CO SB036

Creates the Vulnerable Road User Protection Enterprise within the Department of Transportation as a government-owned business to fund infrastructure improvements and data-driven strategies that reduce collisions resulting in death or serious injury to vulnerable road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and similar unprotected road users).

Imposes a weight- and configuration-based vulnerable road user protection fee on passenger cars and light trucks registered in Colorado's twelve most populous counties, beginning January 1, 2025, with tiered fees ranging from $0 to $43.60 depending on vehicle weight, capped at $100 million in total revenues over the first five fiscal years.

Authorizes the enterprise to issue grants of $250,000 to $2.5 million to counties, municipalities, and other public entities for eligible projects including separated bike lanes, traffic-slowing features, crosswalk enhancements, and speed safety cameras, with matching fund requirements for grants over $1 million.

Requires the enterprise to publish a five-year plan by June 1, 2025, maintain a public accountability dashboard, and submit annual reports to the Transportation Commission and specified legislative committees detailing funding status and project progress.

Establishes the enterprise as a constitutionally authorized enterprise exempt from state spending limits, with fee revenue continuously appropriated to a dedicated fund and subject to Colorado's open meetings and public records laws.