Search Publications

House Bill 14-1292 and House Bill 14-1298 amend the Public School Finance Act of 1994 to provide funding for school districts in FY 2014-15. The bills were signed by the Governor on May 21, 2014, and became effective on that date. House Bill 14-1336, the "Long Bill," appropriates most of the state aid distributed to school districts. The following summarizes the primary funding changes contained in these bills.

The Colorado legislature considered several important bills related to labor and employment, consumer protection, licensing and professional occupations, liquor law, procurement, and telecommunications and technology during the second session of the 69th General Assembly. This document summarizes the legislation.

The General Assembly considered bills on a variety of agricultural issues in 2014 including agricultural labeling, agriculture oversight, taxation, and animal care. This document provides a summary of the legislation.

The General Assembly considered a variety of energy-related legislation during the 2014 session. The bills focused on changes to the renewable electricity standard, the Colorado Energy Research Authority, and enterprise zone investment tax credits.

This document provides a summary of major public health legislation considered by the General Assembly during the 2014 legislative session.

This document provides a summary of major insurance legislation considered by the General Assembly during the 2014 session.

This document provides a summary of water legislation considered by the General Assembly during the 2014 session.

The General Assembly considered several bills related to economic development during the 2014 session. Bills relating to workforce development, a statewide brand marketing plan, and a study of Colorado's employee talent base were all postponed indefinitely. A bill creating an app for Colorado businesses passed along with a bill making changes to funding of existing advanced industry economic development programs.  This document summarizes the various pieces of legislation.

School Finance Funding Comparison Assuming Passage of Both HB 14-1292 and HB 14-1298, FY 2014-15

Current Law vs. Passage of HB 14-1292 and HB 14-1298 Combined

This section lists all class 1 through class 6 felonies, level 1 through 4 drug felonies, class 1 through class 3 misdemeanors, level 1 and level 2 drug misdemeanors, and class 1 and class 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses by category of crime. The categories correspond to the headings of the 43 titles comprising the Colorado Revised Statutes. This section does not include petty offenses, traffic infractions, or unclassified felonies, misdemeanors, or misdemeanor traffic offenses.

This section contains a current listing of misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanor offenses are categorized as follows: class 1, class 2, class 3, and unclassified misdemeanors. The penalty for the commission of a misdemeanor offense depends on its classification. The penalty scheme for misdemeanors is indicated in Table 3 below

This section contains a current listing of misdemeanor traffic offenses. Misdemeanor traffic offenses have two categories: class 1 and class 2. There are also five unclassified misdemeanor traffic offenses. The penalty scheme for misdemeanor traffic offenses is indicated in Table 5. In addition to the penalties listed below, certain traffic offenses may carry a points assessment against the offender's driver's license pursuant to Section 42-4-127, C.R.S.

This section contains a current listing of petty offenses. Petty offenses have two categories: class 1 and class 2. There are four unclassified petty offenses listed at the end of the class 1 and class 2 petty offenses.

This section contains a current listing of traffic infractions. Traffic infractions have two categories: class A and class B. The penalty range for the commission of a class A or class B traffic infraction is generally a $15 to $100 fine, although fines defined within the statute may exceed $100. In addition, certain class A traffic infractions may carry the assessment of points against a driver’s license pursuant to Section 42-2-127, C.R.S. There are two unclassified traffic infractions.

All listings are current through the 2013 regular session laws.

This memorandum provides information on intergovernmental transfers of revenue from the state government to Colorado's 64 counties. Data from 2010 show that of $5.0 billion in total county revenue, about $1.3 billion or 25.8 percent came from intergovernmental transfers. The state portion made up the largest share at $800.9 million. State revenue transfers come from various taxes and nontax revenue sources.

School Finance Funding Comparison Under HB 14-1292, FY 2014-15

Current Law vs. HB 14-1292

School Finance Funding Comparison Under HB 14-1298, FY 2014-15

Current Law vs. HB 14-1298

The following memorandum provides an overview of K-12 funding proposals within the context of the state's operating budget. In December 2013, about $1.1 billion was transferred from the General Fund to the State Education Fund (SEF). The General Assembly will have to determine how to use this one-time money for school finance and other K-12 purposes in the 2014-15 budget year and subsequent years.

Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2015-16. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law, legislation passed by the General Assembly affecting the forecast is described throughout the report.

House Bill 14-1298 as Introduced FY 2014-15 Compared with FY 2013-14

The forecast for the State Education Fund and the level of General Fund appropriations needed to pay for school finance have changed from when the General Assembly adjourned in May 2013. Property values have stabilized and are expected to grow modestly over the next few years, helping to boost the local contribution to school finance. Similarly, income tax receipts are growing faster than anticipated, increasing deposits into the State Education Fund and the General Fund.