First Regular Session
Seventy-fifth General Assembly
STATE OF COLORADO
INTRODUCED
LLS NO. 25-0603.01 Rebecca Bayetti x4348
SENATE BILL 25-161
Senate Committees House Committees
Transportation & Energy
A BILL FOR AN ACT
C
ONCERNING TRANSIT REFORM , AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH ,101
CREATING STUDY, PLANNING, AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ;102
INCREASING COORDINATION AMONG TRANSIT AGENCIES ,103
GOVERNMENT, AND PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS ; AUTHORIZING104
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATIO N DISTRICT TO ENTER INTO105
SERVICE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS ; CREATING A REGIONAL106
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE ;107
ADDING NONVOTING MEMBERS TO THE REGIONAL108
TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS ; AND109
REQUIRING THE REGIONAL T RANSPORTATION DISTRICT TO110
EMPHASIZE RIDERSHIP GROWTH , WORKER RETENTION, SAFETY,111
AND STATEWIDE CLIMATE GOALS .112
SENATE SPONSORSHIP
Winter F. and Jodeh,
HOUSE SPONSORSHIP
Lindstedt and Froelich,
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. 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
.)
The bill makes the following changes for the purpose of improving
the performance of the regional transportation district (RTD):
! Authorizes RTD to enter into a service partnership
agreement with a local government, institution of higher
education, or other entity to expand services within RTD's
service territory (section 2 of the bill);
! Requires RTD, in discharging its responsibilities, to
(section 3):
! Align with statewide greenhouse gas reduction
targets, "Transportation Vision 2035" goals, and
mode choice targets as will be developed according
to Senate Bill 25-030, if enacted;
! Create worker retention goals;
! Adhere to the requirements of "General Directive
24-1: Required Actions Regarding Assaults on
Transit Workers", issued on September 25, 2024, by
the federal transit administration of the United
States department of transportation; and
! Develop performance measures to evaluate its
progress in aligning with state climate goals and
achieving its worker retention goals;
! Requires RTD to create a 10-year strategic plan no later
than April 10, 2026, and a comprehensive operational
analysis no less frequently than every 5 years beginning in
2026, and to report quarterly to the RTD board of directors
regarding the plan and analysis (section 4);
! Requires RTD, in conjunction with the creation of its
10-year strategic plan, to study or contract with a third
party to study and identify opportunities to increase funding
to achieve the goals, measures, and targets identified in the
10-year strategic plan (section 4);
! Requires RTD to create, maintain, and publish on its
website information and dashboards related to capital
projects, ridership and service information, planned service
changes, workforce statistics, and transit safety (section 4);
! Requires RTD to update its service policies and standards,
its equitable transit-oriented development policy, and its
SB25-161
-2- service buy-up policy, to create specific communication
protocols, and to implement parking and transportation
demand management strategies and policies (section 4);
! Requires RTD to periodically notify the Denver regional
council of governments (DRCOG) and the department of
local affairs of any known infrastructure gaps that exist
within specific areas of a transit-oriented community within
RTD's service territory (section 4);
! Requires RTD to modernize and advertise its EcoPass and
low-income fare discount programs (section 4);
! Adds 2 nonvoting ex officio members to the RTD board of
directors (RTD board), to be appointed by the executive
director of the department of transportation and by
DRCOG (sections 6 and 8); and
! Prohibits write-in candidates for the RTD board (section
7).
The bill also requires other entities to analyze opportunities for the
improvement of transit services by:
! Requiring the transportation commission to develop and
publish best practices and technical assistance materials
concerning the creation of regional transportation
authorities to increase funding for transit and to provide
additional transit services within the state (section 5); and
! Creating an RTD accountability committee within the
Colorado energy office that consists of 13 appointed
members. On or before January 30, 2026, the commission
is required to provide recommendations to the
transportation committees of the general assembly
concerning the governance structure and compensation of
the RTD board and executive leadership, the representation
of local governments and state agencies within RTD, and
RTD's workforce retention (section 9).
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:1
SECTION 1. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-102, add (2) as2
follows:3
32-9-102. Legislative declaration. (2) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY4
FURTHER FINDS AND DECLARES THAT :5
(a) T
RANSPORTATION IS CRITICAL TO DAILY LIFE AND COMMERCE ,6
YET OUR METHODS CONTRIBUTE TO SEVERAL CHALLENGES FACING THE7
SB25-161-3- REGION, INCLUDING AIR POLLUTION , GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ,1
AFFORDABILITY, PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND EQUITY;2
(b) E
XPANDING MASS TRANSPORTATION PRESENTS A VITAL3
OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE HOUSEHOLD TRANSPORTATION COSTS ,4
DECREASE POLLUTION, REDUCE CONGESTION, MINIMIZE FATALITIES AND5
SERIOUS INJURIES WHILE IMPROVING ACCESS TO KEY DESTINATIONS ,6
PARTICULARLY FOR TRANSIT -RELIANT POPULATIONS, AND STIMULATE7
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ; AND8
(c) T
HEREFORE, THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT SHALL9
PRIORITIZE PROVIDING FAST, FREQUENT, RELIABLE, AND SAFE SERVICE TO10
