HB 24-1177: County Government Modernization Act

• Requires all counties with populations of 70,000 or more to have five county commissioners (eliminates the current discretionary system allowing three or five commissioners).

• Mandates that at least three of the five commissioners be elected only by voters resident in their districts, with counties choosing between two methods: (a) three district-based commissioners plus two at-large commissioners, or (b) five district-based commissioners.

• Establishes a voter referendum process whereby county boards must pass resolutions by 2032 designating which of the two election methods to use, and voters choose their preferred method at the first general election following adoption.

• Allows counties to change election methods through a resolution passed by the board or by voter petition signed by at least eight percent of qualified electors, with voters deciding the method at a general election.

• Does not apply to counties that have adopted home rule; makes conforming amendments to election petition signature requirements for candidates.