HB23-1180: County Government Modernization Act

• Requires all Colorado counties with populations of 70,000 or more to have five county commissioners instead of the current permissive system allowing 3 or 5 commissioners.

• Mandates that at least three of the five commissioners must be elected only by voters resident in their respective districts, with counties choosing from three election methods: (a) 3 district commissioners + 2 at-large; (b) 4 district commissioners + 1 at-large; or (c) 5 district commissioners elected only by district voters.

• Requires county boards to adopt a resolution designating which election method to use by submitting the choice to voters at the next general election within specified timelines.

• Allows voters to change the election method by petition (requiring 8% of qualified electors) or county board resolution at any future general election.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment unless subject to referendum petition filed by voters; if approved by voters in November 2024 election, becomes effective upon official declaration by the governor.