MAXIMIZE RIDERSHIP LEVELS.11
SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-119, amend (1)12
introductory portion and (1)(y); and add (1)(z) as follows:13
32-9-119. Additional powers of district. (1) In addition to any14
other powers granted to the district in this article
ARTICLE 9, the district15
has the following powers:16
(y) To exercise all or any part or combination of the powers17
granted in this article ARTICLE 9; AND18
(z) T
O ENTER INTO A SERVICE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH A19
LOCAL GOVERNMENT , INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION, BUSINESS OR20
HOUSING ENTITY, OR OTHER PERSON TO EXPAND SERVICES WITHIN THE21
DISTRICT'S SERVICE TERRITORY BY:22
(I) S
HARING RESOURCES AND THE MEANS OF PROVIDING23
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROJECTS OR SERVICES ; OR24
(II) C
OOPERATING ON THE RESEARCH , DEVELOPMENT, OR25
IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROJECTS OR SERVICES .26
SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-119.7, repeal27
SB25-161
-4- (1); and add (10) , (11), and (12) as follows:1
32-9-119.7. Cost efficiency of transit services - climate goals -2
employee retention goals - reporting - plans. (1) The general assembly3
hereby finds and declares that surface transportation in the Denver4
metropolitan area is a major problem confronting not only the citizens of5
the metropolitan area but also the citizens of the entire state of Colorado.6
The general assembly further finds that, although mass transportation is7
one component of an effective surface transportation system, the8
allocation of resources to mass transportation must be made in light of all9
surface transportation needs. The general assembly further finds that the10
district should be organized efficiently, economically, and on a11
demand-responsive basis and that the district should consider least-cost12
alternatives in discharging its responsibilities. 13
(10) I
N DISCHARGING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES, THE DISTRICT SHALL14
ALIGN WITH THE GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION TARGETS SET FORTH IN15
SECTION 25-7-102 (2)(g); THE GOALS SET FORTH IN THE GOVERNOR 'S16
"T
RANSPORTATION VISION 2035", WHICH INCLUDES AN EIGHTY-THREE17
PERCENT INCREASE IN TRANSIT SERVICE BY 2035; AND THE MODE CHOICE18
TARGETS DEVELOPED PURSUANT TO SECTION 43-1-138, AS ADDED BY19
S
ENATE BILL 25-030, ENACTED IN 2025. THE DISTRICT SHALL DEVELOP20
PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO EVALUATE ITS PROGRESS IN ALIGNING WITH21
THESE STATE CLIMATE GOALS . IN ASSESSING CLIMATE IMPACT , THE22
DISTRICT SHALL CONSIDER THE EXTENT TO WHICH ITS SERVICES REDUCE23
VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED BY INCREASING TRANSIT RIDERSHIP AND24
ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENSE , WALKABLE, AND LESS25
CAR-DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES NEAR TRANSIT STATIONS AND CORRIDORS .26
(11) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL ESTABLISH GOALS FOR EMPLOYEE27
SB25-161
-5- RETENTION. THE DISTRICT SHALL DEVELOP PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO1
EVALUATE ITS PROGRESS TOWARD ITS EMPLOYEE RETENTION GOALS .2
(12) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF3
"G
ENERAL DIRECTIVE 24-1: REQUIRED ACTIONS REGARDING ASSAULTS4
ON TRANSIT WORKERS", ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2024, BY THE5
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT6
OF TRANSPORTATION.7
SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 32-9-165,8
32-9-166, 32-9-167, 32-9-168, and 32-9-169 as follows:9
32-9-165. Planning - ten-year plan - comprehensive10
operational analysis - reporting - funding study - transit-oriented11
community infrastructure. (1) Ten-year strategic plan. (a) N
O LATER12
THAN APRIL 10, 2026, THE DISTRICT SHALL CREATE A TEN -YEAR13
STRATEGIC PLAN. THE PLAN MUST:14
(I) I
N COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , IDENTIFY15
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS FOR SERVICE , RIDERSHIP,16
ENROLLMENT IN THE DISTRICT'S ECOPASS PROGRAM AND INCOME-BASED17
FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM , AND THE PERCENTAGES OF RESIDENCES AND18
JOBS WITHIN ONE-QUARTER MILE OF A FREQUENT TRANSIT ROUTE . THE19
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS MUST ALIGN WITH STATE AND20
REGIONAL GOALS FOR MODE CHOICE , LAND USE, CLIMATE, EQUITY, AND21
SAFETY;22
(II) I
DENTIFY TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES ,23
INCLUDING THE EXPANSION OR IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES AND24
SERVICES, REQUIRED TO MEET SERVICE AND RIDERSHIP GOALS IN THE25
DISTRICT'S SERVICE TERRITORY OVER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD;26
(III) I
NCLUDE A FISCALLY CONSTRAINED PLAN OUTLINING THE27
SB25-161
-6- TRANSIT PROJECTS AND SERVICES THAT ARE EXPECTED TO BE FUNDED1
WITH THE CURRENT BUDGET, WHICH MUST BE UPDATED PERIODICALLY IF2
THE FUNDING PICTURE CHANGES SUBSTANTIALLY ;3
(IV) I
NCLUDE A FISCALLY UNCONSTRAINED OPTION THAT4
DESCRIBES SERVICE AND INVESTMENTS NEEDED TO MEET THE DISTRICT 'S5
IDENTIFIED PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS FOR SERVICE ,6
RIDERSHIP, AND THE PERCENTAGES OF RESIDENCES AND JOBS WITHIN7
ONE-QUARTER MILE OF A FREQUENT TRANSIT ROUTE ; AND8
(V) I
DENTIFY EXPECTED ENVIRONMENTAL , SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC9
IMPACTS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN THE TRANSPORTATION10
PLAN.11
(b) F
OR EACH SERVICE, FACILITY, OR CAPITAL PROJECT IDENTIFIED12
IN THE TEN-YEAR PLAN, THE PLAN MUST SPECIFY AND REGULARLY UPDATE13
AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE :14
(I) T
HE TIME FRAME DURING WHICH THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO15
BE COMPLETED;16
(II) T
HE TOTAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF FUNDING REQUIRED TO17
