Governor Proclamation to Allow General Assembly to Address Budget

2025 First Extraordinary Session Introduced by Stephanie Luck

HCR 25B-1002 ensures the Governor's special session for budget issues allows full discussion of the entire state budget, protecting legislative authority and promoting transparency.

Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HCR 25B-1002
Introduced: August 21, 2025
Status: Introduced in House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs
Prime Sponsor: Rep. Stephanie Luck

HCR 25B-1002 is a concurrent resolution that aims to modify the existing law regarding the Governor's authority to convene the General Assembly for special legislative sessions. The resolution seeks to ensure that when the Governor calls a special session to address budgetary issues, the scope of the session is not limited to specific parts of the budget.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HCR 25B-1002 is to protect the legislative authority of the General Assembly by requiring that any proclamation made by the Governor to convene a special session must allow for a comprehensive discussion of the entire state budget. This is particularly relevant in situations where there is a state revenue shortfall or other significant budgetary concerns.

Key Provisions

Broad Scope Requirement: The resolution mandates that the Governor's proclamation for a special session must not narrowly frame the issues to be addressed, thereby preventing the imposition of a predetermined outcome on the General Assembly.

Comprehensive Budget Consideration: If the special session is called to address a state revenue shortfall or budgetary issue, the Governor must ensure that the session allows for consideration of the entire state budget, rather than limiting it to only a portion.

Ballot Measure: The resolution includes a provision to refer this change to voters in the November 2026 general election. If approved, it would amend the Colorado Constitution to reflect these requirements.

Fiscal Impact

State Expenditures: The fiscal note indicates that no additional appropriations are required for this resolution. However, there will be some election-related costs incurred when the measure is presented to voters, such as reimbursing counties for election expenses and publishing the measure's text.

Future Budget Decisions: The resolution could potentially alter how future special sessions are conducted and may lead to different legislative outcomes regarding the state budget. The exact impacts are uncertain and depend on various factors.

Procedural Aspects

Effective Date: If the measure is approved by voters in the November 2026 election, it will take effect upon the Governor's proclamation, no later than 30 days after the official canvass of the vote.

Legislative Actions: The bill was postponed indefinitely by the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee on the same day it was introduced.

Conclusion

HCR 25B-1002 seeks to enhance the legislative process by ensuring that the General Assembly has the authority to fully address budgetary issues during special sessions called by the Governor. By requiring a broader scope in such proclamations, the resolution aims to uphold the separation of powers and facilitate comprehensive legislative solutions to financial challenges facing the state.

Bill