS
.
(d) I
N AWARDING GRANTS PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (5),
CASTA
SHALL:
(I) F
OR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES
DURING THE OZONE SEASON
:
(A) A
LLOCATE MONEY AMONG APPLICANTS WITH THE GOALS OF
REDUCING OZONE FORMATION
, INCREASING RIDERSHIP ON TRANSIT, AND
REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE STATE
; AND
(B) CONSIDER THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE APPLICANT WILL MATCH
GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY
; AND
(II) FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE YEAR -ROUND FARE
FREE TRANSIT TO YOUTH RIDERS
:
(A) A
LLOCATE MONEY AMONG APPLICANTS WITH THE GOALS OF
INCREASING YOUTH RIDERSHIP ON TRANSIT
, REDUCING OZONE FORMATION ,
AND REDUCING VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN THE STATE ; AND
(B) CONSIDER DISTRIBUTING GRANT MONEY USING A FORMULA
DEVELOPED BY
CASTA THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUTH RIDERSHIP IN
THE SERVICE AREA OF THE APPLICANT AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE
APPLICANT WILL MATCH GRANT MONEY WITH OTHER MONEY
; EXCEPT THAT
AN APPLICANT IS NOT REQUIRED TO MATCH GRANT MONEY TO BE ELIGIBLE
TO RECEIVE A GRANT
.
PAGE 13-SENATE BILL 24-032 (e) (I) EACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT
SHALL REPORT ON THE USE OF THE MONEY TO
CASTA IN ACCORDANCE WITH
POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY
CASTA AND THE OFFICE. THE REPORT MUST
INCLUDE THE INFORMATION SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION
(5)(e)(II) OR
(5)(e)(III) OF THIS SECTION, AS APPLICABLE.
(II) F
OR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT
SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON
, THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS
SUBSECTION
(5)(e) MUST INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, INFORMATION ON HOW
THE GRANT MONEY WAS SPENT
; THE FREE SERVICES THAT WERE OFFERED
USING THE GRANT MONEY
; AND ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN RIDERSHIP
DURING THE PERIOD THAT FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED COMPARED TO
PREVIOUS MONTHS
, THE SAME MONTH IN PREVIOUS YEARS, AND THE MONTHS
AFTER THE PROGRAM CONCLUDED
. THE REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
, INCLUDING A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON
THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE REPORT
.
(III)
FOR A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT TO PROVIDE YEAR -ROUND FARE
FREE TRANSIT TO YOUTH RIDERS
, THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS SUBSECTION
(5)(e) MUST INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM, ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN YOUTH
RIDERSHIP DURING THE YEAR IN WHICH FARE FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED
TO YOUTH RIDERS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS
, ANY CHANGES THAT THE
ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY WOULD MAKE IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE
TRANSIT SERVICES TO YOUTH RIDERS OR IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY
BASED ON ITS EXPERIENCES
, AND HOW THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY
MARKETED THE FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS
. THE
REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
, INCLUDING A NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS
, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE
REPORT
.
(IV) E
ACH ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY THAT RECEIVES A GRANT
THROUGH
CASTA SHALL SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO CASTA BY NOVEMBER 1,
2024,
AND BY NOVEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR THEREAFTER.
(f) B
Y DECEMBER 1, 2024, AND BY DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR
THEREAFTER
, CASTA SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE OFFICE COMPILING
AND SUMMARIZING THE REPORTED INFORMATION FOR ALL ELIGIBLE TRANSIT
AGENCIES THAT RECEIVED A GRANT THROUGH
CASTA.
(g) (I) CASTA
SHALL DEVELOP AND PUBLICIZE POLICIES FOR THE
PAGE 14-SENATE BILL 24-032 GRANT, INCLUDING THE PROCESS AND DEADLINES FOR AN ELIGIBLE TRANSIT
AGENCY TO APPLY FOR AND RECEIVE A GRANT
, THE INFORMATION AND
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE APPLICATION
, REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
, AND ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE GRANT
.
(II) I
N ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION
(5)(g)(I) OF THIS SECTION, CASTA SHALL PROVIDE NOTICE THAT IF A
TRANSIT AGENCY IS APPLYING FOR A GRANT TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSIT
SERVICES DURING THE OZONE SEASON
, THE ELIGIBLE TRANSIT AGENCY MUST
IDENTIFY ANY PERIOD OTHER THAN
JUNE 1 TO AUGUST 31 OF A CALENDAR
YEAR FOR ITS OZONE SEASON IN THE APPLICATION
.
