HCR 25-1003
Fiscal Note
Legislative Council Staff
Nonpartisan Services for Colorado’s Legislature
HCR 25-1003: PERSON'S RIGHTS RELATED TO THEIR CHILDREN
Prime Sponsors:
Rep. DeGraaf
Published for: House State Affairs
Drafting number: LLS 25-0811
Fiscal Analyst:
John Armstrong, 303-866-6289
john.armstrong@coleg.gov
Version: Initial Fiscal Note
Date: April 17, 2025
Fiscal note status: The fiscal note reflects the introduced resolution.
Summary Information
Overview. This resolution refers a ballot question to the 2026 general election to amend the state
constitution that, if approved by voters, expands the definition of “inalienable rights” to include a person’s
right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children.
Types of impacts. If approved by voters, the measure may affect the following areas on an ongoing basis:
State Expenditures Local Government
Appropriations. No appropriation is required.
Table 1
State Fiscal Impacts
Type of Impact
Budget Year
FY 2025-26
Out Year
FY 2026-27
State Revenue $0 $0
State Expenditures $0 $0
Transferred Funds $0 $0
Change in TABOR Refunds $0 $0
Change in State FTE 0.0 FTE 0.0 FTE
Page 2
April 17, 2025 HCR 25-1003
Summary of Legislation
The concurrent resolution refers a ballot measure to voters at the November 2026 election. If
approved, the measure expands the definition of “inalienable rights” to include a person’s right
to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children.
State Expenditures
As outlined below, the bill will increase state election expenditures to refer a measure to the
ballot, paid using existing appropriations. It may also result in future laws passed by the General
Assembly or decisions by the courts concerning the upbringing, care and education of children.
The impact of any future legislation or court decisions has not been estimated.
Election Expenditures—Existing Appropriations
This resolution includes a referred measure that will appear before voters at the November 2026
general election. While no additional appropriation is required, certain election costs are
incurred by the state when ballot measures are referred. These include reimbursing counties for
certain election costs; publishing the text and title of the measure in newspapers across the
state; and preparing and mailing the ballot information booklet.
Future Impacts concerning the Care and Education of Children
Depending on future legislation, court decisions, and other policy changes in response to this
amendment, if adopted, state expenditures regarding children, health care, education, and other
areas may change. Workload and costs in the trial courts and appellate courts may also increase
if legal questions arise on how to apply or interpret the rights outlined in the measure. It is
assumed that any costs will be addressed through future legislation or the annual budget
process if necessary.
Local Government
Similar to the state, costs for school districts, counties, and other local governments may change
if the amendment is approved by voters. Any potential impacts will depend on future legislation,
court decisions, and other policy changes to apply the rights outlined in the measure.
Effective Date
The resolution takes effect upon enactment by the General Assembly. If approved by voters, the
referred measure takes effect upon proclamation of the Governor, no later than 30 days after
the election results are canvassed. Page 3
April 17, 2025 HCR 25-1003
State and Local Government Contacts
Early Childhood
Education
Human Services
Law
The revenue and expenditure impacts in this fiscal note represent changes from current law under the bill for each
fiscal year. For additional information about fiscal notes, please visit the General Assembly website.