Committee advances plain‑language ballot title bill after broad testimony on accessibility

Senator Benavides told the committee House Bill 26 13 20 requires ballot titles to be written in plain language, directs the title board to clarify primary legal or policy changes, and allows flexibility in how tax‑increase or tax‑decrease language is placed to improve voter comprehension.

The committee heard from a broad coalition of supporters. Marie Kirkham (The Arc of Colorado) said plain language is about dignity and accessibility for voters with disabilities: "Voting is a right...if you can't understand the ballot, you can't vote." Amy Spicer (Courageous Colorado) said even people with advanced training struggle with ballot titles and urged clarity to increase participation. Mike Cortez (CLARO) and other witnesses cited research showing Colorado's ballot titles are often long and hard to understand and argued plain language would reduce skipped measures and improve equity. Elizabeth Moran (The Arc) tied the bill to Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act and said it improves effective communication for voters with disabilities.

The committee adopted amendment L008 without objection and, after closing comments and one member expressing concern that the title board could be given subjective discretion, voted to move the bill to the committee on the whole with a favorable recommendation as amended.