Colorado lawmakers end 2026 session; Americans for Prosperity criticizes tax changes, says working families lose earlier tax relief

Why it matters

The tax package, TABOR proposals and HB26-1005 matter because the bills affect tax relief for working families, compliance complexity for small businesses, taxpayer rights, fiscal transparency and employer costs.

Tax bills passed and failed by lawmakers in 2026

HB26-1223 passed as part of a tax changes package, HB26-1222 failed, and Americans for Prosperity criticized the package for rolling back previous tax relief for working families in Colorado.

The tax package included HB26-1221, HB26-1222 and HB26-1223, according to Americans for Prosperity. The group said the changes roll back previous tax relief for working families and add complexity for small businesses navigating the tax code in Colorado.

Deputy State Director Brittany Trujillo issued the statement for AFP Colorado as the General Assembly gaveled out the 2026 session.

TABOR refund proposals affect taxpayer rights

HB26-135 and SB26-042 revisited taxpayer protections through proposals related to TABOR refunds and ballot measures, and critics argued the proposals chip away at taxpayer rights and fiscal transparency.

Americans for Prosperity identified HB26-135 and SB26-042 as the proposals revisiting taxpayer protections during the session. The criticism in the statement focused on TABOR refunds, ballot measures, taxpayer rights and fiscal transparency for voters in Colorado.

The statement did not present the proposals as affordability relief. Instead, AFP framed the TABOR discussion as part of a broader session dispute over regulatory mandates, tax increases and expanded government control.

AFP urges veto of collective bargaining bill

AFP is urging Governor Polis to veto HB26-1005 because the collective bargaining expansion raised concerns about increased costs, reduced employer flexibility and long-term impacts on the economy in Colorado.

AFP described HB26-1005 as a sweeping expansion of collective bargaining powers and called the legislation anti-worker. The group linked the bill to increased costs and reduced flexibility for employers.

The veto request was directed to Governor Polis, whom AFP urged to reject HB26-1005 after lawmakers wrapped the session.

Critics say session prioritized mandates and tax increases over affordability

Americans for Prosperity said lawmakers prioritized regulatory mandates, tax increases and expanded government control over affordability, energy costs and economic opportunity for families and small businesses in Colorado.

The single-use plastics bill SB26-146 was listed as an example of the session agenda criticized by AFP. The group said lawmakers advanced that measure while families and small businesses faced a rising cost of living in Colorado.

The AFP statement was published on May 13, 2026. Pressing concerns named in the statement included affordability, energy costs and economic opportunity, which framed the criticism that lawmakers pursued other priorities during the session.