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This memorandum is intended for use by policymakers, legislative drafters, and budget analysts to understand the different funding mechanisms that may be used in legislation. It describes how different funding mechanisms in legislation impact the state budget and how they are shown in fiscal notes. These funding mechanisms include appropriations, transfers, diversions, and warrants on state funds, as well as fee revenue and gifts, grants, or donations. The memorandum concludes with a list of funding mechanisms for which voter approval is required.

Colorado’s population reached nearly 5.8 million according to the 2020 census, a 14.8 percent increase from 2010. For those joining the influx of new people moving to the Centennial State, this issue brief outlines best practices for establishing residency, applying for state identification, registering a vehicle, registering to vote, and paying state income taxes. It also provides links to other Legislative Council Staff (LCS) resources that may be helpful in understanding Colorado’s state budget and policy landscape.

The General Assembly addressed a number of bills related to human services and various children and domestic matters, including the establishment and preservation of “family time” and improving services offered to children and youth.

A visual guide to the badges worn by Capitol staff.

During the 2023 legislative session the General Assembly considered several measures related to energy and natural resources including clean energy; wildfire; and going green at home.

During the 2023 legislative session, the General Assembly examined a number of measures related to civil law. Specifically, the legislature passed bills that made changes to consumer protections, asset forfeiture, and reproductive and civil rights.

In 2023, the General Assembly considered a number of bills related to business and economic development including several related to automobile dealerships and consumer protection.

In 2023, the General Assembly passed two laws relating to the regulation of professions and continued the regulation of notaries public for nine more years.

The 2023 Colorado General Assembly considered a range of military and veterans bills related to active service, veteran programs, and property taxes.

The General Assembly considered multiple bills related to water, including legislation focused on project funding, xeriscaping, studying various water challenges across the state, and stream restoration.

During the 2023 legislative session, the General Assembly passed an array of measures concerning the criminal and juvenile justice system.

Colorado's policymakers from all backgrounds face significant challenges in responding to the rapidly changing nature of work.

Behavioral health continued to be a focus of the General Assembly in 2023.  Several bills addressing behavioral health services, mental health providers, step therapy requirements for mental health drugs, substance use, and disordered eating were considered during the legislative session.

The 2023 Colorado General Assembly considered a range of state government and immigration bills related to detention facilities, government records, legislative committees, workplace standards, and public buildings.

The General Assembly considered a number of measures in 2023 regulating alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and gaming.

The 2023 Colorado General Assembly considered a range of election bills related to the funding and administration of elections, recalls and vacancies, and voting systems.

Fiscal Note Data Reports show the fiscal impact of all legislation currently pending before the General Assembly, based on the most recent published fiscal note.  Updated reports will be posted on this page approximately weekly during the legislative session.  After session, final data will be posted. 

The data reports are contained in an Excel spreadsheet with each report located on a separate tab.  Data in each report is in a sortable/filterable table.  Included reports include:

Colorado statute establishes the Legislative Council as a body of 18 Senators and Representatives with specific functions and responsibilities (Section 2-3-301, et seq., C.R.S.).  Six senators are appointed, with the President of the Senate appointing the majority party members and the Minority Leader appointing the minority party members, all of whom must be approved by a majority of the Senate.