SB 25-180: Population Growth Calculation

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Section 20 of article X of the state constitution (TABOR) requires the maximum annual percentage change in state fiscal year spending to equal inflation plus the percentage change in state population in the prior calendar year adjusted for revenue changes approved by voters. Although TABOR does not specify how the state shall determine the percentage change in state population (population growth), the TABOR implementing statutes do. For years in which there is not a decennial census, the TABOR implementing statutes required the state to calculate population growth by determining the percentage change between: The federal census bureau's estimate of state population (census estimate) for the previous calendar year, as of December in the current calendar year; and The census estimate for the current calendar year, as of December in the current calendar year. This method for calculating population growth can lead to either double-counting or under-counting of population changes in census estimates. If the federal census bureau revises a census estimate upward for a given year, population growth will be understated and the fiscal year spending limit will be lower. The opposite is true if the federal census bureau revises a census estimate downward. In either case, under this method for calculating population growth, population growth would be measured inaccurately. The act adjusts the method of calculating population growth. Under the act, population growth is calculated by determining the percentage change between: The census estimate, as of December in the previous calendar year, for the previous calendar year; and The census estimate, as of December in the current calendar year, for the current calendar year. This approach prevents double-counting or under-counting population changes as a result of revised census estimates and results in a more accurate measurement of population growth. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 20 · Republican 3

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 31, 2025Governor Signed
2. March 28, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
3. March 28, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. March 28, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. March 14, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. March 13, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. March 11, 2025House Second Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
8. March 7, 2025House Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
9. March 4, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
10. March 4, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to Appropriations
11. March 3, 2025Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. February 27, 2025Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole

Showing 12 most recent of 13 actions. Full history