HB16-1071 Summary

• Grants registered electors in Colorado counties initiative powers similar to state constitutional powers, allowing them to propose countywide ordinances and legislation affecting special taxing districts created by counties.

• Requires petitioners to file written notice of proposed ordinance with county clerk and recorder, then submit initiative petition signed by at least 5% of registered electors within 180 days; signature requirement reduced to 5% of affected geographic area if ordinance impacts only a portion of the county.

• Permits county board of commissioners to adopt proposed ordinance without alteration within 20 days of petition certification; if board fails to adopt, ordinance must be submitted to registered electors for approval or rejection at election held 60-150 days after petition certification.

• Establishes that county clerk and recorder determines whether signature requirements are met, certifies ordinance text, and independently determines geographic scope of affected area regardless of petitioner's description.

• Takes effect July 1, 2016, and provides that alternative conflicting ordinances approved by voters are resolved by adopting the measure receiving the most affirmative votes.