(6) (a) T
HE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT MAY USE GRANT
MONEY TO PROVIDE OPERATING SUPPORT FOR ITS TRANSIT OPERATIONS AND
GENERAL TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND TO PAY FOR OTHER EXPENSES NECESSARY
TO IMPLEMENT AND MEASURE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM
,
INCLUDING REASONABLE MARKETING EXPENSES INCURRED TO RAISE
AWARENESS OF FREE SERVICE AND INCREASE RIDERSHIP
, EXPENSES
INCURRED IN CONDUCTING RIDER SURVEYS TO B ETTER MEASURE THE IMPACT
OF THE PROGRAM ON RIDERSHIP AND VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED IN PRIVATE
MOTOR VEHICLES
, AND EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN
RIDERSHIP AS A RESULT OF THE PROGRAM SO LONG AS THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT PROVIDES UNINTERRUPTED FARE FREE
YEAR
-ROUND TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS .
(b) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR FOR WHICH THE
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT RECEIVES A GRANT
, THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE OFFICE ON THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICIES
ESTABLISHED BY THE OFFICE
. THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE, AT A MINIMUM,
ESTIMATES OF THE CHANGE IN YOUTH RIDERSHIP DURING THE YEAR IN WHICH
FARE FREE SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO YOUTH RIDERS COMPARED TO
PREVIOUS YEARS
, ANY CHANGES THAT THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
DISTRICT WOULD MAKE IN HOW IT PROVIDES FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES
TO YOUTH RIDERS OR IN ITS USE OF THE GRANT MONEY BASED ON ITS
EXPERIENCES
, AND HOW THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
MARKETED THE FARE FREE TRANSIT SERVICES FOR YOUTH RIDERS
. THE
REPORT MAY INCLUDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
, INCLUDING A NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS
, TO PROVIDE CONTEXT ON THE RIDERSHIP DATA INCLUDED IN THE
PAGE 15-SENATE BILL 24-032 REPORT.
(c) T
HE STATE AUDITOR SHALL AUDIT THE REGIONAL
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
'S USE OF THE GRANT MONEY AS PART OF ITS
PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT
CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO SECTION
32-9-115 (3).
(7) T
HE OFFICE SHALL ESTABLISH AND PUBLICIZE POLICIES FOR THE
PROGRAM
. AT A MINIMUM, THE POLICIES MUST ADDRESS THE PROCESS AND
ANY DEADLINES FOR APPLYING FOR AND RECEIVING A GRANT UNDER THE
PROGRAM
, THE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR THE
APPLICATION
, REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES , AND ANY
ADDITIONAL POLICIES NECESSARY TO ADMINISTER THE PROGRAM
.
(8) (a) T
HE ZERO FARE TRANSIT FUND IS HEREBY CREATED IN THE
STATE TREASURY
. THE FUND CONSISTS OF MONEY TRANSFERRED TO THE
FUND PURSUANT TO SECTION
24-38.5-114 (8)(e), AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO ITS
REPEAL ON
JULY 1, 2024, MONEY TRANSFERRED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO
SECTION
43-4-1103 (2)(e), ANY OTHER MONEY THAT THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES OR TRANSFERS TO THE FUND
, AND ANY GIFTS,
GRANTS, OR DONATIONS CREDITED TO THE FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION
(9) OF THIS SECTION.
(b) T
HE STATE TREASURER SHALL CREDIT ALL INTEREST AND INCOME
DERIVED FROM THE DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF MONEY IN THE FUND TO
THE FUND
.
(c) M
ONEY IN THE FUND IS CONTINUOUSLY APPROPRIATED TO THE
OFFICE FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION
.
(d) A
NY MONEY THAT IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE OZONE SEASON
TRANSIT GRANT PROGRAM FUND TO THE FUND ON
JUNE 30, 2024, PURSUANT
TO SECTION
24-38.5-114 (8)(e), AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO ITS REPEAL ON JULY
1, 2024, THAT IS OBLIGATED OR ENCUMBERED WHEN IT IS TRANSFERRED
SHALL BE USED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS OBLIGATED OR
ENCUMBERED PURSUANT TO SECTION
24-38.5-114, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO
ITS REPEAL ON
JULY 1, 2024.
