Concerning the conversion of the motorcycle operator safety training fund to a cash fund subject to annual appropriation by the general assembly, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.
Summary
HB26-1394 changes the financing structure for Colorado’s Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Fund. Under current law, the fund is continuously appropriated and available immediately for use by the Colorado State Patrol through the Department of Public Safety. The bill converts the fund into a cash fund that may be spent only subject to annual appropriation by the General Assembly, while keeping the money in the fund at the end of each fiscal year and preventing transfer to other funds.
The bill also makes a specific appropriation for fiscal year 2026-27: $1,110,000 from the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Fund to the Department of Public Safety for the Colorado State Patrol to administer the motorcycle operator safety training program. The act takes effect July 1, 2026, and includes a safety clause. In practical terms, it preserves funding for the program but shifts spending authority from automatic access to the annual budget process.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes section 43-5-504 to remove the fund’s immediate, continuous spending authority and replace it with annual legislative appropriation. This changes the legal status of the Motorcycle Operator Safety Training Fund from a continuously appropriated fund to a cash fund controlled through the appropriations process, affecting the Department of Public Safety and the Colorado State Patrol’s ability to access and spend those revenues. It also creates a one-year appropriation of $1,110,000 for the motorcycle operator safety training program for FY 2026-27.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill was noncontroversial and primarily budgetary in nature. It moved through the Appropriations process and was ultimately signed by the Governor, indicating broad institutional support. Because there are no recorded committee transcripts or vote details provided, there is no evidence of significant opposition in the available record.
Contention
The main policy issue is whether the motorcycle safety training fund should remain continuously available or be subject to annual appropriation. Supporters of the change likely favor greater legislative oversight and alignment with the state budget process, while any potential critics would be concerned that annual appropriation could reduce funding certainty or administrative flexibility for the motorcycle training program. No specific objections, amendments, or named opponents are included in the provided materials.