COMPLETE THE PROJECT; AND18
(III) F
UNDING OPPORTUNITIES THAT ACCOUNT FOR THE TOTAL19
ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT , INCLUDING THE20
AMOUNT OF FUNDING FROM EACH FUNDING SOURCE THAT HAS BEEN21
ALLOCATED FOR THE PROJECT OR IS ANTICIPATED TO BE ALLOCATED FOR22
THE PROJECT.23
(c) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL UPDATE THE TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN24
EVERY FOUR YEARS.25
(d) I
N CREATING THE TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, THE DISTRICT26
SHALL COORDINATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , THE27
SB25-161
-7- DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS , AND LOCAL1
GOVERNMENTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT 'S SERVICE TERRITORY.2
(e) I
N CONJUNCTION WITH THE CREATION OF ITS TEN -YEAR3
STRATEGIC PLAN, THE DISTRICT SHALL STUDY AND IDENTIFY OR CONTRACT4
WITH A THIRD PARTY TO STUDY AND IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES TO5
INCREASE THE DISTRICT'S FUNDING TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS, MEASURES,6
AND TARGETS IDENTIFIED IN THE TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN.7
(2) Comprehensive operational analysis. N
O LATER THAN APRIL8
10,
2026, AND NO LESS FREQUENTLY THAN EVERY FIVE YEARS9
THEREAFTER, THE DISTRICT SHALL CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE10
OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS. THE ANALYSIS MUST:11
(a) A
SSESS EXISTING SERVICES AND TRAVEL PATTERNS ;12
(b) E
VALUATE THE DISTRICT'S FINANCIAL CAPACITY AND FUNDING13
OPPORTUNITIES;14
(c) I
DENTIFY SPECIFIC TRANSIT ROUTES OR SERVICES FOR15
IMPLEMENTATION AS IDENTIFIED IN THE FISCALLY CONSTRAINED PROJECTS16
LIST OF THE APPLICABLE TEN-YEAR PLAN REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (1) OF17
THIS SECTION; AND18
(d) M
AKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACHIEVING THE GOALS19
IDENTIFIED IN THE APPLICABLE TEN-YEAR PLAN REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION20
(1)
OF THIS SECTION.21
(3) Reports. (a) (I) D
URING EACH LEGISLATIVE INTERIM , THE22
DISTRICT SHALL PRESENT A REPORT ON ITS PROGRESS IN DELIVERING THE23
PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN DESCRIBED IN24
SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION AND THE COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL25
ANALYSIS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION TO THE26
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE CREATED IN SECTION27
SB25-161
-8- 43-2-145 (1)(a). AS PART OF THE REPORT, THE DISTRICT SHALL PROVIDE1
GUIDANCE TO THE COMMITTEE AS TO HOW TO ACCESS AND UNDERSTAND2
THE PLAN AND ANALYSIS, AND THE COMMITTEE MAY , IF IT DETERMINES3
THAT THE PLAN OR ANALYSIS DOES NOT INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION4
REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (1) OR (2) OF THIS SECTION, INSTRUCT THE5
DISTRICT TO ENSURE THAT ANY MISSING INFORMATION IS PROMPTLY6
ADDED.7
(II) N
OTWITHSTANDING THE REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 24-1-1368
(11)(a)(I),
THE REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS9
SUBSECTION (3) CONTINUES INDEFINITELY.10
(b) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL REPORT QUARTERLY TO ITS BOARD OF11
DIRECTORS ON ITS PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING THE12
TEN-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS13
SECTION AND THE COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS DESCRIBED14
IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.15
(4) Transit-oriented community infrastructure. T
HE DISTRICT16
SHALL PERIODICALLY NOTIFY THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF17
GOVERNMENTS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS OF ANY KNOWN18
INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS THAT EXIST WITHIN A TRANSIT CENTER , AS19
DEFINED IN SECTION 29-35-202 (9), WITHIN THE DISTRICT'S SERVICE20
TERRITORY.21
32-9-166. Information dashboards. (1) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL22
CREATE, MAINTAIN, AND PUBLISH ON ITS PUBLIC WEBSITE: 23
(a) A
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY DASHBOARD THAT SHOWS :24
(I) B
Y TRANSIT ROUTE:25
(A) D
ATA ON RIDERSHIP, INCLUDING TOTAL RIDERSHIP AND26
WEEKEND AND WEEKDAY RIDERSHIP ;27
SB25-161
-9- (B) ON-TIME PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING A CLEAR DEFINITION OF1
WHAT CONSTITUTES ON-TIME PERFORMANCE;2
(C) F
AREBOX RECOVERY RATIO ;3
(D) B
OARDINGS PER HOUR; AND4
(E) R
ELIABILITY OF SERVICE; AND5
(II) P
ROGRESS TOWARD MEETING PERFORMANCE TARGETS6
RELATING TO RIDERSHIP GROWTH AND SERVICE PROVISION ;7
(b) A
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY DASHBOARD THAT SHOWS THE8
DISTRICT'S WORKFORCE STATISTICS REGARDING EMPLOYEE RETENTION ,9
RECRUITMENT, AND VACANCIES;10
(c) A
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY DASHBOARD ON TRANSIT SAFETY ,11
INCLUDING DATA ON PASSENGER SAFETY AND DRIVER SAFETY ;12
(d) A
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY DASHBOARD THAT PROVIDES , AT13
A MINIMUM, ACCESSIBLE AND TRANSPARENT SUMMARY INFORMATION14
REGARDING EACH OF THE DISTRICT'S IN-PROGRESS CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT15
EXCEEDS TEN MILLION DOLLARS; THE FUNDING STATUS OF EACH PROJECT,16
INCLUDING THE PROJECT'S TOTAL FUNDING AND EXPENDITURES TO DATE ;17
AND THE DISTRICT'S PROGRESS TOWARD THE COMPLETION OF EACH18
PROJECT;19
(e) A
SUMMARY PAGE FOR PLANNED SERVICE CHANGES THAT20
INCLUDES DETAILED TIMING CHANGES ; THE REASONS FOR ANY PLANNED21
CHANGES; AND THE IMPACTS OF THE PLANNED CHANGES , INCLUDING22
EFFECTS ON LOCAL TRANSFERS; AND23
(f) T
HE DISTRICT'S PROGRESS TOWARD MEETING THE24
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS IDENTIFIED IN ITS TEN -YEAR25
STRATEGIC PLAN PURSUANT TO SECTION 32-5-165 (1). THE DISTRICT26