(e) O
N JUNE 30, 2026, THE STATE TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER ANY
UNEXPENDED AND UNENCUMBERED MONEY REMAINING IN THE FUND THAT
PAGE 16-SENATE BILL 24-032 WAS TRANSFERRED PURSUANT TO SECTION 43-4-1103 (2)(e) TO THE PORTION
OF THE MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS FUND THAT IS ALLOCATED
PURSUANT TO SECTION
43-4-1103 (2)(a)(I)(A).
(9) T
HE OFFICE MAY SEEK, ACCEPT, AND EXPEND GIFTS, GRANTS, OR
DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE OR PUBLIC SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS
SECTION
. THE OFFICE SHALL TRANSMIT ALL MONEY RECEIVED THROUGH
GIFTS
, GRANTS, OR DONATIONS TO THE STATE TREASURER , WHO SHALL
CREDIT THE MONEY TO THE FUND
.
(10) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 OF EACH YEAR OF THE PROGRAM,
THE OFFICE SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
PROGRAM TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION
, HOUSING
AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION
AND ENERGY COMMITTEE
, OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES. THE REPORT
MUST SUMMARIZE AND COMPILE THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED TO THE
OFFICE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTIONS
(5)(e) AND (6)(b) OF THIS SECTION.
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 43-4-1103, add (2)(e)
as follows:
43-4-1103. Multimodal transportation options fund - creation -
revenue sources for fund - use of fund. (2) (e) O
N JULY 1, 2024, THE
STATE TREASURER SHALL TRANSFER TEN MILLION DOLLARS TO THE ZERO
FARE TRANSIT FUND CREATED IN SECTION
24-38.5-114 FROM THE PORTION
OF THE FUND THAT IS ALLOCATED TO THE COMMISSION PURSUANT TO
SUBSECTION
(2)(a)(I)(A) OF THIS SECTION.
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 43-4-605, amend
(1)(i.5)(I) introductory portion and (1)(i.5)(III) as follows:
43-4-605. Powers of the authority - inclusion or exclusion of
property - determination of regional transportation system alignment
- fund created - repeal. (1) In addition to any other powers granted to an
authority pursuant to this part 6, an authority has the following powers:
(i.5) (I) Subject to the provisions of section 43-4-612, to impose, in
all or any designated portion of the members of the combination or of the
members of the transportation planning organization exercising the powers
of an authority as authorized by section 43-4-622, a visitor benefit tax on
PAGE 17-SENATE BILL 24-032 persons who purchase overnight rooms or accommodations; in any amount
that would not cause the aggregate amount of the visitor benefit tax and any
lodging tax imposed on such overnight rooms or accommodations to exceed
two percent of the price of such overnight rooms or accommodations;
except that the authority shall not impose a visitor benefit tax on overnight
rooms or accommodations that are in any territory:
(III) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (I) of this
paragraph (i.5), an authority may derive no more than one third ONE HALF
of its total revenues from the visitor benefit tax.
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-75-219, add (8) as
follows:
24-75-219. Transfers - transportation - capital construction -
definitions - repeal. (8) O
N JULY 1, 2022, THE STATE TREASURER
TRANSFERRED SIX MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE
GENERAL FUND TO THE STATE HIGHWAY FUND PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION
(7)(h) of this section, as it existed prior to its repeal on July 1, 2023, which
required that the department use such amount for an environmental study
on relocating the consolidated main rail line away from interstate highway
25 in connection with the development of the Burnham Yard rail property.
Beginning on the effective date of this section, the department shall instead
use such amount that was transferred to the state highway fund for the
purpose of site preparation, site enhancements, planning, and facilitating a
track alignment that preserves buildable land while promoting transit and
rail capacity and increasing safety in connection with the development of
the Burnham Yard rail property, as the department has determined that
supporting the regional transportation district's right-of-way expansion,
rather than relocating the main rail line, is the most important transit need
on the site.
SECTION 7. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate
PAGE 18-SENATE BILL 24-032 preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state
institutions.
____________________________ ____________________________
Steve Fenberg Julie McCluskie
PRESIDENT OF SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
____________________________ ____________________________
Cindi L. Markwell Robin Jones
SECRETARY OF CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE
THE SENATE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APPROVED________________________________________
(Date and Time)
_________________________________________
Jared S. Polis
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF COLORADO
PAGE 19-SENATE BILL 24-032