2024 CO Legislative Scorecard
The following scorecard lists several key votes in the Colorado General Assembly in 2024 and ranks state representatives and senators based on their fidelity to (U.S.) constitutional and limited-government principles.
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SB230 establishes new fees on oil and gas production in Colorado, starting in mid-2025, to fund transit expansion, passenger rail projects, and wildlife conservation. Revenue is allocated primarily to local transit services, grants, and rail funding, with a portion supporting land and wildlife conservation. Oil and gas producers must file quarterly payments, with penalties for noncompliance.
The Colorado State Senate passed SB230 on May 4, 2024 by a vote of 21 to 12. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill unfairly targets the oil and gas industry with new fees, effectively acting as a punitive tax designed to cripple a vital sector of the economy. By funneling revenue into government-controlled transit and environmental projects, it prioritizes politically driven initiatives over economic freedom. This interference in the economy not only deters competition, but advances the leftist climate agenda by using state power to manipulate energy policy, rather than letting consumer demand and innovation drive the market.
HB1346 grants the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) authority to seek federal approval for Class VI injection wells for underground carbon storage. It establishes ownership rules for stored carbon, requires ECMC to assist local governments with land use regulations, and mandates the Department of Public Health and Environment to track greenhouse gas emissions from storage sites. It increases fees for storage operators, with minimal near-term revenue, and expands state regulatory duties as the industry grows.
The Colorado State Senate passed HB1346 on April 30, 2024 by a vote of 24 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the nays because there is no constitutional basis for government to regulate carbon storage or pursue such policies under the guise of "climate change." This bill promotes government interference with private enterprise, violating protections guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment. Additionally, it aligns with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which undermines individual liberty and local control. States should reject globalist environmental agendas that erode sovereignty and fundamental freedoms.
HB1259 makes price gouging of rent-based housing during disaster periods in designated areas an "unfair and unconscionable act." It allows the Attorney General or district attorneys to take enforcement actions, and tenants can also bring civil lawsuits for violations.
The Colorado State Senate passed HB1259 on April 19, 2024 by a vote of 43 to 17. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this bill expands government intervention in the economy. By labeling rent increases as "unfair and unconscionable" during disaster periods, it limits the ability of landlords to adjust prices based on market conditions. Instead of allowing the free market to respond to disaster or post-disaster conditions, HB1259 imposes arbitrary price controls that could lead to shortages and inefficiencies in the rental market.
HB1390 delays some parts of the Healthy School Meals for All program until FY 2025-26, extends certain reimbursements for a year, and creates a new cash fund for the program. It also shifts $15.4 million in funding from the General Fund to the State Education Fund and forms a group to help reduce costs and maximize federal funding.
The Colorado State Senate passed HB1390 on April 16, 2024 by a vote of 33 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because, although delaying certain programs might appear like a good thing, legislators should instead work toward abolishing these socialist initiatives. The "Healthy School Meals for All" program unconstitutionally uses taxpayer money to fund free meals for all students, which includes reliance on federal funding. States should avoid federal funds, as they come with restrictions that erode state sovereignty and increase federal control over state policies.
SB5 mandates that local governments and the state Department of Personnel cannot install (and must ban others from installing) nonfunctional turf, artificial turf, or invasive plants in new developments or redevelopments.
The Colorado State Senate passed SB5 on March 1, 2024 by a vote of 27 to 5. We have assigned pluses to the nays this government mandate raises costs, expands government control, and interferes with decisions that should be left to market conditions and the locals. According to the bill's fiscal note, it may slightly increase costs and workload for state and local governments to update regulations and enforce compliance.
SB66 mandates that payment card networks must offer a merchant category code for firearms and payment processors must assign this code to firearms merchants. Additionally, any contract waiving these requirements is void. The Attorney General has sole enforcement authority and violations can lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.
The Colorado State Senate passed SB66 on February 21, 2024 by a vote of 22 to 11. We have assigned pluses to the nays because the workaround by credit-card companies to track ammunition and firearms purchases violates several constitutionally protected rights, including the First, Second and Fourth Amendments. This is a significant invasion of privacy, opens the door for illegal searches, and potentially deters people from making firearm purchases.