SHALL UPDATE THIS PROGRESS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS .27
SB25-161
-10- (2) THE DISTRICT SHALL FIRST CREATE AND PUBLISH THE1
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION NO LATER2
THAN DECEMBER 1, 2025.3
(3) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL REVIEW AND UPDATE THE DASHBOARDS4
AT LEAST QUARTERLY.5
32-9-167. Required policy updates - service policies and6
standards - equitable transit-oriented development policy - service7
buy-up policy - communication protocols - parking policies and8
strategies. (1) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2025, AND EVERY TWO9
YEARS THEREAFTER, THE DISTRICT SHALL UPDATE ITS SERVICE POLICIES10
AND STANDARDS TO:11
(a) D
EFINE AND MAP TRANSIT PROPENSITY BASED ON POPULATION12
DENSITY, INCOME, DIVERSITY, MOTOR VEHICLE OWNERSHIP , AND OTHER13
CHARACTERISTICS THAT INFLUENCE TRANSIT RIDERSHIP ;14
(b) E
STABLISH A CLEAR AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS FOR SERVICE15
CHANGES, UNDER WHICH PROPOSED CHANGES INCLUDE PUBLICLY16
ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION OUTLINING THE REASONS FOR THE CHANGES17
AND HOW THEY ALIGN WITH IDENTIFIED PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND18
THE COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ;19
(c) W
ORK WITH ENTITIES HOSTING SPECIAL EVENTS TO FACILITATE20
INCREASED RIDERSHIP TO AND FROM THE EVENTS , SO LONG AS THE21
FACILITATION OF INCREASED RIDERSHIP IS ADDITIVE TO EXISTING SERVICE;22
AND23
(d) E
VALUATE AND SET CLEAR AND OBJECTIVE STANDARDS FOR24
THE PRODUCTIVITY OF EXISTING ROUTES , INCLUDING PROVIDING FOR25
SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS ON THOSE ROUTES IF THEY DO NOT MEET THE26
IDENTIFIED STANDARDS.27
SB25-161
-11- (2) ON OR BEFORE APRIL 10, 2026, THE DISTRICT SHALL UPDATE1
ITS EQUITABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT POLICY TO :2
(a) A
LIGN WITH APPLICABLE TRANSIT-ORIENTED POLICIES AND3
HOUSING OPPORTUNITY GOALS AS DESCRIBED IN PART 2 OF ARTICLE 35 OF4
TITLE 29;5
(b) A
LIGN WITH APPLICABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARKING6
REQUIREMENTS AS DESCRIBED IN PART 3 OF ARTICLE 35 OF TITLE 29; AND7
(c) E
NABLE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND8
DENSE, WALKABLE, MIXED-USED COMMUNITIES NEAR TRANSIT STATIONS9
AND ROUTES.10
(3) (a) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2025, THE DISTRICT SHALL11
UPDATE ITS SERVICE BUY -UP POLICY IN CONSULTATION WITH12
STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , TO OUTLINE A PROCESS13
FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS TO PROPOSE TO14
PURCHASE ADDITIONAL SERVICES FROM THE DISTRICT .15
(b) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL EVALUATE THESE ADDITIONAL SERVICE16
PROPOSALS AND, WHERE FEASIBLE, CREATE PLANS TO ACCOMMODATE THE17
PROPOSALS.18
(4) O
N OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2025, THE DISTRICT SHALL19
CREATE AND PERIODICALLY UPDATE , AS NECESSARY, A POLICY OUTLINING20
COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS FOR :21
(a) P
LANNED AND UNPLANNED SERVICE DISRUPTIONS ;22
(b) S
ERVICE SUBSTITUTIONS; AND23
(c) C
ONTINGENCY PLANS FOR SERVICE DISRUPTIONS AND24
SUBSTITUTIONS.25
(5) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL WORK WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITHIN26
ITS SERVICE TERRITORY TO IMPLEMENT PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION27
SB25-161
-12- DEMAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND POLICIES TO OPTIMIZE THE USE1
OF NEW AND EXISTING PARKING SUPPLY , AS IDENTIFIED IN THE BEST2
PRACTICES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MATERIALS DEVELOPED3
PURSUANT TO SECTION 29-35-305.4
32-9-168. EcoPass program - bulk purchasers - apartment5
building survey - report - definitions. (1) A
S USED IN THIS SECTION,6
UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES :7
(a) "B
ULK PURCHASER" MEANS AN ENTITY THAT HAS A LEGAL8
RELATIONSHIP WITH AND THAT PROVIDES GOODS OR SERVICES TO A GROUP9
OF EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS, OR MEMBERS. "BULK PURCHASER" INCLUDES,10
WITHOUT LIMITATION, AN EMPLOYER, A BUILDING OWNER OR MANAGER ,11
A LOCAL GOVERNMENT, A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT, A BUSINESS12
OR TRADE ASSOCIATION, A HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION, A NEIGHBORHOOD13
ASSOCIATION, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION , OR ANY COMBINATION OF14
SUCH ENTITIES.15
(b) "C
OVERED DEVELOPMENT " MEANS A DEVELOPMENT THAT IS IN16
AN AREA COVERED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF PART 3 OF ARTICLE 35 OF17
TITLE 29 AND THAT HAS RECEIVED LAND USE APPROVAL AFTER JUNE 30,18
2025,
FOR A MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ; ADAPTIVE RE-USE19
FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES; OR ADAPTIVE RE-USE MIXED-USE PURPOSES20
THAT INCLUDE AT LEAST FIFTY PERCENT OF USE FOR RESIDENTIAL21
PURPOSES.22
(c) "E
COPASS PROGRAM" MEANS A PROGRAM OPERATED BY THE23
DISTRICT THAT PROVIDES ANNUAL PREPAID TRANSIT PASSES FOR24
UNLIMITED USAGE OF THE DISTRICT 'S TRANSIT SERVICES. "ECOPASS25
PROGRAM" INCLUDES THE ECOPASS AND NEIGHBORHOOD ECOPASS26
PROGRAMS, OR THEIR SUCCESSOR PROGRAMS .27
SB25-161
-13- (2) (a) THE DISTRICT SHALL ADMINISTER AN OUTREACH PROGRAM1
TO PROMOTE THE ECOPASS PROGRAM TO BULK PURCHASERS . IN2
CONDUCTING OUTREACH , THE DISTRICT SHALL PRESENT THE FOLLOWING3
INFORMATION TO THE BULK PURCHASER :4
(I) S
UCCINCT INFORMATION ON CURRENT AND PLANNED TRANSIT5
SERVICE WITHIN THE AREA RELEVANT TO THE BULK PURCHASER ,6
INCLUDING INFORMATION ON THE PROXIMITY , FREQUENCY, AND7
POPULARITY OF APPLICABLE TRANSIT ROUTES ; AND8
(II) T
HE ESTIMATED PER-USER COST EXPRESSED IN PER-YEAR AND9
PER-MONTH TERMS. IF THE BULK PURCHASER IS AN EMPLOYER , THE10
PER-USER COST MUST INCLUDE THE AMOUNT OF THE ALTERNATIVE11
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TAX CREDIT ALLOWED PURSUANT TO SECTION12
39-22-509.13
(b) T
HE OUTREACH PROGRAM MUST INCLUDE PERIODIC PROACTIVE14
OUTREACH TO BULK PURCHASERS . IN CONDUCTING PROACTIVE OUTREACH ,15
THE DISTRICT SHALL PRIORITIZE BULK PURCHASERS IN AND NEAR TRANSIT16
CENTERS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 29-35-202 (9), NEIGHBORHOOD17
CENTERS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 29-35-202 (5), AND APPLICABLE TRANSIT18
SERVICE AREAS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 29-35-302 (3).19
(c) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL CONDUCT THE OUTREACH PROGRAM IN20
COORDINATION WITH THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS21
AND WITH TRANSPORTATION M ANAGEMENT ASSOCIATIONS THAT PARTNER22
WITH THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT 'S "WAY TO GO"23
PROGRAM.24
(3) (a) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT FEASIBLE,25
MINIMIZE THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORKLOAD FOR BULK PURCHASERS AND26
THE RECIPIENTS OF BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES, INCLUDING THE BULK27
SB25-161
-14- PURCHASER'S EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS, OR MEMBERS. 1
(b) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT FEASIBLE ,2
ENROLL ALL RECIPIENTS OF BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES AT ONE TIME,3
RATHER THAN ENROLLING A BULK PURCHASER 'S EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS,4
OR MEMBERS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS .5
(c) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT FEASIBLE ,6
ALLOW A GROUP OF RELATED BULK PURCHASERS THAT SEEKS TO PROVIDE7
BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES TO EMPLOYEES, RESIDENTS, OR MEMBERS8
OF EACH RELATED BULK PURCHASER TO APPLY WITH ONE APPLICATION FOR9
ENROLLMENT IN THE ECOPASS PROGRAM.10
(4) (a) N
O LATER THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE THAT THE11
FIRST RESIDENT MOVES INTO A COVERED DEVELOPMENT , THE COVERED12
DEVELOPMENT SHALL SURVEY ITS RESIDENTS ABOUT THE RESIDENTS '13
INTEREST IN HAVING THE COVERED DEVELOPMENT PROVIDE14
BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES TO ITS RESIDENTS. THE SURVEY MUST15
INCLUDE THE PER-USER COST OF THE BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES, AS16
PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT.17
(b) I
F A MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS RESPOND TO THE SURVEY THAT18
THEY WOULD LIKE THE COVERED DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE19
BULK-PURCHASED ECOPASSES, THE COVERED DEVELOPMENT SHALL20
ENROLL IN THE ECOPASS PROGRAM FOR ITS RESIDENTS. THE OWNER OR21
MANAGER OF THE COVERED DEVELOPMENT IS THE CENTRALIZED PAYER OF22
THE COSTS AND FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ECOPASS PROGRAM, WHICH23
IT MAY RECOUP FROM ITS RESIDENTS.24
(c) O
N OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2026, THE DISTRICT SHALL CREATE25
AND PUBLISH AN ONLINE SURVEY TOOL THAT COVERED DEVELOPMENTS26
MAY USE TO CONDUCT THE SURVEY REQUIRED BY THIS SUBSECTION (4).27
SB25-161
-15- (5) (a) ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2026, AND ON OR BEFORE1
EACH JANUARY 31 THEREAFTER, THE DISTRICT SHALL REPORT ON THE2
E
COPASS PROGRAM TO A JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF3
REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION , HOUSING, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT4
COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY COMMITTEE ,5
OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES . THE REPORT MUST INCLUDE6
INFORMATION CONCERNING :7
(I) T
HE DISTRICT'S OUTREACH EFFORTS , AS DESCRIBED IN8
SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION, INCLUDING QUANTITATIVE DETAILS ON9
THE DISTRICT'S PROACTIVE OUTREACH;10
(II) T
HE DISTRICT'S ADMINISTRATIVE EFFORTS, AS DESCRIBED IN11
SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION; AND12
(III) T
HE SURVEY REQUIRED FOR COVERED DEVELOPMENTS , AS13
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (4) OF THIS SECTION, INCLUDING THE NUMBER14
AND RESULTS OF THE SURVEYS CONDUCTED .15
(b) N
OTWITHSTANDING THE REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 24-1-13616
(11)(a)(I),
THE REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS17
SUBSECTION (5)(a) CONTINUES INDEFINITELY.18
32-9-169. Income-based fare discount program - enrollment19
targets - reports - legislative declaration. (1) Legislative declaration.20
T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT :21
(a) I
NDIVIDUALS WHO QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OFTEN22
FACE BARRIERS TO ENROLLING IN BENEFITS FOR WHICH THEY ARE23
ELIGIBLE, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE WORKLOAD AND STIGMA ; AND24
(b) T
O REDUCE THESE BARRIERS, THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION25
DISTRICT SHALL UPDATE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS FOR ITS26
INCOME-BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM .27
SB25-161
-16- (2) Enrollment and eligibility certification. (a) O N OR BEFORE1
J
ANUARY 1, 2026, THE DISTRICT SHALL DEVELOP WITHIN THE DISTRICT 'S2
MOBILE APPLICATION A SELF-CERTIFICATION AFFIDAVIT TO APPLY AND3
QUALIFY FOR THE DISTRICT'S INCOME-BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM .4
T
HE DISTRICT SHALL ELIMINATE ALL OTHER APPLICATION METHODS FOR5
THE INCOME-BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM .6
(b) B
EGINNING ON JANUARY 1, 2026, THE DISTRICT SHALL ENROLL7
IN THE INCOME-BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM ALL APPLICANTS WHO8
SELF-CERTIFY THEIR ELIGIBILITY VIA A SELF-CERTIFICATION AFFIDAVIT9
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2)(a) OF THIS SECTION.10
(c) A
T THE EXPIRATION OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S THREE MONTHS OF11
INITIAL ENROLLMENT IN THE INCOME -BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM ,12
THE DISTRICT MAY REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL TO PROVIDE PROOF OF13
ELIGIBILITY BEYOND THE SELF-CERTIFICATION AFFIDAVIT. THE DISTRICT14
SHALL ACCEPT MULTIPLE FORMS OF PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY , INCLUDING15
PROOF OF THE INDIVIDUAL 'S ENROLLMENT IN A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE16
PROGRAM THAT THE DISTRICT DETERMINES QUALIFIES THE INDIVIDUAL17
FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE INCOME-BASED FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM .18
(3) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL WIDELY PUBLICIZE THE CHANGE IN19
APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR THE INCOME -BASED FARE DISCOUNT20
PROGRAM AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE SELF -CERTIFICATION AFFIDAVIT21
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2)(a) OF THIS SECTION.22
(4) Enrollment targets. T
HE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE23
DISTRICT SHALL ADOPT ENROLLMENT TARGETS FOR THE INCOME -BASED24
FARE DISCOUNT PROGRAM .25
(5) Reports. (a) O
N OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2026, AND ON OR26
BEFORE EACH JANUARY 31 THEREAFTER, THE DISTRICT SHALL REPORT ON27
SB25-161
-17- ITS EFFORTS TO INCREASE ENROLLMENT IN THE INCOME -BASED FARE1
DISCOUNT PROGRAM TO A JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE OF2
REPRESENTATIVES TRANSPORTATION , HOUSING, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3
COMMITTEE AND THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY COMMI TTEE ,4
OR THEIR SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES . NOTWITHSTANDING THE5
REQUIREMENT IN SECTION 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), THE REQUIREMENT TO6
SUBMIT THE REPORT REQUIRED IN THIS SUBSECTION (5)(a) CONTINUES7
INDEFINITELY.8
(b) T
HE DISTRICT SHALL PERIODICALLY REPORT TO THE BOARD ON9
ITS EFFORTS TO INCREASE ENROLLMENT IN AND MEET ITS ESTABLISHED10
ENROLLMENT TARGETS FOR THE INCOME -BASED FARE DISCOUNT11
PROGRAM.12
SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 43-1-106, amend13
(15) introductory portion; and add (15)(f) as follows:14
43-1-106. Transportation commission - efficiency and15
accountability committee - powers and duties - report - rules -16
definitions. (15) In addition to any other duties required by law, the17
commission shall have
HAS the following charges:18
(f) O
N OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 2026, TO DEVELOP AND PUBLISH19
BEST PRACTICES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MATERIALS CONCERNING20
THE CREATION OF REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITIES PURSUANT21
TO THE "REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY LAW", PART 6 OF22
ARTICLE 4 OF THIS TITLE 43, TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR TRANSIT AND TO23
PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRANSIT SERVICES WITHIN THE STATE .24
SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-109.5, amend25
(1) and (4); and add (3.5) and (5) as follows:26
32-9-109.5. Board of directors - membership - powers -27
SB25-161
-18- legislative declaration - repeal. (1) Effective January 1, 1983, the1
governing body of the district shall be IS a board of directors consisting2
of fifteen persons VOTING MEMBERS, each of whom is an eligible elector3
residing within the director district,
AND TWO NONVOTING EX OFFICIO4
MEMBERS APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (3.5) OF THIS SECTION5
WHO REPRESENT THE DISTRICT AT LARGE .6
(3.5) (a) T
HE TWO NONVOTING EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS OF THE7
BOARD ARE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF8
TRANSPORTATION OR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 'S DESIGNEE AND AN9
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED BY THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF10
GOVERNMENTS. THE NONVOTING EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS MUST HAVE11
EXPERTISE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION .12
(b) (I) T
HE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF13
TRANSPORTATION, IF APPOINTING A DESIGNEE , AND THE DENVER14
REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS SHALL DESIGNATE THEIR INITIAL15
APPOINTEES TO THE BOARD NO LATER THAN AUGUST 29, 2025. THE TERM16
OF THE INITIAL APPOINTEES ENDS ON DECEMBER 31, 2028.17
(II) A
FTER THE INITIAL TERM OF THE INITIAL APPOINTEES , THE18
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , IF19
APPOINTING A DESIGNEE, AND THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF20
GOVERNMENTS SHALL DESIGNATE THEIR APPOIN TEES TO THE BOARD ON OR21
BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2029, AND EVERY FOUR YEARS THEREAFTER .22
(c) T
HE NONVOTING EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS SERVE ON THE BOARD23
AS FOLLOWS:24
(I) T
HE EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS MAY SIT WITH THE BOARD AND25
PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS OF AGENDA ITEMS BUT SHALL NOT VOTE ON26
ANY MATTER COMING BEFORE THE BOARD OR MAKE ANY MOTION27
SB25-161
-19- REGARDING ANY MATTER BEFORE THE BOARD ;1
(II) T
HE EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS MAY BE COMPENSATED PURSUANT2
TO SECTION 32-9-117;3
(III) T
HE EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS MUST BE PROVIDED THE SAME4
BOARD MATERIALS AS ARE PROVIDED TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ,5
INCLUDING ANY INFORMATION THAT MAY BE DEEMED CONFIDENTIAL ;6
(IV) T
HE EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS MAY PARTICIPATE IN OR ATTEND7
EXECUTIVE OR CLOSED SESSIONS OF THE BOARD SUBJECT TO ALL BOARD8
RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO9
THOSE RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND CONFIDENTIALITY ;10
(V) A
N EX OFFICIO DIRECTOR SHALL NOT BE ELECTED AS AN11
OFFICER OF THE BOARD; AND12
(VI) T
HE EX OFFICIO DIRECTORS SHALL OBSERVE ALL RULES ,13
REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND14
ANY OTHER CONDITIONS, RESTRICTIONS, OR REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED15
OR DIRECTED BY A VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE VOTING DIRECTORS OF THE16
BOARD.17
(4) All powers, duties, functions, rights, and privileges vested in18
the district shall be exercised and performed by the board; except that the19
exercise of any executive, administrative, or ministerial powers may be20
delegated by the board to officers and employees of the district. T
HESE21
POWERS, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS, RIGHTS, AND PRIVILEGES INCLUDE , IN22
ADDITION TO ANY OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE23
9:24
(a) S
ETTING POLICY OBJECTIVES TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY25
EMPLOYEES OF THE DISTRICT;26
(b) H
IRING AND MANAGING THE DISTRICT 'S GENERAL MANAGER27
SB25-161
-20- AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER;1
(c) O
VERSEEING THE DISTRICT'S GENERAL COUNSEL;2
(d) D
EVELOPING, ADOPTING, AND OVERSEEING THE DISTRICT 'S3
BUDGET, INCLUDING AN ANNUAL CAPITAL BUDGET WITH PROJECT COSTS4
AND FINANCING MECHANISMS ;5
(e) D
EVELOPING AND APPROVING THE DISTRICT 'S TEN-YEAR6
STRATEGIC PLAN AND COMPREHENSIVE OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS ;7
(f) E
NGAGING WITH CONSTITUENTS , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, THE8
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION , THE DENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF9
GOVERNMENTS, TRANSIT AGENCIES, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO10
OBTAIN INPUT AND FEEDBACK ON THE DISTRICT 'S DECISIONS AND11
OPERATIONS;12
(g) P
URSUING OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW TRANSIT RIDERSHIP AND13
MAKE TRANSIT SERVICES COMPETITIVE WITH DRIVING ; AND14
(h) D
EVELOPING AND PROMOTING STRATEGIES AND LEGISLATION15
TO ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICT HAS THE RESOURCES IT NEEDS TO16
IMPLEMENT ITS STRATEGIC TEN-YEAR PLAN.17
(5) (a) T
HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT18
INCREASED COLLABORATION AND SUPPORT AMONG THE DISTRICT , THE19
D
ENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS , AND THE DEPARTMENT OF20
TRANSPORTATION IS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF THE DISTRICT21
AND THE STATE, AND THAT TWO EX OFFICIO MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE22
D
ENVER REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF23
TRANSPORTATION SHOULD THEREFORE BE ADDED TO THE BOARD .24
(b) T
HIS SUBSECTION (5) IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025.25
SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-111, add (5)(g)26
as follows:27
SB25-161
-21- 32-9-111. Election of directors - dates - terms. (5) (g) (I) A1
CANDIDATE FOR ELECTED DIRECTOR IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS A2
WRITE-IN CANDIDATE.3
(II) (A) I
F, FOR ANY DISTRICT ELECTION , THERE IS NOT A4
CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR WHO IS NOMINATED FOR ELECTION PURSUANT5
TO THIS SECTION, A DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED IN LIEU OF THE DIRECTOR6
BEING ELECTED BY THE ELIGIBLE ELECTORS OF THE DISTRICT . IN SUCH7
CASE, A DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY8
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE DIRECTOR DISTRICT IS9
LOCATED OR, IN THE CASE OF A DIRECTOR DISTRICT IN THE CITY AND10
COUNTY OF DENVER, THE DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR OF THE11
CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL .12
I
N THE CASE OF A DIRECTOR DISTRICT THAT CONTAINS TERRITORY IN TWO13
OR MORE COUNTIES, OR IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER AND IN ONE14
OR MORE COUNTIES, A DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY15
COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF16
ELIGIBLE ELECTORS OF THE DIRECTOR DISTRICT RESIDE ; EXCEPT THAT, IF17
THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE ELECTORS OF THE DIRECTOR DISTRICT18
RESIDE IN THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER, THE DIRECTOR IS APPOINTED19
BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER WITH THE APPROVAL20
OF THE CITY COUNCIL.21
(B) A
DIRECTOR APPOINTED PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION22
(5)(g)(II)
SERVES UNTIL THE NEXT REGULAR NOVEMBER ELECTION, AT23
WHICH THE DIRECTOR POSITION IS FILLED BY ELECTION PURSUANT TO THIS24
SECTION.25
SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 32-9-112, amend26
(1.5); and add (4) as follows:27
SB25-161
-22- 32-9-112. Vacancies - appointments - recall. (1.5) Any director1
appointed
PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION shall serve until2
the next regular election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled by3
election for any remaining unexpired portion of the term.4
(4) U
PON A VACANCY OCCURRING FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN5
NORMAL EXPIRATION OF A TERM , THE VACANCY OF AN EX OFFICIO6
DIRECTOR IS FILLED BY APPOINTMENT OF THE APPLICABLE APPOINTING7
AUTHORITY NOT LATER THAN SIXTY BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DATE THE8
VACANCY IS DEEMED TO EXIST . AN INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED TO FILL A9
VACANCY OF AN APPOINTED EX OFFICIO DIRECTOR SERVES UNTIL THE10
TERM OF THE NEXT INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED TO THAT DIRECTOR POSITION11
BEGINS.12
SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 24-38.5-123 as13
follows:14
24-38.5-123. Regional transportation district accountability15
committee - creation - membership - report - definitions - repeal.16
(1) Definitions. A
S USED IN THIS SECTION, UNLESS THE CONTEXT17
OTHERWISE REQUIRES:18
(a) "C
OLORADO ENERGY OFFICE " OR "OFFICE" MEANS THE19
C
OLORADO ENERGY OFFICE CREATED IN SECTION 24-38.5-101.20
(b) "D
ISTRICT" MEANS THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT21
CREATED IN ARTICLE 9 OF TITLE 32.22
(c) "RTD
ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE" OR "COMMITTEE" MEANS23
THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE24
CREATED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.25
(2) Membership. (a) T
HERE IS CREATED IN THE COLORADO26
ENERGY OFFICE THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT27
SB25-161
-23- ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE . THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE IS TO1
EVALUATE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE DISTRICT AS2
DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (3) OF THIS SECTION.3
(b) (I) T
HE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF ELEVEN VOTING MEMBERS4
AND TWO EX OFFICIO NONVOTING MEMBERS AS FOLLOWS :5
(A) F
IVE VOTING MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR ,6
INCLUDING THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE ;7
(B) T
WO VOTING MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE8
SENATE; 9
(C) O
NE VOTING MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER10
OF THE SENATE;11
(D) T
WO VOTING MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE12
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;13
(E) O
NE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE14
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; AND15
(F) T
WO EX OFFICIO NONVOTING MEMBERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF16
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT AND WHO ARE APPOINTED BY17
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE DISTRICT.18
(II) I
N APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE COMMITTEE , THE APPOINTING19
AUTHORITIES SHALL ENSURE THAT THE COMMITTEE AS A WHOLE HAS20
EXPERTISE IN ALL OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS :21
(A) L
OCAL GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE DISTRICT 'S SERVICE AREA;22
(B) E
CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ;23
(C) H
UMAN RESOURCES;24
(D) M
ULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION ;25
(E) T
RANSPORTATION EQUITY;26
(F) I
SSUES IMPACTING TRANSIT RIDERS WITH DISABILITIES ;27
SB25-161
-24- (G) FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT ;1
(H) U
RBAN PLANNING;2
(I) W
ORKFORCE; AND3
(J) S
AFETY.4
(c) (I) T
HE APPOINTING AUTHORITIES SHALL MAKE THE5
APPOINTMENTS DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION NO LATER6
THAN AUGUST 1, 2025.7
(II) E
ACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE SERVES AT THE PLEASURE8
OF THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY. THE TERM OF APPOINTMENT IS FOR THE9
DURATION OF THE COMMITTEE 'S EXISTENCE.10
(III) I
F A VACANCY OCCURS ON THE COMMITTEE FOR ANY REASON ,11
THE ORIGINAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY SHALL APPOINT AN INDIVIDUAL TO12
FILL THE VACANCY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE VACANCY OCCURS .13
I
N MAKING THE VACANCY APPOINTMENT , THE APPOINTING AUTHORITY14
SHALL ENSURE THAT THE COMMITTEE MAINTAINS THE EXPERTISE15
REQUIRED BY SUBSECTION (2)(b)(II) OF THIS SECTION.16
(d) E
ACH MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE SERVES WIT HOUT17
COMPENSATION.18
(e) M
EMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE MAY PARTICIPATE REMOTELY IN19
COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES .20
(f) T
HE OFFICE SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST THE COMMITTEE IN21
CARRYING OUT ITS DUTIES.22
(3) Evaluation and recommendations. (a) T
HE PURPOSE OF THE23
COMMITTEE IS TO EVALUATE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON :24
(I) T
HE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS25
AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP OF THE DISTRICT ;26
(II) C
OMPENSATION FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND27
SB25-161
-25- EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP OF THE DISTRICT;1
(III) T
HE REPRESENTATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND STATE2
AGENCIES WITHIN THE DISTRICT; AND3
(IV) T
HE DISTRICT'S WORKFORCE RETENTION.4
(b) T
HE COMMITTEE'S WORK IS INTENDED TO BUILD ON THE WORK5
OF THE PREVIOUS RTD ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE CREATED IN 2020.6
T
HE COMMITTEE SHOULD BEGIN ITS EVALUATION PURSUANT TO THIS7
SUBSECTION (3) WITH AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATUS OF EACH8
RECOMMENDATION INCLUDED IN THE PREVIOUS RTD ACCOUNTABILITY9
COMMITTEE'S JULY 2021 FINAL REPORT.10
(c) O
N OR BEFORE JANUARY 30, 2026, THE COMMITTEE SHALL11
SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR , THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES12
TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE , AND13
THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY COMMITTEE , OR THEIR14
SUCCESSOR COMMITTEES , THAT INCLUDES A SUMMARY OF THE WORK15
ACCOMPLISHED BY THE RTD ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE, THE FINDINGS16
OF ITS EVALUATION, AND ANY RECOMME NDATIONS TO THE GENERAL17
ASSEMBLY CONCERNING MATTERS EVALUATED BY THE COMMITTEE .18
(4) Repeal. T
HIS SECTION IS REPEALED, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026.19
SECTION 10. Safety clause. The general assembly finds,20
determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate21
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety or for appropriations for22
the support and maintenance of the departments of the state and state23
institutions.24
SB25-161
-26-